Arizona
Scenic Railroads of Arizona: Sedona and Grand Canyon
Program No. 1083RJ
Experience the wonders of Sedona and the Grand Canyon via two historic railways as you join experts to learn about the local history, culture and charm of these iconic landscapes.
Participant Reviews
Based on 95 Reviews
SHOWING
This was a wonderful trip. We saw some gorgeous scenery, met some friendly, interesting members, and we had 2 fantastic leaders. (One leader was part time but she was so knowledgeable and enthusiastic.) We learned so much about the red rocks in Sedona and about the multiple layers of rock in Grand Canyon from our lecturers and they made it so interesting. The two train rides were interesting and fun. I had been to Grand Canyon several years ago but this time I really appreciated how really large it is - it is well over 200 miles long and many places it is over a mile from the South Rim to the North Rim. We saw the Grand Canyon at different viewpoints and I never got sick of the beauty. We viewed a sunset at Grand Canyon and this trip our leader surprised us by offering us sunrise over the Canyon. That was so special. I highly recommend this course if you like mountain scenery.
— Review left December 2, 2025
Sheila and Shayla were amazing tour directors and made our trip fun! The sights on this trip are incredible and it was helpful to learn about the history of both areas. Both train rides were fabulous! Make sure you read all the details of the shuttle transfer costs and extra travel time from the airport before booking your flights!
— Review left November 18, 2025
I just completed my first Road Scholar Trip. It was awesome. I'm already looking at the catalog to plan another trip!
Thank you, Road Scholar for wonderful experience.
— Review left November 17, 2025
My first RS trip, and even though I’m single, felt very comfortable with the rest of the group(mainly couples).
— Review left November 2, 2025
This program fulfilled my long time goal of experiencing the beauty and grandeur of Grand Canyon and I thoroughly enjoyed equally the beauty of Sedona.
— Review left October 28, 2025
Great Trip learned lots of interesting things. Scenic train rides were great! Program Leaders made our trip fun and educational! Felt very safe being driven by Danny!
— Review left October 7, 2025
If you get Rob Estrada and Kathy Farretta as guides you will have fun!
— Review left October 5, 2025
This was our first Road Scholar Program, but it will not be our last. It was well organized, educational (but not overly so) and the presenters and staff were professional and engaging. Overall a unique and worthwhile program. Thank you, Road Scholar.
— Review left September 26, 2025
My wife and I recently returned from Road Scholar’s Scenic Railroads of Arizona: Sedona & Grand Canyon program, and it exceeded our expectations in every way. The combination of breathtaking landscapes, comfortable travel, and engaging learning experiences made this one of the most memorable trips we’ve ever taken.
From the very beginning in Sedona, we were immersed in the beauty of Arizona’s red rock country. The expert lectures on geology and local history gave us a much deeper appreciation of what we were seeing. Riding the Verde Canyon Railroad was an absolute highlight — the views of the cliffs, river, and wildlife were spectacular, and the pace of the train made it easy to take it all in.
The journey to the Grand Canyon on the historic railway was equally special. Arriving at the South Rim by train felt like stepping back in time, and staying overnight in the park allowed us to truly experience the canyon at sunrise and sunset — moments we will never forget.
Our group leader and local experts were outstanding: knowledgeable, approachable, and passionate about sharing the region’s culture and natural wonders. The program struck a perfect balance between structured activities and personal time to explore. Meals and accommodations were excellent, with everything organized seamlessly so we could simply enjoy the experience.
We came home with incredible photos, lasting memories, and a much deeper understanding of Arizona’s landscapes and history. We enjoyed it so much that we’ve already booked our next Road Scholar adventure.
— Review left September 25, 2025
This program was informative and fun. Breathtaking scenery, insight into geology, culture and history. I had a great experience!
— Review left September 22, 2025
Beautiful scenery from our bus and walking trails. Two different train rides with great service in station and onboard.
