Verde Canyon Railroad - RVing with Rex

Swap Sedona for Arizona’s Most Underrated Alternative Town Nearby

Close but, oh, so far away

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.

Clarkdale *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

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.

Violette’s Bakery & Cafe, Clarkdale *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

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.

Arizona Copper Art Museum, Clarkdale *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

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.

Clarkdale Park *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

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 Railway *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

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

Clarkdale is a Quieter, Underrated Alternative to Sedona

Clarkdale shines like a true Arizona gem teeming with world-class attractions. Skip the crowds and get right to the heart of red rock country in Clarkdale, Arizona.

Clarkdale is a nearby town that offers a peaceful retreat from the highly touristy town of Sedona.

Clarkdale may be located 23 miles from Sedona but its diverse atmosphere sets them worlds apart. Noted for its spiritual energy, Sedona’s vortex hikes have many healing walks to embark on. But Clarkdale offers a completely different vibe.

Clarkdale is known as ‘The Gem of Arizona.’ Often overshadowed by its neighbor, Clarkdale offers a low-key yet adventurous experience for visitors seeking an alternative to Sedona.

With a naturally scenic landscape to discover and the Verde River at its fingertips, this quaint, historic town promises a relaxed escape from the hustle and bustle of Sedona.

Skipping the crowds never looked so appealing giving Clarkdale an abundance of world-class attractions you won’t need to stand in line to see. Here, you can get right into the heart of Red Rock country and embark on calming activities like kayaking and canoeing along the river which promises to induce tranquility.

If that isn’t enough, Clarkdale appeals to history buffs as they discover many historical sites and nature lovers who have access to miles of hiking trails to truly connect with the surrounding nature. You can easily visit Clarkdale as part of a stop-off en route to Sedona or spend a few days in the town to take it all in.

Clarkdale, an underrated alternative to Sedona with plenty to experience

From miles of incredible hiking trails to awe-inspiring natural attractions, Clarkdale will pleasantly surprise visitors.

Clarkdale has so much to see and experience that it’s hard for visitors to know where to begin. From cultural attractions to outdoor recreation, this charming Arizona town caters to everyone with a sense of adventure.

Tavasci Marsh

Designated an ‘important birding area’ by the Audubon Society, Tavasci Marsh occupies a placid strip of green bounded by Tuzigoot National Monument, Dead Horse Ranch State Park, and the Verde River Greenway State Natural Area. The 96-acre, spring-fed wetland hosts a colorful cocktail of winged creatures chipping among reeds, roosting, wading, or gliding over the waters in feathered flotillas.

It’s not necessary to be a birding expert to spot some of the more than 245 species that call the marsh home for all or part of the year. Sightings of red-winged blackbirds, cardinals, wood ducks, and ospreys are almost a given. A pair of binoculars (and a substantial dose of patience) will aid in scoping out the more elusive lesser nighthawks and peregrine falcons.

If you’re lucky, you might also spot river otters and beavers where the marsh drains into the Verde River.

Access is via a free parking area near Tuzigoot or at the state park. Both entry points funnel hikers into a network of trails that wind among enormous cottonwood trees and through mesquite forests, cattail-choked bogs, sandy flood plains. and riparian corridors.

Tuzigoot National Monument

Tuzigoot and other Ancestral Pueblos along the Verde River were home to indigenous peoples for hundreds of years. The Sinagua people built this pueblo site more than 1,000 years ago and formed an agricultural community that thrived along the Verde River. Explore this restored pueblo site and discover a once-vital trade route with cultural connections to indigenous communities from hundreds of miles away.

The on-site museum at Tuzigoot National Monument features exhibits that reveal the lifestyle of Sinagua people. An impressive collection of pottery, textiles, and tools collected from the pueblo site and other archaeological sites in the area give clues to how the original inhabitants tamed this rugged area and cultivated crops by diverting river water.

Learn how the site became one of the largest prehistoric villages in the area and discover why indigenous people ultimately left the area in the 1300s. Several trails wind around and inside the pueblo with informative history lessons along the way.

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.

Arizona Copper Art Museum

This is the place to learn all about the history of copper in Arizona. It invites visitors to check out its over 5,000 copper artifacts and visitors can learn why Arizona is nicknamed the Copper State.

These amazing galleries and exhibits are truly fascinating and are a must-see for history lovers visiting Red Rock country.

Arizona’s Copper Art Museum traces its roots back to 1919 and an antique shop in Northern Minnesota whose collection grew so big a more permanent home was needed. Clarkdale, a former company town built by “America’s Copper King,” Senator W. A. Clark, was chosen as the new home for the museum’s collection of copper art and artifacts. Exhibits and collections are divided into six categories: information, military art, architecture, kitchenware, drink ware, and distillery and winery with an emphasis on American and European works-of-art from the 16th to the 21st century.

Note: The entrance fee is $11 per person; seniors, veterans, and students $10

Verde River

The Verde is one of Arizona’s last free-flowing rivers carving a riparian oasis out of arid uplands. The extremely rare Fremont cottonwood/Goodding’s willow forest that lines the banks provides a home for more than 200 species of birds and large populations of river otters, beavers, muskrats, and plenty of other wildlife.

There are two public River Access Points (RAP) to the Verde River in Clarkdale. These can be used for hiking, bird watching, fishing, picnicking, photography, canoeing. and kayaking.

The Lower TAPCO RAP provides access to a beautiful section of the Verde River corridor.

Note: Visitors should note that this is a day-use area only open from dawn to dusk and no camping or overnight parking is permitted.

The Tuzigoot RAP is located on Arizona State Park property and is part of the Verde River Greenway State Natural Area.

Verde Canyon Railway

One of the best things to do in Clarkdale is to take a trip on Arizona’s most beautiful train and embark on a rail journey through the spectacular and grand scenery of Verde Canyon via the Verde Canyon Railway which is a fantastic experience.

The four-hour nature ride on Verde Canyon Railroad into Arizona’s other “grand canyon” is an unforgettable adventure. Captivating panoramic views are revealed in every direction. Take advantage of the outdoor viewing platforms while enjoying the canyon sun and cocktails served from the train’s onboard bar.

This historic railroad trip, Arizona’s longest-running nature show connects Clarkdale with Perkinsville and the round trip takes around four hours. The journey takes passengers through 110 years of history while presenting you with 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.

Mingus Lake

A small lake located in the cool pines of Mingus Mountain, Mingus Lake is periodically stocked with rainbow trout. There are limited facilities on site but visitors can access a basic bathroom, picnic tables, and a shelter. Bring your own drinking water.

Entrance fee: $5 per vehicle
Open Season: May 1-October 31 (Remains open later as weather permits but with no garbage service during winter)
Directions: Between Prescott Valley and Jerome on Highway 89A, turn on Forest Road 104 (at Summit Picnic Site). Follow dirt road for approximately 2 miles. Watch for the lake on your right.

Best time to visit Clarkdale, Arizona

While the summer in Clarkdale can often be too hot, spring and fall make great seasons to visit this charming Arizona town.

Clarkdale is known to be Arizona’s first planned community and is located just 30 minutes from bustling Sedona which attracts most of the tourists. Clarkdale and surrounding areas are known for their stunning natural attractions and outdoor activities so the best time to visit this area is when the weather is mild and it is comfortable to go out and explore.

The summer and fall are when most events occur such as concerts in the town park, block parties, and other free events. However, spring is when the Verde Valley Wine Festival comes to town.

It is safe to say that there is no wrong time to visit Clarkdale since there is always something happening but since some events and attractions are seasonal, it is wise to visit in April, October, or May when attractions are open and the weather is not too hot or too cold.

Summer high: 100°F
Winter low: 28°F
Days of sunshine per year: 275 (The national average is 205)
Rain: 14 inches (The national average is 38)

Camping at Dead Horse Ranch State Park *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Where to camp in Clarkdale?

Rain Spirit RV Resort

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. Amenities include private restroom/showers, fitness room, laundry facilities, recreation room, library lounge, pool and spa, and dog run.

Dead Horse Ranch State Park

There are more than 100 large RV sites available in the campgrounds and on the doorstep of outdoor adventure. 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. Generators are prohibited.

Why Clarkdale?

