From the river to the rails, Clarkdale shines like a true Arizona gem teeming with world-class attractions. Nestled in the stunning Verde Valley of North-Central Arizona, Clarkdale is the perfect hub for your next Arizona experience.
Sedona is often defined by its roaring red rock landscape, vibrant atmosphere, and being a haven for adventurers. It is noted for its excellent outdoor recreation and is one of the scenic Arizona towns near beautiful hiking trails which attract many avid explorers to the area making it one of the top places for scenic hikes in Arizona.
With a lot to offer, Sedona has some of Arizona’s best national parks near it. It is far from a hidden gem and welcomes around three million people annually—an astounding number. However, just a stone’s throw from this popular city is a lesser-known town with just as much to offer. And the best part is, you won’t find hoards of visitors there.
Instead, Clarkdale provides a quieter alternative to its neighbor Sedona with plenty of river-based activities, glorious surroundings, and a rich history to discover. For those seeking an escape to the less hectic parts of Arizona, Clarkdale may be the perfect option.
Close but, oh, so far away
Just a short drive away
Clarkdale—a historic copper smelting town—lies only 23 miles west of Sedona on AZ 89A.
The town was built by Senator William A. Clark of New York.
Clark was a copper magnate (dubbed “America’s Copper King”), a railroad baron, and one of the richest men in the US in the late 1800s.
He bought the United Verde Copper Company in nearby Jerome in 1888. In 1912 he decided to change his mining techniques and moved the smelting operation further downhill.
He built one of the first “master-planned” company towns in Arizona—a town where his workers and their families would live, a town that included a business district, a hospital, schools, and the all-important town park. A town he named after himself.
The rise and fall of Clarkdale’s master plan
First master-planned community in the state
In 1912, Clarkdale was the most modern city in Arizona. It had running water, electricity—and even a sewer system (unusual at that time).
With copper smelting in its heyday, Clarkdale bustled —5,526 people lived and worked there.
Then, 13 years later, in 1925, Mr. Clark died at the ripe old age of 86.
Soon Clark’s male heirs died one after another—heart attack, pneumonia, plane accident. Within 10 years, only the Clark women were left to run the business.
But they weren’t interested.
So the Clark women sold the company and the town for $20.8 million and left for greener pastures.
Slowly, smelting operations slowed down and the smelter closed in 1953. And the people began to leave.
By 1970, the US Federal Census counted only 892 people in Clarkdale.
Today, Clarkdale is a sleepy little town full of artists and retirees which brings me back to why you should hang out in Clarkdale instead of Sedona.
According to the barista at Violette’s, Clarkdale is “a small town with a Mayberry RFD feel.”
It’s where life is simpler and time moves slower with unique lodging and small-town prices.
In Sedona, lodging prices are outrageous.
But in today’s world of AirBnB and VRBO, you have a variety of choices for where to lay your head in Clarkdale.
The Clarkdale Lodge, The Mescal Canyon Retreat, and The Arizona Lighthouse are just several options that receive excellent reviews—all for reasonable prices. Skip the chain hotels. Enjoy a unique experience for less money.
For camping check out the nearby Dead Horse Ranch State Park with over 100 large RV sites available. Most of the pull-through sites can accommodate 40-foot motorhomes and truck and trailer rigs up to 65 feet and include potable water and 30/50-amp service.
Overlooking Tuzigoot National Monument and Verde River, Rain Spirit RV Resort is a new park with 63 full-service sites including 30/50-amp electric service, cable TV, and internet.
Sit back and enjoy your meal
Scenic views and upscale casual dining
While Clarkdale may not be a “foodie’s” destination, you certainly won’t go hungry.
Hungry for American grub? Scott’s Main Street Cafe is the place to go.
Violette’s, the coffeeshop and cafe set in an old caboose is a great breakfast or early lunch spot. And they offer vegan options.
The town’s general store, Clarkdale Market, has a small cafe. They serve up breakfast burritos, hamburgers, fudge—you get the idea.
You can sit in the small inside dining area at one of the sidewalk tables just outside the market or meander to the park to commune with nature.
What’s there to do in Clarkdale?
A variety of activities that blend history, nature, and local culture
When I asked the barista at Violette’s coffee shop in Cottonwood that question, she suggested I check out the town park. So I did.
With its green and white bandstand, Town Park is still the center of the town.
The soft grass invites you to stop and stretch your legs. And the playground is a perfect place to let kids run off their energy.
You can grab some grub at Violette’s caboose (like I did) or at Clarkdale Market and enjoy a leisurely picnic under the leafy trees.
You might even sit and have a chat with the local police officer, Mayberry RFD-style. He may not be Andy or Barney but, according to the barista, he’ll be friendly and willing to talk.
And, if the night life is your thing, 10–12 has you covered. A recently renovated upscale bar and lounge they sport an outdoor patio with live entertainment.
Clarkdale museums—nothing to sneeze at
Reflecting its rich history and cultural heritage
I’m a big fan of museums. When I travel, I check out at least one or two.