— Review left September 21, 2025
One of the best tour-guide led experiences we have ever participate in. Our guides were very knowledgeable and added personal anecdotes to many of the places we visited making it much more interesting.
— Review left September 17, 2025
I went in April 2025. The group leader Rocky was unprofessional and incompetent. His failure to coordinate with the bus driver caused us to miss the Sedona train! Half of the train rides, and this was the reason I took this tour, for the train rides. I’ve been on other RS tours & met group leaders who were organized & prepared. He showed up the first night unprepared so that was my first warning. At the intro meeting he said he had nothing ready, forgot his notes, and was just going to wing it. Well for the next few days we were at the mercy of his whimsy and impulsiveness. He had the bus driver take our full size bus up the narrow mountain roads in Jerome! I’m used to RS leaders having communication on a daily basis reminding us of plans and schedules. Not him, we got a calendar and told to use it or else. This group leader was named Rocky. If you take this tour, and he is the tour leader, divine blessings and protections for you.
— Review left August 29, 2025
Disappointed. Missed 1/2 Rail trip due to RS lack of planning.
— Review left July 13, 2025
Definitely a 5 Star Rating as this itinerary was fantastic! Two train rides! The Verde Canyon Railroad first class rail car was quite elegant with guided docent on board. The Grand Canyon Railroad trip covered history of the canyon and early train travel days. Our guide “Slim” was an awesome naturalist providing the group a walking tour along the rim highlighting information on wildlife, geology, and the park building architects. Viewing Montezuma’s Castle was on my list of sights to see, I now can say “been there, done that!”
— Review left June 28, 2025
This program was fun, informational and professionally run. I recommend this trip.
— Review left May 28, 2025
It was a wonderful and educational experience!
— Review left May 20, 2025
Excellent program for first timers to Sedona & the Grand Canyon but also wonderful for repeat visitors. Learned so much from the leaders and speakers. Enjoyed the other travelers from all across US & Canada. The trip was well planned, informative & fun.
— Review left May 6, 2025
The scenery in and around Sedona is beautiful. The majesty of the Grand Canyon was so awe inspiring that it brought me to tears. The program's pace is right on target, and the knowledge of the leaders and instructors was impressive. This is a bucket list tour.
— Review left May 4, 2025
In one of your brochures you showed the physical level as easy on up. That's why I purchased it. It was NOT easy. You need more easy tours with some sight seeing.
— Review left April 6, 2025
A well organised and outstanding trip. Lots of interesting information along the way delivered by amazingly well informed guides.
— Review left March 29, 2025
Plenty of photo ops, the right mix of positive people, program was as close to the agenda as possible under the circumstances (weather). I would do it again with a smaller group
— Review left March 25, 2025
Best trip ever. This was my first time traveling alone on vacation and with road scholar. The sights were breathtaking and the group was the best. Till next time.
— Review left March 2, 2025
This was my husband and myself's first Road Scholar trip. It met all our expectations. Lectures and field trips were interesting and informative. The accommodations and food were acceptable! Our two guides were excellent. Seeing the Grand Canyon for the first time was indeed worth the trip.
— Review left November 15, 2024
From astounding red rock formations in Sedona, some of which we experienced from an open-air train car, to the majestic Grand Canyon, which we reached by boarding yet another historic train, this learning adventure thoroughly immersed us in Arizona's iconic formations and checked off a wish-list destination for many of our group members, several of whom had tears in their eyes the moment they caught their first glimpse of the South Rim. Some views just can't be captured by photo or video. Standing on the edge of the Grand Canyon will simply take your breath away. So, if you're looking for a unique experience that combines a love of train travel with mind-blowing natural beauty, this is it. Five stars!
— Review left November 5, 2024
I enjoyed my trip with Road Scholar. It was well organized and made me want to go another one next year.
— Review left October 31, 2024
This is definitely a 5 Star trip. We saw Montezuma's Castle, Sedona, the Grand Canyon from several different viewpoints, and we even rode trains. Our leaders, Rob and Sheila, are the best! I loved being able to see different areas of the canyon at different times during the day and learning about its history and geology. The walking parts of the trip were not at all difficult.