The charming and small town of Clarkdale is a quieter alternative to Sedona and is an ideal place to visit if you want to escape the crowds. While Sedona is a popular choice for those visiting the stunning Verde Valley, Clarkdale remains a low-key option which many often skip.

However, by skipping Sedona and visiting Clarkdale instead you can enjoy a tranquil environment, an abundance of calming outdoor activities, and this underrated Arizona town’s rich history and culture.

Worth Pondering…

The Arizona desert takes hold of a man’s mind and shakes it.

—David W. Toll

The Complete Guide to Clarkdale, Arizona

From the river to the rails, Clarkdale abounds with awe-inspiring landscapes and small town charm that will make your visit unforgettable

Nestled in the stunning Verde Valley of north-central Arizona, the town of Clarkdale shines like a true Arizona gem teeming with world-class attractions. Skip the crowds and plan for a true Arizona adventure in red rock country.

History of Clarkdale

Prior to the arrival of European settlers, the area that is now Clarkdale was inhabited by early Indigenous peoples including the Southern Sinagua.

In 1912, William A. Clark founded the town of Clarkdale as a model company town for his United Verde Copper Company Smelter and employees.

The United Verde Copper Company’s Smelter was the main economic engine of Clarkdale. The company operated a large copper mine in the nearby town of Jerome and built a smelter in Clarkdale to process the copper ore. The smelter operated more than 45 years providing jobs and economic growth for the town.

Clark died in 1925. In 1929 copper prices fell sharply and continued to fall resulting in the complete shutdown of the mine and smelter in 1931. In 1935 mining and smelting resumed and the United Verde was sold to the Phelps Dodge Corporation.

In the late 1940s, the minable copper in Jerome began to run out. Phelps Dodge closed the United Verde Copper Company mine and smelter in 1951 and many residents left the town to find work at other Phelps Dodge holdings in Arizona.

Clarkdale had been incorporated in 1957 and was on the rebound with the opening of the Phoenix Cement Plant which was built to supply cement for Northern Arizona’s Glen Canyon Dam. The empty homes left behind by smelter workers were sold to retirees and a new generation of families employed by the cement plant and cement transport business.

Outdoor attractions

Today, Clarkdale is known for the Verde Canyon Railroad, Tuzigoot National Monument, outdoor recreational opportunities, well-preserved historic homes and buildings, and small-town charm.

Verde Canyon Railroad

Hop aboard the historic Verde Canyon Railroad to take in a different perspective of the river and canyon. A sight seeing adventure through rugged terrain featuring red rock pinnacles and flowing water through an unspoiled canyon will leave you breathless. The renovated vintage train provides comfortable seating with access to open-air viewing cars for a more intimate look at the breathtaking scenery and fresh canyon air.

The four-hour nature ride on Verde Canyon Railroad into Arizona’s other Grand Canyon is an unforgettable adventure. Captivating panoramic views are revealed in every direction. Take advantage of the outdoor viewing platforms while enjoying the canyon sun.

Tuzigoot National Monument

Just two miles from the center of downtown Clarkdale is Tuzigoot National Monument where you can explore the legacy of ancient peoples in an ancient 110-room hilltop pueblo. The monument sits high atop the Verde Valley and is a striking piece of history that still stands strong. Discover endless views of varying desert habitats and learn about the Sinaguan people and see a collection of artifacts at the museum.

Tavasci Marsh

A part of Tuzigoot National Monument designated as an Audobon Important Birding Area, Tavasci Marsh is one-of-a-kind birding and hiking experience. The marsh itself is quite large and you can hike around approximately 2/3 of it with no trouble at all. It varies from tall grass/reed marsh to Cottonwood stands.

Birds you might see in the area include Bell’s Vireo, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Belted Kingfisher, Brewer’s Sparrow, Clapper Rail, and the Cordilleran Flycatcher.

Clarkdale Historic District *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Verde River

Two easy access points to the Verde River makes activities on and along the river one of Clarkdale’s biggest draws. As one of the last perennial flowing rivers in Arizona it is a treasured desert riparian habitat. Kayaking, canoeing, fly fishing, picnicking, birding, and hiking all provide fun experiences for the whole family.

Sycamore Canyon

For those who want to venture further into the wild, Clarkdale is the gateway to Sycamore Canyon. The 21-mile long scenic canyon reaches a maximum width of about 7 miles. For those who really want to get away from it all, the wilderness provides a tranquil setting for nature lovers, citizen scientists, and birders.

To enter Sycamore Canyon follow Sycamore Canyon Road north from town. The wilderness area encompasses the second largest canyon in Arizona’s red rock country. A lesser known but equally scenic cousin of Oak Creek Canyon, Sycamore Canyon Wilderness contains more than 50,000 acres of colorful cliffs, soaring pinnacles, and one of the world’s rarest habitats, a desert riparian area.

Hiking

AllTrails has selected 13 of the best scenic trails in the Clarkdale area. Enjoy hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you. Explore one of six easy hiking trails in Clarkdale or discover kid-friendly routes for your next family trip. Check out some trails with historic sights or adventure through the nature areas surrounding Clarkdale that are perfect for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts at any skill level.

Cultural attractions

Arizona Copper Art Museum

Follow the story of copper around the world and back again at the Arizona Copper Art Museum in downtown Clarkdale. Long before copper was used to power our modern world it had many uses as the world’s most beautiful metal. This one-of-a-kind museum combines history and artifacts into truly dazzling displays; you won’t look at copper the same again after visiting.

Featuring exhibits of copper art and collections for study which were made by coppersmiths, soldier artists, and braziers many of whom were masters in their trade. Artifacts displayed have an emphasis on American and European works-of-art from the 16th to 21st century.

The affinities and history of copper is also featured and is very fascinating bringing forth forgotten stories, legends, and mysteries. The museum’s collection is the largest return of copper back to both Clarkdale and the Copper State.

Town Park

The history and charm of downtown Clarkdale is not just for the nostalgic as it is a thriving community filled with growing families and retirees. The local block parties showcase the spirit that living in Clarkdale inspires. The town park with its iconic gazebo is the perfect setting for festivals, free summer concerts, and seasonal celebrations where visitors can join in the activities.

Clarkdale Historic District

The well preserved Main Street and residential areas are noteworthy to history and architecture buffs. Clarkdale also boasts 387 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. Strolling through the historic townsite you will be inspired by the bungalows and cottages that are lovingly kept. To dive deeper into this important copper mining smelter town, a visit to the Clarkdale Historical Society will bring the town’s dynamic past to life.

The Clarkdale Historic District was added to the National Registrar in 1998. The district includes 50 blocks of the original town site founded in 1912. Clarkdale is one of the first master-planned communities in Arizona built to provide housing and amenities for employees of the copper mines in Jerome and the newly constructed smelter in Clarkdale. Today, these historic buildings anchor a vibrant downtown and house an eclectic mix of businesses.

Smelter Town Brewery *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Wine + Dine

Verde Valley Wine Region

Uncork something delicious at one of Clarkdale’s growing and acclaimed wineries and breweries. Situated right in the heart of the Verde Valley Wine Region, Clarkdale is a hidden gem offering delectable wines not to be missed. A few dedicated eateries serve up a variety of options ranging from a classic french patisserie to a casual Main Street cafe to Mexican fare.

The Southwest Wine Center at Yavapai College is a premier wine industry and community resource offering a comprehensive hands-on education from vineyard-to-bottle with programs in enology, viticulture, and business/entrepreneurship.

Smelter Town Brewery

Smelter Town Brewery serves up finely crafted beers, brewed on-site. With each innovative beer poured, Smelter Town Brewery remembers the commitment, creativity, and passion that goes into the craftsmanship of brewing. Located in the same building as the Park Hotel, this brewery offers a great atmosphere, knowledgable staff, and live music.

Violette’s Bakery Cafe *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Violette’s Bakery Café

Violette’s Bakery Café is the finest little French bakery in the Verde Valley. Here you will find the best French pastries outside of Europe. Get your croissant and coffee fix and check out the beautiful daily breakfast, brunch and lunch specials served all day in this outdoor cafe. Serving up classics such as Croque Monsieur, crepes, baguettes, and Belgian waffle sandwiches there’s something to delight every palette here.

Regional Attractions

National and state parks, monuments, and wilderness areas are all within an easy driving distance of Clarkdale.

