Cottonwood, Arizona, founded in 1879, is the place to go if you’re looking for something different. Located in Yavapai County, between Prescott and Sedona, Cottonwood is surrounded by jagged mountains on the south, east and west, and to the north by mesas and buttes. Named for the beautiful Cottonwood trees that grow along the Verde River, which flows through town, the town has grown from a small farming community to the Verde Valley’s population center.
There are some terrific attractions near Cottonwood. The Verde Canyon Railroad is a wonderful experience. Visitors will travel down the railroad lines viewing scenic spots and wildlife. This is a very popular attraction. Tuzigoot National Monument is an old Indian dwelling. There are two hiking trails that give visitors an up close look at the culture from long ago. The Clemenceau Heritage Museum is a neat place to visit to see a room of working model trains and to discover more about the Verde Valley’s past. Cottonwood has so many outdoor activities. Dead Horse Ranch State Park is so close to town. This park has a variety of things to offer its visitors. The park has camping, picnicking, fishing and horseback riding. The Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Area is a 26-mile canyon perfect for hiking. This canyon is one of the most breathtaking spots in the area.
Cottonwood is located in northern Arizona only 130 miles from Phoenix, 40 miles from Flagstaff, 8 miles from Jerome, 50 miles from Prescott, 20 miles from Camp Verde, 16 miles from Sedona and about 2 miles from Clarkdale. You can even make a day trip to the Grand Canyon from here.
