Scenic Beauty

In the morning, take a leisurely drive on Historic Highway 89A to the top of Mingus Mountain and down to Prescott Valley traversing a road that is visually and physically enclosed by vegetation and canyon walls. There are spectacular views of the Mogollon Rim, San Francisco Peaks and the sandstone cliffs of the red rocks along the drive.

Explore your way through Jerome and order breakfast at one of the many restaurants overlooking the Verde Valley. Head back through Clarkdale, Cottonwood and Sedona all the way to Oak Creek Canyon along this scenic byway.

In the afternoon stop off at Slide Rock State Park, Red Rock State Park, and capture the sunset at Crescent Moon Recreation Area before heading back.

Native American

In the morning plan to explore the ancient Indian dwellings at the Palatki and Honanki Ruins outside of Sedona. Be sure to make reservations in advance. Continue on to Camp Verde where you can try your luck at Cliff Castle Casino on the Yavapai-Apache Nation. Enjoy lunch at one of their popular restaurants before heading over to Montezuma Castle National Monument. View this five-story, 20-room “castle,” which stands in a cliff recess 100 feet above the valley floor.

Nearby is Montezuma Well where you can climb down the sinkhole which has a year-round water source and see the caves once occupied by Native Americans. The outlet of the spring is seen as you continue along the trail.

In Clarkdale visit Tuzigoot National Monument, an entire village centered on a pueblo two stories high and built on a hill, 120 feet above the Verde River.

History & Culture

Start your morning by taking a stroll through the Cottonwood Commercial Historic “Old Town” District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Or, visit Jerome, where a stop at the Jerome State Historic Park brings to life the ghost of its mining past.

In the afternoon take a ride aboard the Verde Canyon Railroad for a four-hour trip through the Verde Canyon. After the train ride, enjoy a true western experience with a chuckwagon supper and western stage show at the Blazin’ M Ranch.

Recreation

Set an early tee time for a challenging round of golf at Verde Santa Fe or Pine Shadows Golf Course. Fishing, hiking or bird watching provide an excellent afternoon of relaxation at Dead Horse Ranch State Park.

Enjoy a Jeep tour in Sedona and finish the day shopping in any one of the many Verde Valley communities that offer a vast array of opportunities including antique stores, outlet malls and fine art galleries.

Spend a day on an African Safari in the heart of Arizona at Out of Africa Wildlife Park. Ride or walk through a preserve viewing a diverse variety of animals including giraffe, wildebeest, lions and tigers.

Wildlife & Birding

The Verde Valley is known for its access to the natural resources that attract wildlife. Visit Dead Horse Ranch State Park and take a trail to Tavasci Marsh with its own observation deck. The marsh and the Verde River Greenway have been designated as important bird areas. From there, travel to Page Spring’s Bubbling Ponds, then on to Red Rock State Park for a guided walk (offered on wednesdays and Saturdays only).