Liberty Wildlife has graciously added Verde Canyon Railroad Depot to their 2012 educational program. Grab your calendars and mark these dates because these are interactive opportunities you don’t want to miss. Sonora, a very sociable juvenile bald eagle, loves to visit with everyone at the train depot. With wings outstretched and eyes scanning the horizon, she mesmerizes all with her fondness for people.

Check back for a posted 2012 schedule.

 

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We experienced the Verde Canyon Railroad on December 14, 2011.

It was awesome! The canyon is beautiful, the train impressive and the staff friendly, helpful and informative. The railroad-themed music made for pleasant listening in between the interesting commentary about the train and route.

That was one of the best vacation experiences we have ever had.

Also, the facilities at the station were immaculate, clean and nice. That was especially refreshing as so many tourist attractions are poorly maintained. The impression was one of a well-managed operation and the rest of the experience proved it true.

Many thanks for a great time!

—Tim and Mary McDaniels, Queen Creek, AZ

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The following review was submitted to a national magazine looking to list the best "tourist attractions" in Arizona.

My #1 choice for a great tourist line to ride and visit is the Verde Canyon Railroad. This is a 20 mile ride through a spectacular canyon with beautiful earth color, Indian markings on rock walls and bald eagle sightings on the river. There is also a tunnel and remnants of a town used in How the West Was Won (Perkinsville). In addition, well-appointed passenger cars with couches and comfortable chairs, food, beverage service and a friendly well-trained staff. A very well run railroad with clean and well-maintained rolling stock and streamliner locomotives. They are known as the wilderness route and run year-round with excellent ridership and rave reviews. Please consider them for #1.

—Jim Clark, Tucson, AZ

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Good morning,

I just wanted to tell you of our recent experience on the Verde Canyon Railroad. We took the train 11/26/11 and had the BEST time! We were on the Tucson car and spent the whole day out on the viewing car with Ralph. He was wonderful!!!

This was our second trip as a family and have decided to make it a Thanksgiving/Family tradition from now on. Thank you again for such an enjoyable experience and looking forward to our next ride.

 

—The Charbonneau Family, Phoenix, AZ

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First I would like to thank you for the wonderful service and site seeing trip. My brother Howard Scott Shurtleff reserved the caboose to help celebrate our fathers 80th birthday. Our whole family enjoyed the experience. Our guide was perfect and very knowledgeable.

 

Thank you so much for a very enjoyable day.

—Arleen Holtz, West Virginia

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Ellen, we are so grateful for your hospitality. Everyone had an amazing and epic experience. We are so glad to have chosen the train for the ceremony.

Thank you so much!

 

—Amber and Teddy Burr, Phoenix, AZ

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Just a quick note to say how much we enjoyed traveling on the Verde Canyon Railroad during our recent trip to the Sedona/Clarkdale area. All your staff were helpful, and the guide we had during our trip "Ralph" was exuberant, cheerful and informative. He made the trip a pleasant, as well as, scenic journey.

Best wishes

 

—Abe Mittelman, Pikesville, MD

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My father and I had the pleasure of riding your railroad this past week on 11/5.

We wanted to let you know that your car attendants and tour guides Amber and Terry did a fantastic job of welcoming passengers and making sure that everyone was aware of any upcoming sights. Your other staff were consistently friendly and helpful. We also enjoyed the bald eagle preservation group's amazing presentation, the historical equipment being used and particularly appreciated that the windows were spotlessly clean.

All in all, it is evident that your railroad knows how to do customer service.

 

—Olin H, Dirks, Omaha NE

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Note: Ellen Roberts is Group Coordinator for Verde Canyon Railroad

Dear Ellen,

Thank you for your help in putting together a wonderful afternoon on the Verde Canyon Railroad train for our friends. You made the process so easy to reserve a first-class car. So many of our friends commented on how surprised they were that you made the process of joining our group so pleasant.

The staff on our car was wonderful. They both worked so hard. And the food was amazing.

All in al it was just a wonderful experience. So many of our friends said they were going to bring friends and family in the future.

Thank you again.

—Sara Campbell, Prescott, AZ

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We, along with our Texas friends, thoroughly enjoyed our afternoon on the Verde Canyon Railroad on Sunday. The weather was perfect and the scenery was beautiful. What a great way to have a relaxing Sunday afternoon.

We had the Panini sandwiches for lunch at one of the many picnic tables; they were delicious - nice addition to the menu.

Thanks again for the assistance, we look forward to our next ride on the rails.

—Sally and Russ Brown, Tyler, TX

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Verde Canyon Railroad, To Whom it may concern;

I felt it very important to provide you with feedback and a review of my experience with your railroad.