Montezuma Castle National Monument

Located 34 minutes southeast of Clarkdale and established December 8, 1906, Montezuma Castle is the third National Monument dedicated to preserving Native American culture. This 20 room high-rise apartment, nestled into a towering limestone cliff, tells a story of ingenuity, survival and ultimately, prosperity in an unforgiving desert landscape. Admission into Tuzigoot will also get you into this National Monument on the same ticket.

Red Rock State Park

Located 29 minutes northeast of Clarkdale, Red Rock State Park is a 286 acre nature preserve and environmental education center with stunning scenery. Trails throughout the park wind through manzanita and juniper to reach the rich banks of Oak Creek. Green meadows are framed by native vegetation and hills of red rock. The creek meanders through the park, creating a diverse riparian habitat abounding with plants and wildlife. This riparian habitat provides the setting and the opportunity for the park to offer a focus on environmental education.

Dead Horse Ranch State Park

Located 10 minutes southeast of Clarkdale, a scenic park that belies its ominous name and is best known for bird watching, camping, canoeing, hiking, and horseback riding. Dead Horse Ranch State Park is located adjacent to and across the Verde River from the community of Cottonwood.

Old Town Cottonwood

Located 5 minutes southeast, Old Town Cottonwood is located in the heart of the Verde Valley Wine Country and known for its Main Street with over 60 businesses including wine and spirit tasting rooms, cafes and restaurants, shopping, historic and natural attractions.

Jerome

Located 12 minutes to the southwest, Clarkdale’s sister town of Jerome is a popular tourist and artist hub with a population of around 450 people. Jerome resides above what was once the largest copper mine in Arizona which was producing an astonishing 3 million pounds of copper per month. Today the mines may be silent but Jerome has found new life as the largest ghost town in America.

Sedona

Located 33 minutes northeast of Clarkdale, Sedona is known worldwide for its colorful, surreal red rock formations which you can explore via Jeep tours or hiking. You’ll hear about the five vortexes—areas in the red rocks that are said to possess increased electric and magnetic energy and that can imbue calming and euphoric feelings in people who visit the sites. The stone ruins and petroglyphs left by the Sinagua people between 1100-1400 show Anglos were far from the first to settle here in 1876.

Shoppers delight in the many local boutiques and art galleries in town and anglers rave about the challenging trout in upper Oak Creek. Located 40 minutes northeast of Clarkdale, Oak Creek Canyon is is a spectacular 16-mile gorge with streams and waterfalls between sheer rock walls.

Fort Verde State Historic Park

Located 35 minutes to the southeast of Clarkdale, Fort Verde State Historic Park is where you can experience life through the eyes of a frontier soldier. The park is the best-preserved example of an Indian Wars period fort in Arizona.

Today visitors can experience three historic house museums all furnished in the 1880s period that are listed on the National and State Register of Historic Places. Visit the Visitor Center with interpretive exhibits, period artifacts from military life, and history on the Indian Scouts and Indian Wars era.

Camping

Rain Spirit RV Resort

Rain Spirit RV Resort offers spectacular views of Tuzigoot, the Verde River, Jerome, Sycamore Canyon, and the Verde Canyon Railroad Train. Rain Spirit features 63 sites, big rigs are welcome, setting up a motorhome or trailer is easy with wide paved roads.

Dive in deeper with these helpful resources:

Worth Pondering…

To my mind these live oak-dotted hills fat with side oats grama, these pine-clad mesas spangled with flowers, these lazy trout streams burbling along under great sycamores and cottonwoods, come near to being the cream of creation.

—Aldo Leopold, 1937

Memorial Day 2024: Best Arizona Road Trips for the Long Holiday Weekend

Each year, the summer road trip season kicks off with Memorial Day weekend

Memorial Day weekend changes things. The calendar claims that weeks of spring still remain on the books. But for all intents and purposes, it’s hello, summer. The holiday also provides a chance to get out of town for a wonderful stretch.

While backyard barbecues and pool parties are great, there’s a whole lot of Arizona just waiting for you. Take this opportunity to head someplace cool or wet or both. For a few glorious days, you can refresh and recharge. Now you’re ready to face the summer. At least until the July 4 break.

Here are some of Arizona’s best Memorial Day getaways.

Old Town Cottonwood *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Verde Valley adventure: Tigers, a zip line and a historic train ride

Cottonwood and the Verde Valley are your destinations for an action-packed holiday weekend.

Nestled in the high desert of Camp Verde, Out of Africa Wildlife Park provides sanctuary for hundreds of exotic animals and features dozens of large predators. The preserve spreads across 100 acres of rolling terrain. Tiger Splash is the signature show. There is no training and no tricks.

The daily program is spontaneous, just animals frolicking with their caretakers. Visitors can also take a narrated African Bush Safari and attend the Giant Snake Show.

Outside the park is Predator Zip Line which offers a two- to three-hour zip line tour across five lines and a suspension bridge high above the animals. Tours are $99.95; you can save $10 by booking online.

For a ground-based journey, climb aboard the Verde Canyon Railroad and rumble into scenic backcountry. The train departs from the station in Clarkdale and travels into a high-walled canyon carved by the Verde River and lined by cottonwood trees. Such a rich riparian habitat lures a variety of wildlife, notably eagle, hawk, heron, mule deer, javelina, coyote, and beaver.

By the way, I have a series of posts on the Verde Valley:

Verde Canyon Railroad *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Celebrate Wupatki National Monument’s centennial

On the quiet prairie northeast of Flagstaff the pueblos of Wupatki National Monument rise like red-boned ghosts above swaying grasses.

The eruption of Sunset Crater in 1085 covered the dry basin with volcanic ash and cinders creating arable terrain. Soon afterward, Ancestral Puebloans moved in and built the freestanding dwellings that appear almost as natural rock formations.

This year Wupatki celebrates its centennial as a national monument. Short pathways lead to up-close encounters with a handful of these ancient structures. Behind the visitor center, a paved trail leads to Wupatki Pueblo, the largest dwelling in the park. The sprawling three-story ruin contains nearly 100 rooms and straddles an outcropping of sandstone.

Admission is $25 per vehicle and covers both Wupatki and Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, connected by a scenic road.

Tackle the Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course

After your visit to Wupatki and Sunset Crater, you’ll have the rest of the weekend to experience Arizona’s summer capital. Why not sample the tree-top thrills of Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course at Fort Tuthill County Park?

Conquer rope swings, climbing walls, hanging nets, wobbly bridges, and ziplines. There are multiple circuits on the adult playground plus a course designed for children ages 7-11. Adult course costs $60 as does the zipline adventure or combine the two for $99. Children’s course is $30.

Ax throwing and laser tag in Flagstaff

If you prefer indoor activities, FlagTagAZ offers ax and knife throwing, laser tag, darts, arcade games, and more. They also serve beer, wine, and mead in their pizza café.

Flagstaff Brewery Trail

Speaking of beer, there’s something supremely satisfying about a day spent walking around Flagstaff’s historic downtown and Southside neighborhoods with their eclectic collections of shops, galleries, restaurants and, yes, craft breweries.

There are eight breweries to be exact, all waiting to quench your thirst with a cold craft beer. You can download a digital passport and score a free commemorative pint glass.

Canyon de Chelly National Monument *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

You really should see Canyon de Chelly. Here’s how.

At Canyon de Chelly National Monument in northeastern Arizona, sheer cliffs plunge hundreds of feet to lush bottomlands lined with crops, pastures, and cottonwood trees.

It’s a staggering blend of high drama and pastoral beauty. The scenic canyon shelters thousands of archaeological sites while dozens of Navajo families still live and farm there during warmer months.

Take one day to travel the rim drives for the stunning vistas. The North Rim Drive is 17 miles with three overlooks at prominent cliff dwellings and is best in the morning. The South Rim Drive is 19 miles with seven viewpoints is even more spectacular and is especially exquisite when afternoon light floods the canyon.

Then take another day to explore the inner canyon with a Navajo guide. Private operators offer jeep, horseback, or hiking outings. Park admission is free; there are fees for tours.

Tours also leave daily from Thunderbird Lodge within the park.

