Grape Train Escapes Aboard Saturday Starlight Rides

On summer evenings, it's not just the stars that come out to play in Verde Canyon. As the sun slips behind towering cliffs, cool air sweeps through the Canyon signaling the resident wildlife to begin their nightly rounds. The Canyon comes alive with the luminous glow of moon-kissed skies on Verde Canyon Railroad's popular Saturday Starlight Tours. On these select Saturday evenings, the train departs the depot at 5:30 pm. As it rumbles through the Canyon, the low angle of sun bathes the high cliffs in rich golden hues. The train reaches the turn-around point of Perkinsville amid a scandalous sunset. The return trip offers a serene glimpse into the nocturnal wildlife set against a dazzling canvas of wild Arizona star-kissed skies.

Select dates May through September

Since 1990, train passengers have enjoyed raising a toast to the Arizona wilderness from well-appointed rail cars which harken back to a time when relaxing travel by train was recognized as a hallmark of sophistication. Raising that toast has become a highly-requested event and throughout the years, this celebration of fine grape blends has spanned the planet – Italian, Chilean, Australian, African, Spanish, German and French wines having pleased the palates of thousands of awe-inspired train passengers.