— Review left October 25, 2024
We enjoyed our trip to Sedona and Grand Canyon! The train trips were an added pleasure and it helped us see an area of the country that we could not travel to by ourselves. This trip helped us reach a goal on our bucket list!
— Review left October 19, 2024
An amazing experience watching the sunset in the Grand Canyon !
— Review left October 15, 2024
Had a great time on our trip. Rob and John our tour directors were excellent. Thanks again.
— Review left October 10, 2024
The was my first Road Scholar trip. It was wonderful! Our guide and the presenters were so knowledgable. I learned so many interesting things about the early railroads and the construction of buildings at the Canyon. Both train rides were a great way ro view the terrain. And of course, the Grand Canyon is spectacular!
— Review left October 7, 2024
This was a fun, informative and relaxing program. The Grand Canyon was on my bucket list and traveling with Road Scholar made it better than I had ever imagined because of the history and insights provided by staff and speakers. Our guide arranged a special nighttime bus ride for us to be able to see the partial eclipse of the moon happenig during our trip. It was fabulous!
— Review left September 29, 2024
Americans know we have a Grand Canyon, and we have seen many pictures of it, but there is nothing like seeing its size, scope, and grandeur in person. The first view is stunning and qualifies it as a wonder of the world. This trip offers the amazing.
— Review left September 19, 2024
I had a life-changing experience on this, my first Road Scholar journey. I loved every minute of it and can't wait for the next one.
— Review left September 18, 2024
This trip was amazing, beyond expectations, and I have beautiful memories that will last a lifetime! Thank you!!
— Review left May 25, 2024
A great trip! Verde Canyon train ride and sunset views were the highlights. Made good friends! Our group leader, Rocky, was A+!
— Review left May 21, 2024
Enjoy the natural wonders of Sedona and the Grand Canyon and the man-made wonder of Montezuma's Castle, an ancient cliff-dwelling. Learn about the geology shaping these three sites and travel through time on two half-day rail adventures.
— Review left May 21, 2024
all things were excellent
— Review left May 19, 2024
What a great week! Fun train rides, weather couldn't have been nicer, good accommodations and then there was Rocky who kept us entertained with cowboy poetry and his knowledge of the Southwest. Group was too large to get to know all their names but could recognize faces by the end.
— Review left May 12, 2024
The experience I had with Road Scholar was just the right mix of education and travel fun!
— Review left April 7, 2024
If you love trains and have always wanted to see the Grand Canyon this is the program for you!
— Review left April 7, 2024
Verde Canyon train ride is spectacular. Train to the Grand Canyon is a peaceful, enjoyable way to get to one of the most amazing places on earth. Our leadership team of Rocky, Brendan, and Shayla was top notch--well-organized and caring people. We learned about geology, the desert landscape, and the human history in the area. Montezuma Castle and the museum in Camp Verde were just a small part of the program but helped us understand once again that this beautiful land was home to and sacred to people long before the European-background folks decided to move in.
— Review left April 5, 2024
THe train trip up the Verde Canyon Railway one of the best I've taken. And if you have never seen the Grand Canyon this trip will give you a glimpse of that gigantic place.
— Review left March 30, 2024
Excellent experience. We plan to schedule future
Road Scholar adventures!
— Review left March 25, 2024
This was my first Road Scholar trip and my first visit to the Grand Canyon. Getting the information around the geology and history before arriving there made the time at the canyon truly amazing. Our guides were wonderful - knowledgeable, flexible, helpful and funny - a great combination in my book! I will definitely be taking another RS trip.
Deep thanks to Rocky, Shayla and Amy!
— Review left March 20, 2024
The place, people and personnel - each exceeded expectations. Well worth the cost. Certainly considering future Road Scholar Trips.
— Review left March 15, 2024
The perfect no-hiking-needed Grand Canyon experience, with views from different vantage points, a good introduction to Sedona, a great intro to the area's geology, and two very enjoyable rides on historic railways.