Navajo Nation Parks & Recreation also manages Cottonwood Campground near the Canyon de Chelly visitor center. The campground has grills, picnic tables, and restrooms. No showers or hookups are available. Maximum RV length is 40 feet.

Here are some helpful resources:

Fool Hollow Lake: Fish, hike, or take a swim

Nestled in the pines outside of Show Low, 149-acre Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area contains one of the loveliest bodies of water in the White Mountains which is high praise indeed. There’s big open water and isolated coves, quiet marshes, and long channels.

This is the kind of lake that makes you want to jump in a kayak and go exploring. Fortunately, you can. Canoe, kayak, and paddleboard rentals are available from J&T’s WildLife Outdoors at the east boat launch ramp. They also offer a guided pontoon boat tour. You can learn about Adair, the town submerged beneath the water.

Landlubbers can hike the 1.5-mile trail running along the edge of the lake. Anglers try their luck landing rainbow trout, bass, walleye, northern pike, and more. And yes, swimming is permitted. Fool Hollow also has campsites for tents and RVs. Park admission is $7 per vehicle Mondays-Thursdays and $10 per vehicle Fridays-Sundays and on holidays.

Prescott Courthouse Plaza *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Explore art shows in Prescott

When artists display their work on the big grassy lawn of Prescott’s Courthouse Plaza, you know summer has arrived. Spend a day browsing, listening to music, and enjoying the mild temperatures.

The Phippen Museum holds its popular Western Art Show and Sale on the plaza May 25-27. More than 100 artists will have booths set up beneath the big elm trees. Hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday. A Quick Draw Challenge will happen on the north steps of the courthouse from 2-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

With a little planning, you can double your art show fun in Prescott. The Prescott OffStreet Festival is May 25-26 at its new home, Pine Ridge Marketplace, formerly the Gateway Mall. There will be fine art, photography, handmade crafts, and food. The fun starts at 9 a.m. both days and ends at 5 p.m. on Saturday, and 4 p.m. on Sunday.

Scenic drive: Traverse more than 460 curves on the Coronado Trail

A segment of U.S. 191, the Coronado Trail National Scenic Byway twists and turns for 123 miles between Morenci and Springerville in eastern Arizona. The road parallels the New Mexico state line and is the nation’s curviest and least-traveled federal highway.

Expect a 6,000-foot elevation change as the Coronado Trail climbs from cactus-strewn desert to lush alpine meadows and aspen-clad mountains with more than 460 curves along the way. Francisco Vasquez de Coronado is thought to have followed this route centuries ago as he searched for the Seven Cities of Gold.

The road passes the mining towns of Clifton and Morenci and curves around one of the world’s largest open pit mines. It snakes its way up narrow Chase Canyon and switchbacks through scrubby woodland that gives way to dense pine forests as you climb.

The Coronado Trail skirts the edge of the Blue Range Primitive Area where Mexican gray wolves roam. Stop at the high perch of Blue Vista Point for incredible views and to breathe the cool mountain air. Oxygen at 9,100 feet just seems to have a fragrance all its own.

Beyond Hannagan Meadow Lodge, the road softens its tone. The curves are lazier as it winds through forest to alpine ringed by mountains. From here, continue past brush-covered plateaus and the shimmering waters of Nelson Reservoir to the towns of Springerville and Eagar nestled in Round Valley, an idyllic spot to land on Memorial Day weekend.

Queen Mine *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Bisbee Queen Mine Tour

Back in the days when copper flowed like a river from the hills of Bisbee, the Queen Mine was one of the richest producers in town. The mine operated for nearly a century before closing in 1975.

Today, retired miners lead tours 1,500 feet deep into the dark cool tunnels gouged from the Mule Mountains. Visitors outfitted in yellow slickers and hard hats with headlamps get an up-close look at mining conditions, techniques and dangers. You’ll emerge from the Queen Mine Tour with a whole new appreciation of your current job.

Tours depart several times throughout the day and reservations are required.

Bisbee *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Old Bisbee Ghost Tour

When you’re above ground again in this mile-high town, sign up for an Old Bisbee Ghost Tour.

The city’s rowdy past led to some hard deaths among the citizenry and Bisbee maintains a healthy population of lingering ghosts. You’ll learn about them all on this tour that departs at 7 p.m. each evening and lasts about an hour and 45 minutes.

Guides dress in period garb and spin sinister tales of the restless spirits as you roam the twilight streets of Bisbee. Even ghostly skeptics will enjoy the great history and fascinating stories.

Monument Valley *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

3 ways to see Monument Valley: Hike, drive, guided tour

Straddling the Arizona-Utah border, Monument Valley draws visitors from around the world.

Within the tribal park are a restaurant, gift shop, campground, and the Navajo-owned View Hotel. The rooms with private balconies are a great place to watch one of Monument Valley’s lavish sunrises.

Historic Goulding’s Lodge sits just outside the park and also offers a full range of services including guided tours.

The scenic 17-mile drive that winds through the heart of the valley reveals stunning views of the buttes. If you want more of an outdoor experience, hike the 3.2-mile Wildcat Trail that loops around the West Mitten butte.

Yet the best way to experience the beauty of this iconic western landscape and learn about the culture and history of the people who inhabit it is by signing up for a Navajo-led tour. Tours leave daily from the View Hotel and Goulding’s Lodge.

If you need ideas, check out:

Worth Pondering…

—Aldo Leopold, 1937

The Ultimate Arizona Road Trip: 25 Places You Must Visit

Arizona is an outdoor-lover’s dream with deep canyons, dramatic landscape, and a host of adventures where the land formations are the star of the show

Arizona is well-known for its beautiful landscapes and scenery. These beautiful, must-experience places are bucket-list worthy; some are well-known while others are hidden gems you might not have known about. From national landmarks to historical towns and breathtaking outdoor landscapes, here are 25 places to visit on your next Arizona road trip.

Grand Canyon

The most obvious landmark and Arizona road trip (and the most breathtaking of them all) is the Grand Canyon. If you have never experienced the sight of this outstanding view you absolutely must add this to your bucket list. You can check into El Tovar Hotel which is a historic property that opened its doors in 1905 and has entertained celebrities and presidents for over 100 years. Just steps away from the Grand Canyon’s edge, El Tovar has breathtaking views from every window and the resort’s dining room is as close to the canyon as you can get with cuisine that’s almost as memorable as the views as well as several hiking trails that will leave you speechless. Plus many photo opportunities!

>> Get more tips for visiting the Grand Canyon

Bisbee

What seems to be one of Arizona’s best-kept secrets is the interesting town of Bisbee. The former mining town is a small, unique community that sits high in the mountains near the Mexican border and in the far southeast corner of Arizona. With plenty of things to do, activities, events and festivals, shops, galleries, and nightlife plus birdwatching, gallery-gazing, dining, or pub-crawling, Bisbee will offer you a plethora of choices to keep you entertained.

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

Home to Lake Powell, The Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is a stunning region of blue water with a desert landscape and dramatic stone walls. One of the largest manmade lakes in the United States, this area is known for land- and water-based recreational activities.

This gorgeous lake is located in northern Arizona, stretches up into southern Utah, and is part of the Colorado River in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area with nearly 2,000 miles of shoreline. You can enjoy a summer’s day with perfect weather, cool water, amazing scenery, and endless sunshine. This is the perfect place to escape to and rent a houseboat, stay at a campground, or enjoy the lodging and hop aboard a guided expedition.

>> Get more tips for visiting Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

Sedona

Due to its distinctive culture, Sedona is truly a place unlike any other. Visitors can navigate remote canyons, rejuvenate at an energy vortex site, and experience the ancient culture of the Sinagua people. Throughout the red rock are multitudes of secluded viewpoints, cliff dwellings, and well-preserved petroglyphs. In downtown Sedona, you’ll find a vibrant art community dense with unique shops and galleries. Hikers and adventurous types will enjoy the various trails and renowned Pink Jeep off-road adventure tours.

>> Get more tips for visiting Sedona

Catalina State Park

With the Santa Catalina Mountains beckoning in the distance and canyons and seasonal streams dotting the landscape, Catalina State Park provides a delightful respite in the Tucson area. The park is a haven for desert plants and wildlife and nearly 5,000 saguaros. The park’s 5,500 acres provide miles of equestrian, birding, hiking, and biking trails that wind through the park and into the nearby Coronado National Forest. More than 150 species of birds call the park home. This scenic desert park also offers equestrian trails and an equestrian center provides a staging area for trail riders with plenty of trailer parking. The state park offers 120 campsites with electric and water utilities suitable for RVs of all lengths.

