2023 Cottonwood & Verde Valley Visitor's Guide

Verde River
CAMP VERDE
The Center
Editorial contributions by
the Town of Camp Verde.
of it All
Experience Camp Verde’s small-town charm, located in the
geographical center of Arizona, where fun meets adventure.
Ancient cultures, military influence and ranching heritage blend
together in Camp Verde. With a population of 12,000+, Camp
Verde is a small town that began with farms and cattle
ranches and has grown into a destination full of events and
adventure.
Stop by the Camp Verde Visitors Center and the Camp
Verde Historical Society Museum at 435 S. Main Street
for a taste of the area’s rich past, some friendly
advice to enrich your visit, or a cool drink of water.
Float
Camp Verde spans 18 miles of the Verde River, a popular place
for a leisurely trip in a kayak, canoe or anything else that
floats.
Hike
A web of urban trails leads to nearby bluffs and the
occasional ancient pueblo. There is a trail for everyone in
Camp Verde, in fact there are 17 of them. Camp Verde offers
beautiful scenery, a chance to observe birds and other
wildlife, and to explore the various flora in and around the
Verde Valley. visitcampverde.com/hiking-trails/
Ride
Enjoy panoramic views of the Verde Valley on a Jeep ride
offered by Alcantara Adventures where you are treated to
amazing views of the Verde River, the Alcantara Vineyard &
Winery, and ancient ruins. alcantaradventures.com
Cowboys and city-slickers alike will enjoy Wild Western
Horseback Adventures’ scenic horseback rides with goats,
pot-belly pigs and miniature horses vying for your attention
back at the ranch. wildwesternhorseback.com
Safari
Nestled against the Mingus Mountains in the Verde Valley
sits a 104-acre unique wildlife park – it’s not a zoo. At Out
of Africa Wildlife Park, you’ll experience the splendor
of the animal kingdom closer than you ever thought
possible, blending the spirit of Africa with the harmony of
nature. Whether it’s the exciting Tiger Splash® show, the
Predator Feed, or an immersive safari tour that will have
you surrounded by free-roaming African plains animals,
there’s something for everyone here – all with the price of
admission! If you’re feeling a bit more daring, try the worldclass
Predator Zip Line tour and soar over the animals.
Other options include the VIP Behind-the-Scenes tour,
the SuperMog Safari Adventure, Sloth Encounters, and
more. Giraffe kisses are free! Open daily 9:30am-5:00pm.
outofafricapark.com
Taste
If you are craving perfection, JT’s Steakhouse’s chef-driven menu
highlights seasonal ingredients in modern comfort foods with a
twist. Just down Main Street you’ll find Low Places Bar and Grill
serving up mouth-watering American dishes with live music on
the weekend.
Or, if you’re looking for fantastic Mexican food, fresh baked bread
or mesquite barbecue, Camp Verde’s dining options will satisfy
your desire.
Camp Verde is home to Alcantara Vineyard & Winery, Clear
Creek Vineyard and Salt Mine Wine. See Wine Trail Section,
page 21.
Explore History
The museum at the Verde Valley Archaeology Center
showcases regional archaeological heritage with artifact exhibits
and a hands-on kids’ area. verdevalleyarchaeology.org
Fort Verde State Historical Park (125 E. Hollamon St.) preserves
the Apache Wars-era fort as it appeared in the 1880’s. Visit the
museum and exhibits to explore the story of the Indian Wars
history and lives of those who lived and served at the Fort.
azstateparks.com/fort-verde
Wet beaver creek
Wikimedia Commons
Out of Africa Wildlife Park
V Bar V Petroglyph Site
Entertainment
Cliff Castle Casino Hotel has cutting-edge slot machines,
table games, and a dedicated high-limit room. Cliff Castle’s
Stargazer Pavilion, an open-air theatre, hosts concerts
and events or you can dance the night away at the
casino’s Dragonfly Nightclub. In addition to its gaming and
entertainment, Cliff Castle Casino entertains the entire family
with a 20-lane bowling alley, a video game arcade, and a
children’s play area. cliffcastlecasinohotel.com
Attend a performance of Jazz, Blues, Country or Classical
Music at the Phillip England Center for the Performing
Arts. Visit pecpaf.com for complete schedule.
Lake Montezuma/Rimrock &
Beaver Creek
Lake Montezuma/Rimrock is one of the smallest towns in the
Verde Valley but, the area offers big attractions for outdoor
enthusiasts and aspiring archaeologists alike! Located 6 miles
north of Camp Verde, off Interstate 17.
u Visit Montezuma Castle and Montezuma Well National
Monuments and the V Bar V Petroglyph Site – the
largest known petroglyph site in the Verde Valley.
u Fish, play in the creek or birdwatch in Wet Beaver Creek
(access at Sycamore Community Park).
u Hike, bike, or take a swim in the Wet Beaver Creek
Wilderness area (located in the Coconino National Forest).
40 visitcottonwoodaz.org
Cottonwood & Verde Valley 41