Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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in here, but there's more seating across the street. It's definitely not your usual ghost-town
lunch counter.
416 Main St. (at Hull Ave.).
&
928/634-2733.
Reservations not accepted. Most items $7.50-$12. MC, V.
Wed-Mon 8am-3pm.
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THE VERDE VALLEY
Camp Verde: 20 miles E of Jerome; 30 miles S of Sedona; 95 miles N of Phoenix
Named by early Spanish explorers who were impressed by the sight of such a verdant
valley in an otherwise brown desert landscape, the Verde Valley has long been a magnet
for both wildlife and people. Today, the valley is one of Arizona's richest agricultural and
ranching region. The valley is also popular with retirees, and housing subdivisions now
sprawl across much of the landscape. Cottonwood and Clarkdale, the valley's two largest
towns, are old copper-smelting towns, while Camp Verde was an army post back in the
days of the Indian Wars. All three towns have some interesting historic buildings, but it
is the valley's two national monuments—Tuzigoot and Montezuma Castle—that are the
main attractions.
These two national monuments preserve the ruins of Sinagua villages that date from
long before the first European explorers entered the Verde Valley. By the time the first
pioneers began settling in this region, the Sinaguas had long since moved on, and
Apaches had claimed the valley as part of their territory. When settlers came into conflict
with the Apaches, Fort Verde, now a state park, was established. Between this state park
and the two national monuments, hundreds of years of Verde Valley history and prehis-
tory can be explored. This valley is also the site of the most scenic railroad excursion in
the state.
ESSENTIALS
GETTING THERE
Camp Verde is just off I-17, at the junction with Ariz. 260. The
latter highway leads northwest through the Verde Valley for 12 miles to Cottonwood.
VISITOR INFORMATION
Contact the
Cottonwood Chamber of Commerce,
1010
S. Main St., Cottonwood (
&
928/634-7593;
www.cottonwood.verdevalley.com).
A RAILWAY EXCURSION
Verde Canyon Railroad
When the town of Jerome was busily mining copper,
a railway was built to link the booming town with the territorial capital at nearby
Prescott. Because of the rugged mountains between Jerome and Prescott, the railroad was
forced to take a longer but less difficult route north along the Verde River before turning
south toward Prescott. Today, you can ride these same tracks aboard the Verde Canyon
Railroad. The route through the canyon traverses both the remains of a copper smelter
and unspoiled desert that is inaccessible by car and is part of Prescott National Forest.
The views of the rocky canyon walls and green waters of the Verde River are quite dra-
matic, and if you look closely along the way, you'll see ancient Sinagua cliff dwellings. In
late winter and early spring, nesting bald eagles can also be spotted. Although the Grand
Canyon Railway travels to a more impressive destination, this is a more scenic excursion.
Live music and an informative narration make the ride entertaining as well.
300 N. Broadway, Clarkdale.
&
800/320-0718.
www.verdecanyonrr.com. Tickets $55 adults, $50 seniors,
$35 children 2-12; 1st-class tickets $80. Call or visit the website for schedule and reservations.
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