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 star-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. Offered during the 5:30 p.m. Saturday Starlight Trains, May through September, a number of the train cars are dedicated to The Grape Train Escape event. Regional purveyors of fine Arizona wines as well as worldwide vintners showcase their award-winning vintages on the rails. Wine tasting coupled with harmonizing appetizers takes one back to a time when relaxing train travel was recognized as a hallmark of sophistication.