>> Get more tips for visiting Catalina State Park

Globe

In the foothills of the Pinal Mountains sits the former mining camp known as Globe. Founded in 1876 and incorporated in 1907 this lovely town is brimming with century-old buildings, cottages, and hillside houses. The Besh-ba-Gowah Archeological Park features stunning partially restored ruins of a Salado pueblo along with an accompanying museum. The historic downtown area is perfect for strolls and shopping for antiques while the Cobre Valley Center for the Arts is a great spot to explore and experience the talent of some incredible artists.

Apache Trail

As scenic drives go, the 40-mile Apache Trail (Highway 88) winds through the Southwest’s most stunning scenery. It’s a rugged ribbon of hairpin turns and stark drop-offs that meanders past three lakes and carves through canyons and over the Superstition Mountains before concluding at Roosevelt Dam.

Highway 88 runs northeast from Apache Junction passing through Tortilla Flat along the way to Roosevelt Lake. While you can still access the road to Tortilla Flat, the portion north of the town is temporarily closed.

>> Get more tips for driving Apache Trail

Williams

The opium dens, bordellos, and other landmarks of Williams, Arizona’s rough-and-tumble past are long gone. But some kinder, gentler vestiges of this town’s Wild West era remain. Today, the town’s Main Street is a National Historic District. Its storefronts house curio shops, an old-fashioned soda fountain, and classic diners and motels which preserve a bygone era. The town of 3,000 residents, considered the gateway to the Grand Canyon is also home to the Grand Canyon Railway an excursion between a historic depot and the canyon.

>> Get more tips for visiting Williams

Lost Dutchman State Park

Since the 1840s, many have claimed to know the location of the Peralta family’s lost gold mine in the Superstition Mountains but none of these would-be fortune-seekers became more famous than “the Dutchman” Jacob Waltz. The German prospector purportedly hid caches of the precious metal throughout the Superstition Wilderness. Fact or fiction, Waltz’s windfall gave the park its name. You might not find gold during your visit but other treasures include great hiking and biking trails and 138 RV camping sites (68 with electric and water) with sunset views.

>> Get more tips for visiting Lost Dutchman State Park

Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument

Right along the U.S.-Mexico border, Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument has the kind of scenery you’d expect when you picture the desert. The monument’s tall, skinny namesake cacti abound in every direction. Instead of growing with one massive trunk like the saguaro, the many branches of the organ pipe rise from a base at the ground. Take a ride down Ajo Mountain Drive for great views of the “forests” of Saguaro (another species of cactus native to the area).

>> Get more tips for visiting Organ Pipe National Monument

Picacho Peak State Park

Picacho rises from the desert seemingly out of nowhere, its sharp buttes like lighthouses guiding travelers home. It wasn’t always a sight for road-weary eyes, though. In 1862, Confederate and Union soldiers clashed here in the Battle of Picacho Pass, a fight marked in history as the westernmost battle of the Civil War. These days during the spring, vibrant wildflowers carpet the ground; come winter, the challenging trails that ascend the sunny peaks draw thrill-seeking hikers.

>> Get more tips for visiting Picacho Peak State Park

Hoover Dam

Linking Arizona and Nevada, Hoover Dam is one of America’s great engineering marvels to date and a fantastic Arizona road trip. Completed in 1935, this massive and hard-to-miss structure crosses the Colorado River and sits at a total of 726 feet high and 1,244 feet long. You can drive or walk across the dam for free or take a tour of the dam. The visitor center provides information on the tours and has a café where you can stop for some basic grub.

Montezuma Castle National Monument

With its impressive location tucked in the limestone cliffs in the desert of Camp Verde, Montezuma Castle is sort of like an ancient skyscraper. Towing some 80 feet above the valley floor, the 20-room residence was built by the Sinagua people beginning in around AD 1100 and served as an important shelter to escape floods. It was among the first four sites given the designation of National Monument back in 1906 with the site also including further dwellings around Montezuma Well, six miles from the castle.

>> Get more tips for visiting Montezuma Castle National Monument

Alamo Lake State Park

As far as lakeside parks go, this one in western Arizona has no beach and not much shoreline hiking. But! It’s considered one of the best bass fishing lakes in the country. Anglers: Pack your gear and reserve one of the 15 full-service camping sites or cabins where the front porch makes for an ideal spot to spin yarns about the catch of the day.

>> Get more tips for visiting Alamo Lake State Park

Jerome

An old mining town-turned ghost town-turned tourist attraction, Jerome sits on a mountainside just above the desert floor. Jerome is unique and quirky, to say the least with the Sliding Jail in Jerome that was originally built around 1928 and was built on a clay slick; it soon began to slide and now sits 2,500 feet from its original location. While you’re there, you can visit the town’s most appreciated historical landmarks including the Gold King Mine Museum and the Jerome State Historic Park.

Canyon de Chelly National Monument

A comparatively little-known canyon, Canyon de Chelly (pronounced “de shay”) has sandstone walls rising to 1,000 feet, scenic overlooks, well-preserved Anasazi ruins, and an insight into the present day life of the Navajo who still inhabit and cultivate the valley floor. This park is owned by the Navajo Nation and is managed cooperatively. A few Navajo families still live, raise livestock, and farm in the park. For the most memorable experience take a canyon tour with a Navajo guide. It’s a truly authentic, welcoming experience you’ll remember forever.

>> Get more tips for visiting Canyon de Chelly National Monument

Red Rock State Park

Oak Creek runs for nearly 2 miles throughout this 286-acre state park adorning the sandstone mesas and red boulders with leafy riparian habitats. If we’re judging Sedona hiking hot spots, it doesn’t get much better than the park’s juniper-studded trails and vortex-framed vistas. Red Rock State Park is one of the most ecologically diverse parks in Arizona which is why it makes sense that it serves as an environmental education hub. From the Visitor Center’s interactive exhibits and film presentations to guided nature walks and full moon hikes, programming offers insight into Sedona’s majestic landscape.

>> Get more tips for visiting Red Rock State Park

Tucson

Surrounded by mountains, Tucson is a beautiful city set in the Sonoran Desert and is the second-largest city in Arizona. With many historic sites and cultural attractions, Tucson is a place to unwind and explore. Highlights include the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Saguaro National Park, El Presidio Historic District, and Sabino Canyon. You will also discover hiking trails and afterward find a bite to eat at one of the many wonderful restaurants Tucson has to offer.

>> Get more tips for visiting Tucson

Monument Valley

Along a 17-mile self-drive route along a one-way gravel road, you will find the heart of the valley, Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. While visiting this area which straddles the border between Arizona and Utah, you’ll experience the true Arizona desert feel with miles and miles of beautiful landscape and scenery of mesas and buttes, shrubs and trees, and windblown sand, creating all the wonderful and majestic colors of the Valley.

>> Get more tips for visiting Monument Valley

Prescott

With its small-city feel and defined seasons, Prescott has tall Ponderosa pine trees, lakes, and the occasional sprinkle of snow. This charming town has much to offer including the Courthouse Plaza, Sharlot Hall Museum, Smoki Museum, Elks Theatre Opera House, Watson Lake, and numerous hiking areas including Thumb Butte Trail. You can grab a bite to eat at one of the downtown restaurants or spend a night at one of the beautifully restored bed and breakfasts or hotels.

>> Get more tips for visiting Prescott

Saguaro National Park

One of Tucson’s most popular attractions is Saguaro National Park which is a great place to experience the desert landscape around this well-known town and see the famous saguaro cacti up close. With an east and west portion, the park has two sections approximately 30 minutes apart. Both sections of the park offer great opportunities to experience the desert and enjoy hiking trails.

>> Get more tips for visiting Saguaro National Park

Oatman

Once a gold-mining boomtown, Oatman hunkers in a craggy gulch of the Black Mountains, 28 miles southwest of Kingman along Route 66. Rising above the town is the jagged peak of white quartz known as Elephant’s Tooth. Often described as a ghost town, Oatman comes close to fitting the category considering that it once boasted nearly 20,000 people and now supports just a little over 100 people year-round.