— Review left March 3, 2024
Overall a great trip. Excellent guides and scenery. One glaring weakness was the Chinese Buffet, absolutely the worst Chinese food we've had in decades, really terrible. Everyone we talked to on the trip agreed.
— Review left February 1, 2024
As an adult immigrant to the US, most of my "knowlegde" of native Americans can from cowboy movies and TV shows. That was a very different perspective from the reality that I learned on the trip. Thank you.
— Review left November 2, 2023
A very comprehensive, well-organized tour of one of the most beautiful and iconic places in the U.S., and, happily, the weather gods smiled on us!
— Review left September 28, 2023
Scenic Railroads of Arizona: Sedona and the Grand Canyon is a fabulous program. The sights are fantastic. It is very doable for all activity levels as long as you can get on and off a bus. The trains rides are delightful. Bus rides are comfortable and not for an extended period of time. Free time allows for exploration at any activity level you are comfortable with.
— Review left September 23, 2023
Breathtaking. Beyond expectations. Comfortable in every aspect of the journey with Road Scholar. Educational opportunities exceeded. Charming. Financially doable. Physical expectations were accurately explained. New friendship opportunities superb. I can't wait to travel with Road Scholar again !!
— Review left September 12, 2023
Very educational experience
— Review left September 8, 2023
Road Scholar consistently delivers an outstanding experience. The group leaders were excellent. The program accommodated everyone's needs while being thoroughly enjoyable.
— Review left May 15, 2023
If you have never been to the Grand Canyon or Sedona or have visited and want to revisit, this program is the way to go. One would be very hard pressed to plan and develop an itinerary as rich as this Road Scholars program on one's own.
The instructors and guides are amazing having a love and encyclopedic knowledge of these world wonders that they enthusiastically share.
I highly recommend this program.
— Review left May 8, 2023
This tour was a great introduction to Sedona, the Grand Canyon and Northern Arizona. Our group leaders, Devon and Rocky, were fantastic and worked flawlessly together to ensure our group had a terrific experience. The expert speakers were extremely knowledgeable and very good speakers. Karen, our bus driver is a pro at her job. Seeing the Grand Canyon for the first time was truly awesome. Pictures cannot do it justice. The train rides were fun and comfortable, and we learned a great deal about how the railroads contributed to the development of this part of Arizona. We will be planning another trip to this area and can’t wait to see and learn more. Very good program.
— Review left May 5, 2023
I expected to check seeing the Grand Canyon off my bucket list. However, this program greatly exceeded my expectations as I learned so much more about the geography and geology of the region, as well as the history and culture.
— Review left April 2, 2023
This program was fun, interesting, varied, and informative. The vistas and views were stunning. The weather was less than perfect; however, we had a truly magical experience at the Grand Canyon! Due to an imminent snowstorm the night before we were scheduled to catch the train at Williams, we changed hotels in order to be at the train station on time. It continued to snow after we arrived and through our first night at the canyon. Thanks to the proactive problem solving skills of our amazing Group Leader, Devon, (and those who worked "behind the scenes" to make these changes happen), we were treated to a "snow-enhanced view" of the Grand Canyon that few will ever experience. Thanks again, Devon, and Road Scholar! (FIVE stars!)
— Review left March 10, 2023
Just came back from the Scenic Railways of Sedona and the Grand Canyon. Highly recommend this trip. March is the perfect time to see the wonder of the Grand Canyon! We had the place almost to ourselves!
— Review left March 4, 2023
As a busy woman in my mid-forties with job & family back home, the Road Scholar program took care of all the planning and logistics to allow me to spend all my time and energy with my 85yr-old dad. The pacing of the program, with thoughtful accommodations for folks with varied levels of physical abilities and an incredible group leader, was just right. My dad checked off the Grand Canyon from his Bucket List, and we were able to share in moments that we will cherish forever. My dad and I will be forever grateful to Road Scholar for its part in making the best memories of our lives.
