Vacation in Verde Valley - Arizona
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Jump to:
Overview,
Things To Do,
Transportation,
Climate,
Accommodations,
Cost
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Area Overview
Overlooked by Mingus Mountain and the Mogollon Rim and home to the cultural and historic centers of Sedona, Cottonwood, Camp Verde, Jerome and Clarkdale, the Verde Valley region offers unforgettable experiences for travelers of all ages and interests. As one of Arizona’s last perennial rivers, and its only designated Wild and Scenic River, the Verde River is one of the state’s most unique and threatened natural resource.
The river-carved valley forms a verdant transition zone, separating the sunbaked southern deserts from the high country forests perched atop the Colorado Plateau. This relative oasis has long been a natural lure for people and wildlife and boasts a rich history. Native Americans occupied these fertile lands for thousands of years and left behind a legacy of architecture and art.
Includes Cities/Towns: Camp Verde, Clarkdale, Cornville, Cottonwood, Rimrock, Sedona.
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Things to Do |
Recreation & Fitness
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Today, visitors flock to the region for the seemingly endless recreational possibilities, the diversity of the arts, the world-class resorts and spas, the rejuvenating power of vortexes, award-winning wineries and scenery that softly, relentlessly squeezes your heart.
Surrounded by nearly two million acres of national forest land and buttressed by four wilderness areas, it’s only natural that life spills outdoors in the Verde Valley. Over 300 miles of trails provide almost instant access to back country.
And since this is cowboy country, horseback rides are offered at Dead Horse Ranch State Park in Cottonwood and Sedona’s M Diamond Ranch. Enjoy another throwback experience aboard Verde Canyon Railroad as it chugs along century-old tracks into a spectacular high-walled canyon where eagles nest.
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Cultural Activities
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The human drama has been present in the Verde Valley for over 10,000 years. Prehistoric civilizations of nomadic people had little impact on the land but later cultures left more definitive footprints as technology improved and they became rooted. Two national monuments—Montezuma Castle and Tuzigoot—are contained within the valley, both protecting ancient architecture.
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Attractions
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No matter how much time you have in the Verde Valley, you can’t see everything. With clusters of natural wonders in every direction, it’s difficult to pin down a specific list of attractions, but here are just a few ideas...
? African Wildlife in the Verde Valley: Out of Africa Wildlife Park
? Blazin'M Ranch: Old western town replica with dinner show
? Chapel of the Holy Cross: An Architectural and spiritual wonder
? Crescent Moon Ranch: The most scenic picnic area
? Cliff Castle Casino: Voted Arizona's favorite casino 9 years in a row
? Fort Verde State Historic Park: Best preserved Indian Wars period fort in Arizona
? Honanki & Palatki Heritage Sites: Cliff dwelling and rock art sites
? Jerome State Historic Park: Historic Mining Mansion
? Montezuma Castle National Monument: five-level, 20 room cliff dwelling
? Montezuma Well: a flooded limestone sink hole
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Transportation |
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The Verde Valley has several public transportation options for residents and visitors.
Verde Lynx - http://cottonwoodaz.gov/cat-verde_lynx.php
This service connects central Cottonwood with the major employers in Sedona along 89A and northern portions of SR 179.
Hours of Operation - Service 7 Days-a-Week
- Monday - Saturday Service: 6:00 AM - 7:15 PM
- Sunday Service: 7:30 AM- 6:00 PM
Expanded commuter service between Cottonwood and Sedona.
Free Park & Ride facilities at Garrison Park in Cottonwood and the Sedona Municipal Lot in Sedona.
Riders can use Verde Lynx's sister service in Cottonwood (CAT) to connect to Verde Lynx.
For Verde Lynx schedule or more information, call (928) 282-0938
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Climate |
Monthly Temperatures / Rainfall
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| Month
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Low
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Avg
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High
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Rain |
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January
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15.7
F°
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25.4
F°
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35.0
F°
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4.2
"
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February
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18.2
F°
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28.1
F°
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38.0
F°
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3.3
"
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March
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26.6
F°
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36.7
F°
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46.8
F°
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4.2
"
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April
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35.8
F°
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46.9
F°
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58.0
F°
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4.0
"
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May
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45.8
F°
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57.6
F°
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69.4
F°
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3.8
"
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June
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54.7
F°
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66.1
F°
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77.5
F°
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3.6
"
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July
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60.3
F°
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71.5
F°
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82.7
F°
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3.8
"
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August
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58.9
F°
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69.8
F°
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80.7
F°
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3.5
"
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September
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50.2
F°
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61.3
F°
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72.4
F°
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3.8
"
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October
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39.0
F°
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50.4
F°
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61.7
F°
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4.1
"
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November
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31.2
F°
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41.0
F°
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50.7
F°
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4.4
"
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December
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21.5
F°
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30.6
F°
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39.6
F°
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4.1
"
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Best Time To Go:
Spring and fall.
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Weather in the great southwest is famous for being unpredictable and extreme. Arizona weather is no exception with its spectacular summer monsoon and thunder storms. At an altitude of 4500 feet above sea level, the Verde Valley is not too hot and not too cold... it is just right. The region receives approximately 18 inches of rain (most during the summer monsoon) and 3.5 inches of snow annually, making it ideal for vacationers.
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Accommodations |
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The Verde Valley boasts all levels of accommodation.
Luxury hotels are furnished with stress-swallowing beds swaddled in sheets with a thread count so high you’ll feel wonderful when you finally turn in after a full day of golf, tennis, biking or hiking. Spa treatments, guest-oriented staff and exquisite dining are all designed for maximum pampering. Styles range from Southwestern haciendas to Native American pueblos to a French country inn.
Sedona and the surrounding areas could very well be the bed and breakfast capital of Arizona. Something about the beautiful setting inspires innkeepers to create little masterpieces of lodging. You’ll find romantic settings with fireplaces and private hot tubs, architectural flourishes, unique décor and those artistic, personal touches that make it feel like you’re staying at the elegant home of dear friends.
If you want to get clear of town, comfortable cabins nestle in the forests of Oak Creek Canyon. Perched in the shadow of soaring cliff walls or overlooking the tumbling stream, the rustic cottages make an idyllic getaway.
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Costs |
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Additional Information
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Visitor Information
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Overview,
Things To Do,
Transportation,
Climate,
Accommodations,
Cost
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