Story by Lisa O'Neill; photo courtesy Verde Canyon Railroad

Clarkdale, Arizona

Spring in the Verde Canyon evokes a portrait of Mother Nature’s timeless artistry with a palette of color splashed against the towering rockscape. The colorific blooms spill down the red rock walls and flood the banks of the Verde River with the essence of spring.

Eagle Watch is on as resident eagles, Black & Decker, usually have one or two eaglets in their nest, which is visible from the train.  Watching these birds of prey parent their young is a unique and rare experience that will be treasured for a lifetime.

‘Tis a pity that St. Patrick never saw March celebrated Verde Canyon Railroad-style!  Everybody is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day as traditional Irish fare, beer and live music is served up for the Lucky Leprechaun Express, Saturday, March 17.

While the Verde Canyon is still a kaleidoscope of color, the Easter Bunny hops aboard, April 8, for the Easter Bunny Express.  After sampling some of the Bunny’s treats, passengers may get to view the new eaglets test their wings and take to flight.

After the train ride, the fine folks at the Blazin’ M Ranch Chuckwagon Dinner and Western Show serve up an all-you-can-eat frontier-style meal. Then, guests settle in for a knee-slappin’, toe-tappin’ evening of pure cowboy entertainment. The Blazin’ M Ranch is just five minutes from the Verde Canyon Railroad train depot.

Only two hours north of Phoenix, the Verde Canyon Railroad is a world away from the pressures of city life.  Located in the heart of Arizona, Clarkdale is ideally situated below the cold of the mountains and above the heat of the desert. The train depot is only 25 minutes from Sedona.  Call 1-800-293-7245 to make reservations, or visit our website to book online at www.verdecanyonrr.com.

Visit the railroad's Web site at Visit the Verde Canyon Railroad online at www.verdecanyonrr.com.