This high desert region is 90 minutes north of Phoenix and two hours south of the Grand Canyon. It boasts 1,200 square miles of majestic scenery encompassing virtually every type of terrain. It is away from the heat of the lower valley but still well below the harsh winters of the higher country.

Two million years ago, the valley was a land of lush grasslands and marshes, the home of prehistoric land animals and airborne creatures. This beautiful area has become a haven for photographers, outdoors people and nature lovers. The valley is used extensively as a setting for many movies, commercials and television productions.

The valley's friendly people enjoy good recreation year-round. The many communities of the Verde Valley offer shopping and browsing through art galleries and antique shops. The Verde Valley also offers many outdoor recreation opportunities, including swimming, hiking, camping, fishing, jeep tours, horseback riding and ballooning. Those interested in contemporary history will delight in visiting the old ghost town, fort, mining camp and hundreds of Indian ruins throughout the region.

Cottonwood

Named after the beautiful cottonwood trees that grow along the Verde River, Cottonwood was a farm settlement in the late 1870's and developed along with the progress of Jerome. It has grown to be the valley's trade and population center. Modern shopping centers, plazas and professional offices share business with a quaint old town area known as Historic Old Town. Visitors can enjoy the old west atmosphere of a downtown street with high sidewalks and false fronted buildings.

Clarkdale

Just two miles north of the town of Cottonwood, the town of Clarkdale was once the home of William Clark who created a mining empire in the early 1900's. The town still carries a scene of the past with its tree-lined streets and its brick homes. The town residents enjoy a community center and branch of Yavapai Community College. Also located in the area is Tuzigoot National Monument, Peck's Lake and Sycamore Canyon.

Jerome

Just up from Clarkdale, on the slopes of Cleopatra Hill, lies the town of Jerome which once was a roaring mining camp known for its copper, silver and gold. At one time it had a population of nearly 15,000, but almost overnight became a ghost town. Explore its winding cobblestone streets and stairways for gift shops, eateries, art and mining museums. Be sure to see the complete mining history of Jerome and the Verde Valley which is displayed in the old Douglas Mansion.

Camp Verde

East of Cottonwood is Camp Verde, which was established in 1865 to protect the settlers from Apache raids. Fort Verde State Park features numerous military artifacts, Indian relics and articles used by the early settlers.

Lake Montezuma, Rimrock and McGuireville

These communities are just north of Camp Verde and are known for some of the best preserved cliff dwellings in the United States. Found in these communities are a golf course, Montezuma Castle and Montezuma Well National Monuments. These sights were inhabited by the Sinaguan Indians in 1250 A.D.

Cornville-Page Springs

This area is the home of one of Arizona's fish cultural stations. Oak Creek flows freely throughout this area where ancient Indian ruins now overlook the many small farms and ranches that have sprung up below.

Sedona-Oak Creek Canyon

To refer to Sedona as breathtaking in its beauty is no exaggeration. Its magnificent red rock country is located just north of Cottonwood, in the Verde Valley, at the southern entrance of Oak Creek Canyon.