We chartered the caboose and rode the railway on August 25. It was just the four of us, myself and my other half and my parents, John and Rhonda Saal. I must say "my hats off to the Verde Canyon Railroad!" It was the best experience ever. I am a railroad buff and I frequently ride sce3nic railroads for vacation adventures. By far, the Verde Canyon Railroad has been the best one yet. As far as chartering the caboose ... worth every penny.

I feel that it is very important that I mention our host Fermin. Fermin made the trip that much more enjoyable for us and was very knowledgable about the area. Fermin is a "true professional" and is very good what does - to deliver an awesome product.

I am recommending the Verde Canyon Railroad to all my family, friends and fellow railroaders that I run in to. Again, thank you for a wonderful experience and that Fermin. My family thoroughly enjoyed the train, the food and the canyon. We also participated at the Blazin' M Ranch for dinner and entertainment afterwards. Great idea to roll the package together.

More and more scenic railroads are being resurrected across the country and I firmly believe that us "Americans" have a yearning to return to the idea of "traveling in style."

The train and cars were very clean and attractive. The food and beverages provided in the caboose were awesome ... don't change a thing. Lastly the depot was very clean and kept up well.

Good luck to your future endeavors and thanks for the experience.

—Jeremy J. Saal, SFC, U.S. Army, Mate, Newport News, VA

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We wanted to thank our guides for the amazing train ride on 7-20-11. The ladies were fantastically knowledgeable and we thoroughly enjoyed our entire Arizona vacation.

—Chris Adams and Alex Wojtowich, Rolling Hills Estates, CA

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Dear Robin Brean,

Just a quick note to express how much we enjoyed our Verde Canyon Railroad experience and to pay our hostess/guide, Tracy, a much deserved thanks for making the occasion double special with her talent of a natural, well-studied, humor-laced presentation of historical facts, local lore and the ability to promote interaction among your passengers. She's very special and my husband and I, having taken our share of tours wish to voice our appreciation.

Thank you all for a lovely day.

—Mr. and Mrs. Robert Haggart, Crestview, FL

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Dear Verde Canyon Railroad staff,

The Outdoor Club of Holbrook High School would like to sincerely thank you for providing us with a wonderful experience on May 7, 2011 aboard the Verde Canyon Railroad tour. We appreciate the extra effort that was made to provide us such great accommodations, especially our lunches. We want to thank the Cottonwood car (Mike & Mike) for making our day so fantastic. We look forward to taking this tour again.

—HHS Outdoor Club members

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Thank you for your courteous help in making our trip to the Verde Canyon Railroad a premier event in the Club run schedule. Please give a thanks for us to ALL of the personnel at the Railroad.

Everyone we came in contact with couldn't have been more helpful in assuring that our journey was an extremely delightful experience.

It probably won't be the last time our members will be back in a different season for another train ride, either as individuals or another club run for those that missed this one.

Again, thank you from the Sahuaro Miata Club.

—David Nicolai, Event Planning Committee member, Sahuaro Miata Club

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Dear Ms. Roberts,

On behalf of the Old Pueblo Chapter, National Railway Historical Society, I must thank you most sincerely for the journey you prepared for us on your superb Verde Canyon Railroad.

Your staff all are consummate professionals, so very conscientious, helpful and courteous. Needless to say, Ms. Roberts, our group of dedicated railroad fans and train enthusiasts was utterly delighted with Verde Canyon Railroad equipment, from your venerable diesel-electric locomotives to your classic passengers cars.

We all were in awe of the picturesque journey from Clarkdale to Perkinsville, with its never-ending display of magnificent and colorful canyons. We even spotted a bald eagle.

Thank you so very much for an unforgettable rail journey.

—Keith Trantow, Old Pueblo Chapter, National Railway Historical Society

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Dear Ms. Brean,

On April 16th, my friend and I enjoyed riding the Verde Canyon Railroad. The scenery was beautiful and the train ride was delightful. On the return trip we were treated to the sight of two eagles flying around their nest near the tracks.

But the high point of the trip, particularly for my friend, who was visiting from Australia, was the eagle "Sonora" brought onboard by Liberty Wildlife. The opportunity to see such a magnificent bird up close and to learn about the bird from the Liberty staff members was outstanding. What an unexpected and incredible experience.

Thank you for a great day on the rails.

—Lysbeth Lieber, Phoenix, AZ

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Hi Ellen,

Just wanted to say thank you again for all your help! The day was so very wonderful - all the guests enjoyed it and all your staff and guides were so very kind and helpful! It was so much fun, I can't thank you all enough.

I will look forward to doing it again!

 

—Beth Heikkila, Donor Relations Manager, The Nature Conservancy, Phoenix, AZ

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Received via e-mail April 23, 2011:

Our daughter and son-in-law treated us to a ride on your train on Friday, April 15. It indeed was a treat! They surprised us with the caboose ride when we were expecting first-class. Even our 21-month old grandson had a great time.