Though Oatman is only a shadow of its former self, it is well worth a visit to this living ghost town that provides not only a handful of historic buildings and photo opportunities but costumed gunfighters and 1890s-style ladies as well as the sights of burros walking the streets.

>> Get more tips for visiting Oatman

Petrified Forest National Park

Petrified Forest is known for its treasure trove of fossilized logs exposed after eons of erosion by wind and water. About 60 million years ago tectonic action pushed the Colorado Plateau upwards exposing the layers of rock containing the park’s Triassic fossils. The park is composed of two sections: the north section is a colorful badlands called the Painted Desert, and the southern section contains most of the petrified wood.

The park consists of a 28-mile road that offers numerous overlooks and winds through the mesas and wilderness. Visitors can also choose to hike a variety of trails ranging from easy to difficult.

>> Get more tips for visiting Petrified Forest National Forest

Tombstone

You can’t come to the Wild West and not truly experience the Wild West with staged gunfights in the streets and characters walking through town in period costumes to recreate the glory days of this small Arizona town that is great as an Arizona road trip. With top-rated attractions such as OK Corral, Allen Street, Boothill Graveyard/Gift Shop, and Courthouse State Historic Park, each shop, restaurant, and attraction is designed with tourists in mind and gives you the chance to see and soak in the town’s history.

>> Get more tips for visiting Tombstone

Ajo

With its rich tradition as a former copper mining hub, Ajo is a casual town with relaxed charm. Enjoy its mild climate, low humidity, and clear skies. Take in the historic Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, Sonoran Desert flora and fauna, and panoramic views. Step back in time at the Historic Plaza and railway Depot. Gaze at Spanish Colonial Revival architecture in the downtown Historic District.

Bonus trip: Verde Valley Railway

Park the RV and board the train as you embark on a spectacular journey accessible only by rail. Powering the train are two EMD FP7 diesel locomotives built in 1953 for the Alaska Railroad. They were painted in 2019 with an apropos American bald eagle motif. Alert passengers may spot the U.S. national bird soaring in the canyon. From December to March, visitors have a greater chance of seeing these special raptors since migrating and resident bald eagles share the canyon during nesting season.

Worth Pondering…

—Aldo Leopold, 1937

The Best Arizona Fall Road Trip: Wineries, Hikes, Train Rides, and More

Arizona hikes, rides, tours, and a local winery or two

All through the summer, Arizona has bounced between extremes—going from record-breaking heat to a deluge of monsoon storms. Since fall is not a season prone to anything quite that intense things should calm down. Autumn comforts even as it calls locals and returning snowbirds outside to play. Basking under big blue skies while reveling in mild sunshine, fall is a perfect time to go exploring.

For an incredible fall road trip, take the drive to the geographic center of Arizona, the Verde Valley. The wide valley stretches from Mingus Mountain to the Mogollon Rim, a lush transition zone separating the Sonoran Desert from the high country and slashed by the winding Verde River.

Scenic small towns full of personality are sprinkled throughout the valley just a few miles apart creating plenty of easily accessed options. Here are a few.

Out of Africa *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Out of Africa Wildlife Park

Nestled in the high desert of Camp Verde, Out of Africa Wildlife Park provides a sanctuary for hundreds of exotic animals and features dozens of large predators. The preserve spreads across 100 acres of rolling terrain on the slopes of the Black Hills. The large natural habitats eliminate stress-induced behavior.

Tiger Splash is Out of Africa’s signature show. There is no training and no tricks. The daily program is spontaneous, just animals frolicking with their caretakers. Fierce tigers engage in the sort of playful activities every housecat owner will recognize. It’s just the grand scale that makes it so impressive. Visitors can also take a narrated African Bush Safari and attend the Giant Snake Show.

Outside the park is Predator Zip Line which offers a two- to three-hour zip line tour across five lines and a suspension bridge high above the animals.

Wine Tasting in Cottonwood

Not long ago, Cottonwood was a sleepy little burg with much of its small downtown sitting vacant. Everything changed when vineyards and wineries sprang up on nearby hillsides with rich volcanic soil.

Wine-tasting rooms opened, one after another, and soon restaurants, shops, galleries, and boutique hotels followed. The businesses filled the Prohibition-era buildings fronted by covered sidewalks along the three blocks of Old Town.

Related article: Five Fall Road Trips in Arizona

Such a picturesque and compact setting makes Old Town Cottonwood a popular destination for lovers of wine and food since so much can be sampled by walking a block or two.

Walk the Streets of Jerome

Most everybody knows about Jerome, the mile-high town clinging to the steep slope of Cleopatra Hill. It was once known as the Billion Dollar Mining Camp for the incredible wealth pulled from the ground.

After the mines closed it became a rickety ghost town saved by enterprising hippies who turned it into a thriving artist community with fine art and crafts studios and galleries, cool boutiques, mining museums, historical buildings, eclectic inns, and B&Bs, and memorable restaurants and bars lining its narrow, winding streets.

From the high perch of Jerome, views stretch across the Verde Valley to the sandstone cliffs of Sedona. Music spills from saloons and eateries as visitors prowl the shops moving from one level of town to the next, pausing to read historic plaques and admire the Victorian architecture. Jerome feels cut off from the rest of the world. It’s one of those towns where it always feels like you’re on vacation.

Ride the Verde Canyon Railroad

Go off-road the old-fashioned way when you climb aboard the Verde Canyon Railroad and rumble into scenic backcountry. The train departs from the station in Clarkdale and travels into a high-walled canyon carved by the Verde River.

Cottonwood trees canopy the water and turn golden in the waning fall days. Such a rich riparian habitat lures a variety of wildlife, notably eagle, hawk, heron, mule deer, javelina, coyote, and beaver.

Vintage FP7 diesel locomotives provide the power. All passenger cars have panoramic windows and allow access to open-air viewing cars, where you’ll likely spend most of your time savoring fine fall days.

Hike in West Sedona

If you want to enjoy red rock scenery while avoiding some of the crowds and traffic issues, hike a few trails on the far edge of West Sedona.

The Western Gateway Trails at the end of Cultural Park Place weave together a series of interconnected pathways across juniper-clad slopes above Dry Creek. Signs with maps at every junction make for easy navigation.

The gentle Roundabout Trail, a 2-mile loop, provides a quick introduction to the area as it branches off from the paved Centennial Trail and swings through shady woodlands and past a couple of small boulder fields. Curling back, it traces the edge of the mesa overlooking Dry Creek with views north of Cockscomb, Doe Mountain, and Bear Mountain.

Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

You can create a slightly longer loop (3.3 miles) by combining the Stirrup and Saddle Up trails. After crossing an arroyo the route climbs to the top of a plateau where the views stretch to Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock at the other end of town.

If you want a little more of a workout, the Schuerman Mountain Trail can be accessed across the road from Sedona High School. It climbs at a moderate uphill slant to the top of an old volcano, now eroded into a rangy mesa.

Cathedral Rock *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

There’s a great view of Cathedral Rock from the first overlook. It’s a 2-mile round-trip if you make this your turnaround. If you’re in a rambling mood, the trail continues across the broad back of the mountain, golden grasslands dotted with juniper and pine trees.

Montezuma Castle *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Apartment House of the Ancients

Sinagua built the five-story, 20-room structure about 1150 but abandoned it in the early 1400s. Montezuma Castle is built into a deep alcove with masonry rooms added in phases. A thick, substantial roof of sycamore beams, reeds, grasses, and clay often served as the floor of the next room built on top. The placement of rooms on the south-facing cliff helps regulate summer and winter temperatures. The series of long pole ladders used to climb from the base of the cliff to the small windows and doorways high above could be pulled in for the night.

Beaver Creek at Montezuma Castle *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

A short self-guided loop trail leads from the visitor center past the cliff dwelling through a beautiful grove of Arizona sycamores and catclaw mimosa trees along spring-fed Beaver Creek. Benches along the path offered the perfect spot to view the massive structure.

The white-barked Arizona Sycamore is one of the most distinctive sights at Montezuma Castle often reaching heights of 80 feet. This tree once blanketed Arizona 63 million years ago when the climate was cool and moist. As the weather became drier these deciduous trees thrived only in areas close to permanent water, such as the perennial streams and canyon bottoms.