— Review left November 12, 2022
An excellent introduction to Arizona: redrock country around the beautiful town of Sedona; Montezuma's Castle; and great train trips in Verde Canyon and the Grand Canyon Railroad from Williams to the South Rim. And, of course, the Grand Canyon. The day-and-a-half to explore the South Rim is perfect.
Our group was very large (35) but very cooperative / on-time! Weather in mid-October was (lucky for us) perfect: sunny and warm, and nice puffy clouds for some awesome photos. Our group leader and bus driver were great guys! They made it enjoyable and relaxing.
Strongly recommended for National Park and Train enthusiasts.
— Review left November 1, 2022
This trip was disappointing. It was billed as a train trek and we spent a total of 6 hours on a train in this 5 day trip. Issues with technology not working. The food served to us was terrible. The hotel in Sedona had no restaurant or public transportation. It is located 7 miles outside Sedona.
This was our 6th trip with Road Scholar and most likely our last one.
— Review left October 29, 2022
This was a wonderful experience. The scenery is spectacular. The guide is capable, friendly, and very organized. He made our trip even more special. I was worried about being able to "keep up" but it was no problem. The program accommodated everyone
— Review left October 16, 2022
Great way to see the area with good, like-minded people, great tour guides, and everything taken care of for you
— Review left October 11, 2022
One cannot describe the beauty of the Grand Canyon, and pictures do not show the grandeur of it. It truly is breath taking and the only way to truly understand this is to actually stand on the rim and SEE it for yourself! I am thankful to Road Scholar for allowing me to do this. Quite an amazing experience!
— Review left October 10, 2022
The Road Scholar trip I attended was exceptional. Our guide bent over backwards to help us enjoy the trip. The group was friendly and welcoming. We all shared a wonderful experience in the desert Southwest, seeing the amazing landscape and learning about its formation over billions of years.
— Review left October 9, 2022
Thanks Rob Brubaker.. for sharing so much of your knowledge throughout our tour of the Grand Canyon, Montezuma's Castle, Verde Canyon and Sedona.. You did a fabulous job of keeping our group together and focused everyday on the activities.. My hat is off to you for making the trip special for everyone regardless of those who had a few physical difficulties .. Not one person was left out or felt they weren’t capable to participate in all the physical activities… thanks for a great experience that my wife Connie and I will share with many of our friends and we will continue to support the programs of Road Scholar.. Jim Hoch..& Connie Kelly…
— Review left October 4, 2022
A thorough sampling of Sedona and the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Dynamic and enjoyable group leader, perfect weather, plentiful train travel, and beautiful scenery, with an afternoon for self exploration of the Grand Canyon. An excellent program. I would definitely recommend.
— Review left June 1, 2022
I would have liked a better description in the "subject line" of the emails. They all said "important info about your trip" so it was time consuming to find which referenced who to contact at The Element, which talked about references, etc
— Review left May 24, 2022
This experience was fabulous and I loved seeing and learning so much about the Grand Canyon, Native American history, geology, and so much more. Only wish the group size was smaller.
— Review left May 22, 2022
If your Bucket List includes seeing Sedona and the Grand Canyon, this is the trip for you! You will love every minute of this Road Scholar experience! The views you will see are breathtaking! You'll bring home lots of sweet memories!
— Review left May 12, 2022
Knowledge
— Review left April 29, 2022
My lengthy review was lost! I’ll try again tomorrow. :-(
— Review left March 31, 2022
As with all RS programs, we enjoyed meeting and interacting with new people! Snippets from their life stories will remain ingrained in our hearts and minds long after the occasional food/accommodation issues are long forgotten.
This was our 10th RS program, and we are happy to say there will be many more in the future!
Paul & Maurine Dalluge
RS Class of 2016
— Review left March 20, 2022
Lots of fun. Great staff. Made everything very interesting.