The hospitality was wonderful, the food was tasty, the ride was fantastic, and the scenery was breathtaking. Our personal valet, Fermin, added so much to our experience. His knowledge of the territory and expertise in caring for us made the ride pleasant and informative. Please express our thanks to him again. I attached our picture (which he so graciously took for us) as we arrived at the train.

Hopefully we'll be able to ride with you again.

—Mike and Sharon Geurts, Kiel, WI

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Received via e-mail April 12, 2011:

I just wanted to take a minute to write and let you know how wonderful my trip on the railroad was Sunday before last. I took my mom on first class for her birthday and Doreen was just the best. I wish more people were like her when we go places, she is a gem. Also Linda, who was on our outdoor car was great as well. Anyway, I work in customer service so I know what it means when we hear the good things so I just wanted to drop you a little note. Thanks for your time.

—Amanda Foreman, Santa Barbara, CA

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Received via e-mail March 13, 2011:

Thank you so much for a wonderful afternoon on the train! Your railroad is first rate as is the staff. They were all well spoken and very interactive. We especially would like to thank you for the visiting eagle Sonora. This was a high point of the ride (aside from the views). It was both educational and moving that there are people out there saving our wildlife and rehabilitating them. Although Sonora will never be a hunter again, we are glad she was able to provide such an educational opportunity for both the children and adults. There was not a face on our car that was not glued to her and listening to the handlers. We are planning to bring our parents on this trip next time they come to visit. We are hoping that Sonora will be part of their memories also.

 

Thank you again, this was our first trip but it will not be the last.

—Roberta and Roger Rump, Tucson, AZ

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Hi you guys:

We have returned home after our Saturday trip in your magnificent old Caboose. We were greeted by our host Bill Warner who began our trip with group pictures using all our cameras.

We were overwhelmed by the cars beautifully restored interior. The six leather chairs swallowed our group and as we rolled out of your station the adults had a glass of Champagne and the minors, sparkling cider.

We had all ridden the train before except our guest of honor and new High School graduate, Spencer, who had never been on any train. His smile lasted from departure to Perkinsville and all the way back. My wife and I have ridden your train eight to ten times, always in first class. Every car attendant has been exceptional but Bill Warner was the best we've seen on any of our train trips anywhere. He was invisible yet anticipated our every need. He had a knack of just appearing at the right time to point out something special or answer a question.

The privacy your Caboose offers combined with Bills exceptional service will be a memory our group will always retain. We'll be back to share Bills Caboose as soon as we can create another excuse to make the trip.

Thank you.

—Blair and Carol Belden, California

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Hello Everyone:

We had the time of our lives this weekend! Our train ride was scheduled for September 12, 2009 and we had reserved the private caboose. Our party of six was amazed with your service from the time we arrived at the depot to the moment that we stepped off of the train! Every detail of our trip was just amazing! The food was delicious! Fermin, our valet, was filled with information and highlights along the way. Dennis, the Engineer was a delight! We can’t thank you enough for giving us all wonderful memories that will last us a lifetime!

Take Care!

—Don and Darlene Simon, Steve and Deeadra Zachary and Marilyn and Kenny Nowell, California

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The Trip on Saturday was great. Everyone loved it. Brandi was excellent, very knowledgeable about the whole canyon, geology, and wildlife. Great trip just as good the second time around.

—Jarrod Pfaster AAA Arizona

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We rode the Verde Canyon Railroad trip on August 6, 2009. We just want you to know that Kenna the person in charge of the first class car and Brandy, the person on the gondola car were the best ever. They both made an already memorable trip even better! It was our wedding anniversary and the trip is the best anniversary we ever had. Thank you and both women.

— Maria and Ed Eshe, Arizona

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A funny thing ... we were invited to be with some friends in Sedona on the spur of the moment at their condo and with two other couples got to take the train and then go to the Blazin' M! WHAT a wonderful day! The train ride was just spectacular and wonderful and the dinner and show a real treat! I've been in the business of producing old fashioned "Wild West" revues for over 40 years and this was really a great show!

We are still trying to coordinate a group trip for the first part of 2010, so will get back to you when we manage to lasso them all! We now are loaded for "bear" with the experience of having taken the Verde Canyon trip and are ranting and raving about it.

Thank you so much for re-contacting me. What a great company! I thought of staying and applying for a job myself!

—Kittie Lou English, Oregon

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I just wanted to say that our family was in the caboose today, Wed, and had a great time. The guide, Fermin, was absolutely wonderful and very knowledgeable of the area and even had personal photos of things that were helpful. I would truly recommend this adventure to anyone. It was well worth the price for the one-on-one service that we received.

—Nadine Gazzola, New York

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