Montezuma Well *© Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Drive 11 miles north to see the Montezuma Well which is part of the national monument. Along with the limestone sinkhole, cliff dwellings, and irrigation channels are characteristic of the prehistoric people who lived in the area. The water in the well which is 386 feet across has high levels of arsenic and other chemicals but it still supports endemic species such as water scorpions, snails, mud turtles, and leeches.

An Ancient Village on the Hill

Built atop a small 120 foot ridge is a large pueblo. Tuzigoot is Apache for crooked water; however, it was built by the Sinagua. With 77 ground floor rooms this pueblo held about 50 people. After about 100 years the population doubled and then doubled again later. By the time they finished building the pueblo, it had 110 rooms including second and third story structures and housed 250 people. An interesting fact is that Tuzigoot lacked ground level doors having roof-accessed doors instead.

The site is currently comprised of 42 acres that includes the hilltop pueblo, cliffs, and ridges in the valley and the Tavasci Marsh, a natural riparian area surrounding an old curve of the Verde River. A paved, fully accessible trail takes you through the pueblo giving you a good idea of what it would have looked like. Though the views from the ruins alone are worth the walk, one room is reconstructed and you can enter it and see what it would have looked like when inhabited.

Tuzigoot can be found in Clarkdale, Arizona, just west of Montezuma Castle and just north of Jerome. Visiting Tuzigoot is definitely worth your while!

Related article: Most Scenic Towns in Arizona

Worth Pondering…

—Aldo Leopold, 1937

Family-friendly Road Trips Through Arizona: Sedona and the Verde Valley

To help you plan your family-friendly road trip through Arizona, I’ve put together this list of awesome road trip stops. Keep reading to learn about my favorite spots and campgrounds along the route.

With its vast landscapes and colorful topography, the American Southwest is one of the best regions in the country to take an old-fashioned road trip—in fact, that’s the only way to see most of it. Arizona, specifically, is home to the only Natural Wonder of the World in the U. S., numerous national parks, picturesque state parks, and 21 American Indian tribes. So, what better way to spend spring break this year than packing up the kids for a family-friendly road trip through Arizona?

Since the possibilities for an Arizona road trip are endless, I’ve organized these family-friendly road trips into four paths. Each of these road trip routes includes a selection of my favorite stops. I’ve traveled along each of these paths—most more than once. There is truly something for every member of the family to be enjoyed in each of these road trips.

Red Rock Country © *Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

An earlier article highlighted Northern Arizona and the Grand Canyon. Today we drive 115 miles south to Red Rock Country.

Sedona and the Verde Valley

A family road trip to Arizona turns next-level with a stop in Sedona and a side trip to the ghost mining town of Jerome and Sinagua cliff-side dwellings. Justifiably world-famous for its eye-popping scenery, Sedona and the surrounding Verde Valley have a lot to offer for road-tripping families.

Related Article: Discover Arizona’s Extraordinary Verde Valley

Bell Rock © *Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

The spectacular red rocks

A family that loves to hike will be in paradise here. With over 300 miles of trails spread across red rock country, there’s something for everyone. There are hikes at every difficulty level from easy for families with small kids to strenuous for expert outdoor types. Two of my favorites are Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock.

Red Rock Scenic Byway © *Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Bell Rock is a 1½-mile round-trip outing with several paths for climbing depending on skill level. It’s a well-maintained trail with plenty of spectacular views, colorful birds, hawks, bunnies, lizards, and butterflies to be spotted.

One of the most popular hikes in Sedona (for a good reason) is Cathedral Rock Trail. This 1.2-mile round trip is a bit steep in places but there are plenty of opportunities to stop and look around to enjoy the view.

Winding through Sedona’s Red Rock Country, Red Rock Scenic Byway (Highway 179) is often called a “museum without walls.” This All-American Road winds through the evergreen-covered Coconino National Forest and past two famous and beautiful vortexes—Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock. Stop at the several scenic pullouts for great views and enjoy the prehistoric Red Rocks with nearby parking (RV friendly). There are all levels of hiking and biking trails.

Related Article: Sedona Is a Must-Stop

Chapel of the Holy Cross © *Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

The Chapel of the Holy Cross sits perched on a small red rock plateau below a multi-hued sandstone ridge creating one of the most impressive architectural sites in Sedona. This breathtaking landmark building incorporates a 90-foot cross that dominates the structure and the front face of the chapel is all windows. The Chapel is a short distance off Red Rock Scenic Byway.

There is so much more to Sedona than meets the eye. People travel from all across the globe to experience the mysterious cosmic forces that are said to emanate from the red rocks. They come in search of the vortexes. What is a vortex? Sedona vortexes are thought to be swirling centers of energy that are conducive to healing, meditation, and self-exploration. Many people feel inspired, recharged, or uplifted after visiting a vortex.

Sedona from Airport Mesa © *Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Although all of Sedona is considered to be a vortex there are specific sites where the energy crackles most intensely. The four best-known Sedona vortexes are found at Airport Mesa, Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, and Boynton Canyon—each radiating its own particular energy.

Red Rock State Park is a 286-acre nature preserve and an environmental education center with stunning scenery. Trails throughout the park wind through manzanita and juniper to reach the banks of Oak Creek. Green meadows are framed by native vegetation and hills of red rock.

Jeep tour © *Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Off-roading with a Jeep tour

Sedona’s rocky geography lends itself perfectly to off-roading and many families will find the famous Pink Jeep Tours and other providers in town offer a great way to see as much of the local scenery as possible. Jeeps wind up impossibly steep rock faces and through narrow gullies, perching on top of gigantic boulders or slabs of rock for more terrific photo ops.

The terrain in places is so precarious that riders sometimes feel like they might fall right out of the Jeep. But not to worry, everyone is securely strapped in. It makes great fun for the kids who may feel like they’re on a roller coaster.

Verde Canyon Railway

Ride in restored, vintage Pullman cars pulled by an FP7 locomotive on a 20-miles scenic ride to the ghost town of Perkinsville and back. You’ll pass through the high desert and 100 years of history as your train takes you through the canyon. Step out onto viewing platforms for plenty of photo ops with informative attendants to point things out and answer questions. Entertainment and food are available inside. By the way, inside is climate controlled. You could spot Ancient Sinagua ruins, bald eagles, and great blue herons as you pass close to canyon walls and riparian areas. It’s a relaxing way to get a sense of the area.

Taking in the Old West in historic Jerome

Just an hour’s drive away from Sedona is the historic copper mining town of Jerome. Once known as “the wickedest town in the West,” it’s now designated a National Historic District by the federal government and attracts visitors as a historic ghost town and artist hub.

Jerome Mine Museum © *Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Kids of all ages will have fun exploring the historic sites and learning about Jerome’s history at the Mine Museum and Douglas Mansion. Stop at nearby Audrey Headframe Park where a glass viewing platform allows visitors to stand—if they dare—over a 1,600-foot-deep mine shaft dating from 1918 and look down into its depths.

You can also book a guided tour on Ghost Town Tours’ Spirit Walk. There are numerous allegedly haunted places in Jerome including the House of Joy, a former bordello; the Jerome Grand Hotel; the Old Hospital; and the Old High School complete with creepy basement locker rooms and an abandoned gym.

Montezuma Castle

Finally, stop at Montezuma Castle National Monument. American Indian tribes have lived in Arizona for over a thousand years and the Montezuma Castle National Monument features homes built by the Sinagua built directly into the sides of the cliffs.

Stargazing in a designated Dark Sky Community

The perfect way to end a day is with some stargazing. Families from the city or even suburbs don’t get to see the clear night sky very often and Sedona is a designated International Dark Sky Community. With very few streetlights and distance from any big city, Sedona is nationally recognized as one of the best places to stargaze in the U.S. A variety of companies offer evening sky tours in Sedona, some led by former NASA engineers or professional astronomers with powerful telescopes.