And for a small town, Clarkdale has three good ones. Don’t be fooled by size; it’s quality that matters.
The Arizona Copper Art Museum
The Arizona Copper Art Museum won the Arizona Governor’s Tourism Award in 2014.
Housed in the renovated high school (built in 1928), the museum is the brainchild of Pat Meinke and her son Drake who are both passionate about copper. They search the world for pieces to place in the museum.
With over 5,000 artifacts, hundreds dating to the 1500–1800’s, the museum is well organized into themes. Each classroom showcases pieces correlating to a particular theme—information, military art, kitchenware, art and architecture, religion, distillery and winery.
The room filled with WWI trench is fascinating. Who knew shell casings that destroyed so much could be so beautiful? Or that the young men serving in the Great War were so talented?
The museum is open daily 10 am-4:30 pm.
How much does it cost to tour the Arizona Copper Art Museum?
- Adults, $11; seniors (60+), veterans and students (with ID), $10; youth (10–17), $5; children (5–9), $3
It’s a great way to spend 2–3 hours especially during a hot afternoon.
The Clarkdale Historical Society Museum
This museum presents a nice collection of historical information about the town, the Clark family, and the mining operation.
The building was originally built as a medical clinic during the 1918 Influenza Pandemic. The clinic closed in the early 1950s.
The police department was once located in the basement where somebody decided the boiler room was a perfect spot for the jail. No coddling prisoners in this town.
The museum is open Fridays and Saturdays from 11am-3 pm and also by appointment.
How much does it cost to tour the Clarkdale Historical Society Museum?
Another great place to meander for a couple of hours, the Clarkdale Historical Society Museum is FREE!
The John Bell Railroad Museum
This renovated old boxcar showcases the history of Verde Canyon Railroad as well as the nearby towns and ranches..
How much does it cost to tour the John Bell Railroad Museum?
The John Bell Railroad Museum sits next to the outdoor cafe at the Verde Canyon train station. It’s FREE and open daily 8 am-5 pm.
Enough with museums —what else is there to do?
Beyond museums, Clarkdale offers plenty of engaging outdoor and recreational activities
Verde Canyon Railroad
Speaking of Verde Canyon train station, the Verde Canyon Railroad starts in—you guessed it—Clarkdale. The four-hour train tour of Arizona’s backcountry from Clarkdale to Perkinsville is a highlight when visiting Verde Valley.
The journey takes passengers through 110 years of history while showcasing some of the most iconic vistas for which Arizona is famous.
The train ride costs $139 per person and should be booked well in advance as this is one of the most popular attractions often sold out.
Tavasci Marsh
Arizona’s largest freshwater marsh is certainly a top attraction for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. This is a natural wonder that not only provides crucial resources for the local wildlife but the indigenous Sinagua people also rely heavily on this marsh for day-to-day needs.
This is an important bird habitat in which over 245 species can be observed plus there is an easy one-mile loop trail to ensure visitors can see each perspective of the marsh and its inhabitants.
Tuzigoot National Monument
This is a great place to see a pueblo ruin and discover the history of the area’s Sinagua people making it a must for cultural enthusiasts.
Since this is also the location of the Tavasci Marsh visitors can experience both from this location.
Note: The entrance fee is $10 per person.
Sycamore Canyon Wilderness
Sycamore Canyon Wilderness encompasses the second-largest canyon in the state’s red rock country and is a spectacular sight to behold.
Where 11 miles of hiking trails offer access to stunning canyons, waterfalls, and wildlife this is a 50,000-acre paradise for outdoor enthusiasts as well as photographers.
Tuzigoot National Monument, one of the largest pueblos built by the Sinagua is also in Clarkdale.
Don’t guzzle gas—save some dough
Enjoy the sights and towns nearby Clarkdale
If your travel plans include exploring the surrounding Verde Valley, Clarkdale is closer to many of the area attractions than Sedona.
- Out of Africa Wildlife Park (Clarkdale: 16 miles; Sedona: 29)
- Montezuma Castle and Well (Clarkdale: 23 miles; Sedona: 35)
- Jerome (Clarkdale: 5 miles; Sedona: 28)
- Cottonwood (Clarkdale: 4 miles; Sedona: 19)
- Fort Verde State Historic Park (Clarkdale: 21 miles; Sedona: 27)
And if you’re into hiking, there are numerous trails all over Verde Valley.
So, if you’re tired of traffic, crowds, and over-priced bauble hawkers, if you want to avoid the hustle and bustle of the masses, and iIf you want a better way to explore Verde Valley—visit Clarkdale— a simpler, slower, quieter town.
A little off the beaten path with plenty to see and do. And, to experience Sedona, make it a day-trip—it’s only 30 minutes away!
Please note: This article was first published October 2025. Articles apply to the date they were written. Please refer to current information for quickly changing subjects.
Worth Pondering…
The trip across Arizona is just one oasis after another. You can just throw anything out and it will grow there.
—Will Rogers