— Review left March 15, 2022
Excellent trip. Well organized and well run. Tour guide Betty was terrific as was our bus driver. Good experience all around. Friendly group to travel with. So glad I joined this wonderful trip.
— Review left November 13, 2021
Fantastic trip with Betty being a great leader. The landscape at Sedona and the Grand Canyon were spectacular. Riding two trains during the program were so much fun. An exceptional event was being at the rim to see the sunrise. Betty did a great job as “photographer” with our cameras to take individual pictures of us at the sunrise. Program exceeded my expectations.
— Review left November 7, 2021
Great program. Would highly recommend it. Betty was a great leader.
— Review left October 18, 2021
If you like train rides and enjoy seeing breath taking geological formations
this trip could be for you.
— Review left October 8, 2021
This trip exceeded expectations and fulfilled a long -held desire to see the Grand Canyon and experience its majesty. The fellow travelers were all wonderful companions. This was our first Road Scholar trip and I heartily recommend it. We have already booked our next trip with RS!
— Review left September 12, 2021
Road Scholar adds such depth and historical perspective to your Grand Canyon visit. It's so much more than a nice view. If you're interested in the Native First Nation people and also how the National Parks saved the GC from commercialism, go on this excellent trip and learn, learn, learn. I loved it.
— Review left March 10, 2020
My husband and I experienced so much more then we expected! Sedona, railroads, and the Grand Canyon in a way we wouldn't have on our own. Now we have ideas to explore the area to greater depth at a later time.
— Review left March 7, 2020
Overall, it was a wonderful trip!
— Review left November 2, 2019
This is a wonderful trip to see Sedona & the Grand Canyon. The program was well organized & insightful and reasonably priced. The only thing I would suggest is to add another day at the Grand Canyon.
— Review left October 27, 2019
Incredible exploration of the desert Southwest with an excellent balance of educational sessions paired with sightseeing excursions. Excellent tour guide and great group of fellow participants. Strongly recommend this tour of Sedona and the Grand Canyon.
— Review left September 29, 2019
I would recommend this trip to all solo travelers and couples and roommates. All these people were so nice and kind, and sitting down to dinner and lunch was so pleasant as we all moved around and got acquainted. I cannot find a thing wrong with this trip.
— Review left September 14, 2019
This program was enjoyable, informative and entertaining. I rated it as AAA+. The scenery was breath taking, the train rides were great, and the tours were exceptional.
— Review left May 27, 2019
First time using Road Scholar and was very pleased with our trip to the Grand Canyon/Arizona Attractions.
Our instructor we had which was Paul was very knowledgeable and passionate about the history of the area and what it has to offer. Would love to book another trip with Paul!
— Review left May 14, 2019
This was a really nice trip. Two antique train rides, seeing the Grand Canyon and spending lesure time in Sedona was wonderful. Nice Job.
— Review left May 12, 2019
If seeing the Grand Canyon is on your bucket list, this is a delightful way to do it.
— Review left May 8, 2019
Lovely Arizona! This trip combined the beauty of the area, knowledge of the formation of the land itself, and the history that helped shape this part of the Southwest. We spent two days in Sedona visiting and learning about the formation of those beautiful red/orange out cropings. The history of transportation and Arizona's settlement was enjoyed by two train rides, one in the Verde Valley and one to the Grand Canyon. Two days at the Grand Canyon gave us ample time to walk part of the rim and be able to take pictures during different times of day. The many stories, our leader Paul told us, brought the country to life. There is so much to see and appreciate even in this very arid part of the United States.
— Review left April 20, 2019
This was an amazing "Out West Experience."
— Review left April 14, 2019
This is an outstanding and educational program even if you have been to the Grand Canyon before. The lecturer really taught us about the geology, and the tour leader was outstanding.
— Review left April 3, 2019
Should be more diverse nationality of people, I apologize, nothing wrong but we need diversity in the participants statistic for Road Scholar.
— Review left March 24, 2019
This trip fulfilled my dream to see Sedona and the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.
— Review left March 24, 2019