Related Article: Flagstaff to Sedona…and Beyond

Distant Drum RV Resort © *Rex Vogel, all rights reserved*

Places to stay along this route

With so much to explore, you may want to book a campground or RV park along the route. Here are some recommendations for places to rest your weary heads:

Distant Drum RV Resort, Camp Verde
Verde Ranch RV Resort, Camp Verde
Verde River RV Resort and Cottages, Camp Verde
Dead Horse Ranch State Park, Cottonwood
Verde Valley RV and Camping Resort, Cottonwood
Rain Spirit RV Resort, Clarkdale

Worth Pondering…

There are only two places in the world

I want to live—in Sedona and Paris.

—Max Ernst, Surrealist painter

Discover Arizona’s Extraordinary Verde Valley

Located in the ‘heart’ of Arizona, the Verde Valley is ideally situated above the heat of the desert and below the cold of Arizona’s high country

The Spanish word verde means “green,” so the name may seem like a misnomer for arid Arizona. Yet, in the central part of the state, approximately 90 miles north of Phoenix, lies Verde Valley with nearly 80 percent of its land set aside as national forest. The valley encompasses about 714 square miles of red rock formations and lush canyons fed by the Verde River.

In the Verde Valley © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

In the shadows of Mingus Mountain and in the heart of the Verde Valley, Cottonwood offers a distinctive historic district lined with shops and restaurants on its Main Street. History is alive in nearby Clarkdale whose homes and buildings still reflect its early copper smelting heritage. Four specialized museums focus on Native American cultures, international copper art, and local railroad and town history.

Wine tasting in Old Town Cottonwood © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Cornville/Page Springs offers wineries, tasting rooms, and a relaxed take on some of Arizona’s most pristine high-desert scenery. Camp Verde, located in the geographic center of Arizona, is rich in history and offers a variety of recreation and outdoor activities to experience and enjoy.

With so much to see and do, where do you start? Here are five attractions that are a sure thing. And, here’s a quick tip: The word “verde” is pronounced so that it rhymes with “birdie.”

Verde Canyon Railroad, Clarkdale

Park the RV and board the train as you embark on a spectacular journey accessible only by rail. Keep your eyes on the scenery as the engineer takes you on a four-hour, 40-mile round-trip excursion between two national forests, through a 680-foot tunnel, and past ancient ruins and towering red rock buttes.

Gaze at the remote wilderness through large windows as you sit comfortably in climate-controlled passenger cars complete with rest rooms. Or choose to enjoy the open-air viewing car for fresh canyon air and an amazing 360-degree panorama.

Dead Horse Ranch State Park, Cottonwood

Dead Horse Ranch State Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Dead Horse Ranch State Park is located adjacent to and across the Verde River from the community of Cottonwood. Offering over 100 spacious sites, the campgrounds give access to the park features like trails, playground, lakes, and the Verde River. The campground consists of four loops that each have varying numbers of spots available for you to stay.

Most campsites are RV accessible with hookups. Many of the pull through sites can accommodate RVs up to 65 feet in length. There are three lagoons within the park that offer great fishing and a place to watch the area aquatic wildlife and birds. Dead Horse Ranch is a great place to stay while you explore the natural beauty and rich history of this popular Arizona region.

Tuzigoot National Monument, Clarkdale

The Sinagua people began building the limestone and sandstone hilltop pueblo around the year A.D. 1000. They expanded the settlement over the next 400 years to involve 110 rooms housing more than 200 people. Then, in the late 1300s, the inhabitants began to abandon the pueblo. By the time the first Europeans arrived, Tuzigoot had been empty for nearly 100 years. It’s believed the citizens joined what are now the modern Hopi and Zuni tribes or stayed nearby and became the ancestors of people now belonging to the Yavapai-Apache Nation.

Montezuma Castle National Monument, Camp Verde

The name of this incredible settlement really is a misnomer. Montezuma Castle was named in the 1860s by people who mistakenly thought the Aztec emperor was somehow affiliated with it. Truth is it was built by the Sinagua people who lived in it and then abandoned it before Montezuma was born. Montezuma Castle, built directly into the side of a cliff, rests 50 feet above the valley floor. Standing five stories tall, the castle has 20 rooms and covers 3,500 square feet.

Montezuma Well, Camp Verde

And as they say, wait—there’s more. A second, detached part of the park, known as Montezuma Well, is about 11 miles northeast of Montezuma Castle and has its own extraordinary features. First, Montezuma Well is not actually a well. The water in it is continuously refreshed by subterranean springs in an enormous limestone sinkhole measuring 368 feet across.

An astounding 1.5 million gallons of water per day flow here. Even more amazing, the water fell as rain on the nearby Mogollon Rim between 10,000 and 13,000 years ago. For years, the water has been slowly seeping through the rock until it reaches an impenetrable layer of rock and then is forced back to the surface.

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

Best Things to See and Do in Arizona in 2019

For fun and adventure consider this your road map of the best things and see and do in Arizona in 2019

From cactus-studded deserts to snow-covered peaks, from vibrant cities to charming towns, Arizona defies description.

To the unfamiliar, its name invokes visions of cowboys and rattlesnakes, a land not for the faint of heart. The stereotype ignores the lush pine forests that carpet Arizona’s mountains, and the rivers and streams so plentiful that they have nurtured residents from ancient civilizations to today’s suburbanites.

Consider this guide your treasure map of the best things to do and see in Arizona in 2019.

Hop aboard Verde Canyon Railroad

You’re part of history aboard this excursion train on century-old tracks. But it’s the scenery and wildlife that truly capture the imagination.

The train departs from Clarkdale on a 40-mile round trip through a remote wilderness. Loads of ore from Jerome mines were once hauled on this line.

Today visitors enjoy towering canyon walls and the cottonwood-draped Verde River. Stand outside on open-air viewing platforms watching bald and golden eagles circle overhead, and remind yourself you’re still in Arizona.

Browse for treasures at Hubbell Trading Post

Founded in 1876 by John Lorenzo Hubbell, this is the oldest continuously operating trading post on the Navajo Reservation. The National Historic Site in Ganado is part museum, part art gallery and still a functioning trading post, virtually unchanged since its early days.

Wooden floors creak at every step. The store is crowded with goods and spicy with old aromas. Adjacent to the shop, a trader sits in the jewelry room, which also contains carvings, paintings, and clay work. In a third room, gorgeous hand-woven rugs are stacked in casual piles.

Details: Near mile marker 446 on State Route 264 in Ganado on the Navajo Reservation.

Look for spring wildflowers

Good years for spring wildflowers are sporadic. Super bloom years are rare indeed. Yet it doesn’t matter. There is no better reminder why we love Arizona than to spend a balmy February or March day in shorts hiking in fields of poppies, brittlebush, lupine, and their showy friends.

While the rest of the country is lashed by blizzards, nor’easters and ice storms, we revel in 70 degrees. Wildflowers are a Technicolor welcome mat the Sonoran Desert extends. It would be downright foolish not to accept the invitation.

Every year is different, of course, but reliable locations include Maricopa County Parks and Picacho Peak and Lost Dutchman state parks.

Walk the streets of Tombstone

Follow in the footsteps of a legendary cast of characters when you mosey down these wooden sidewalks. Horse-drawn stagecoaches still clip-clop along the street, steely-eyed men in black frock coats still march toward a date with destiny and it’s easy to forget what century it is.

At one end of Allen Street you can walk into the O.K. Corral to see the famous gunfight reenacted. At the other end, you can tour the Birdcage Theatre where more bodies fell and ghosts still linger.

In between, impervious to the hail of bullets and river of whiskey that once defined the town the world’s largest rose tree grows. It was planted in 1885 and blooms every spring. There has to be a moral there somewhere.

Climb 7,000 feet in 24 miles

Entering the Santa Catalina Mountains just 25 miles northeast of Tucson, you’ll find yourself accelerating at the foot of Mount Lemmon. Named for botanist Sarah Plummer Lemmon, you’re going to have a lot more fun than she did in 1881 when she made the first ascent by horse and on foot.

Climbing to over 9,000 feet, with a near 7,000-foot elevation change in a mere 24 miles, the Catalina Highway (also called the Mount Lemmon Highway) is a brilliant ascent with countless curves, numerous vistas, and three major switchbacks. The best news is since there’s only one paved road up this mountain, when you reach the top, you’ll have no choice but to turn around and let gravity assist in your descent.

Worth Pondering…

Newcomers to Arizona are often struck by Desert Fever.

Desert Fever is caused by the spectacular natural beauty and serenity of the area.