 THINGS TO DO IN THE VERDE VALLEY There are many interesting sights to see while visitng The Willows at Camp Verbe, you'll find theses unique landmarks only in Arizona's Verbe Valley
While visiting The Willows at Camp Verbe, you'll enjoy exploring these towns in the Verde Valley
and, certainly don't miss these key Arizona Towns that are not far from The Willows at Camp Verbe.
GENERAL CROOK TRAIL: This was a wagon road built by General George Crook in 1872 to provide supplies to Fort Verde . Today it's a modem highway and it follows the path the Apaches took when General Crook's men marched them out of the Verde Valley to the San Carlos Reservation in eastern Arizona . It climbs in altitude to the top of the Mogollon Rim (pronounced Mug'-ee-yohn), reaching the largest stand of Ponderosa Pine in the world. FORT VERDE STATE HISTORICAL PARK: Fort Verde is a historic U.S. Military Post in downtown Camp Verde . It was established in 1871 as a major base for General George Crook's scouts, soldiers and pack mules during the Indian campaigns of the 1870s. Two companies of cavalry and two companies of infantry were stationed at the Fort Verde Post during its occupation until 1891. At this 11 acre park, you'll see three officers' quarters, the administration building and a portion of the parade ground. These historic structures, along with the daily bugle calls, will give you a taste of Arizona 's early years. Exhibits in the headquarters building explain the history, routine and methods of 19th century soldiering in central Arizona. MONTEZUMA CASTLE AND MONTEZUMA WELL NATIONAL MONUMENTS : When you visit Montezuma Castle , you see one of the most well preserved cliff dwellings in the United States , dating back over six centuries. This 5-story, 20-room ancient Indian cliff dwelling is 90% intact, recessed in the bluffs high above Beaver Creek. The castle was named by early white settlers who believed, mistakenly, that it had been built by the Aztec Indians of Mexico. Montezuma Well is a cup-shaped lake fed by natural springs. The cup is a limestone sink hole formed by the collapse of an immense underground cavern. THE VERDE RIVER ... is one of Arizona 's major rivers. It starts in Chino Valley north of Prescott near the railroad siding of Paulden. From there it winds through lonesome country past Perkinsville, Sycamore Canyon , and the towns of Cottonwood and Camp Verde . After it leaves the southeast corner of the Verde Valley , it slices through the mountains and eventually joins the Salt River a few miles east of Phoenix . If you like to fish,catfish thrive in the Verde River , especially in the stretch near Cottonwood . Night crawlers or shrimp drifted slowly through deep pools will catch catfish. Leave civilization behind for the best catches. CAMP VERDE OUTBACK... has many natural caves where ancient men carved out their homes. A 4-wheel drive over primitive roads to the foot of a group of caves gives you the opportunity to walk where men had walked thousands of years ago. The same caves may have been used by Indian hunters in later years. If you enjoy watching wildlife, you'll enjoy an early morning or late afternoon drive to the high country -- about 7,000 feet in elevation - where you can see elk, deer, bear, coyote, and wild turkey roaming the forested area as they have for years. This area includes part of the original General Crook Trail and magnificent views from the top of the Mogollon Rim. CAMP VERDE SUNRISES AND SUNSETS... cast a golden glow over the landscape, washing the sky with a kaleidoscope of color that reflects off the cliffs. Don't miss one of nature's most dramatic light shows. WEST CLEAR CREEK... winds for 25 miles through a deep canyon amid what many visitors call the most rugged country in Arizona . A few 4-wheel-drive-only roads edge tentatively toward the canyon's rim, where steep hiking trails descend into the canyon depths. The creek starts up in the pines west of Clint's Well and joins the Verde River about seven miles east of Camp Verde . Rainbow and brown trout live in the deep pools. In addition, catchable rainbows are stocked at Bullpen Ranch, a few miles above the Verde River . Also, visitors can enjoy seeing the CLEAR CREEK CHURCH , an original structure built from 1898 to 1903. It joins a cemetery with graves that date back to the Civil War. CHILDS... is a secluded oasis on the Verde River . It is truly a remote place where people go for the ultimate in peace and solitude, and it isn't that hard to reach this beautiful refuge. Childs was the site of Arizona 's first hydroelectric generator, built over 80 years ago. The power plant is closed to the public, but a road to the left takes you to the Verde River bank. Here the Verde mixes with water from Fossil Springs, an ideal spot for a picnic or for overnight camping. Also, many visitors enjoy camping at the undeveloped campground at Stehr Lake , a small lake near Childs. VERDE HOT SPRINGS... one-mile upstream from Childs, was the site of a resort hotel built in the 1920s during Prohibition - so Arizonans of means could party in private. The resort burned in 1962 and its remains have since been erased. Still, visitors enjoy the two natural hot tubs, one in a tiny stone building, and the other in the open air. Not many Arizonans know about Verde Hot Springs, where guests of an earlier era relaxed and forgot their cares - but now you do. IRVING ... is the site of an Arizona Public Service hydro station, two miles from the Camp Verde- Fossil Creek Road . Along with the Childs plant, it provided much of the electric power for Phoenix in the 1920s, when Phoenix had only 30,000 residents. TOWEL CREEK... is on Fossil Creek Road , 10 miles from General Crook's Trail. Towel Creek got its name in 1901 when cowboy Charlie Wingfield, getting ready for a rodeo, lost a new towel in the creek. Charlie's bellyaching about his lost towel caused his buddy to call it Towel Creek. It was officially "Taul Creek” on maps, until cartographers realized that was how the cowboy pronounced "towel." On the way to Towel Creek, you'll pass through Sycamore Creek, Hackberry Creek, and the Cimarron Basin. DEAD HORSE RANCH STATE PARK ... is nestled in the green belt of the tree-lined Verde River - and it has something for everyone. You can enjoy picnicking, camping, fishing, canoeing, bird watching and hiking through the shady cottonwood groves along the Verde River. TUZIGOOT NATIONAL MONUMENT : This 110-room prehistoric stone pueblo was built by the Sinaguan Indians between 1125 and 1400 A.D. Tuzigoot, which means "crooked water”, was named after Peck's Lake , which is near the dwellings. This pueblo, two miles east of Clarkdale, is two stories high in places. The reconstructed ruins of this pueblo dwelling rise like a pyramid over the Verde Valley . The museum at the monument traces the history of settlement in the valley and displays artifacts of those who lived in the area. PECK'S LAKE ... is a77-acre, horseshoe-shaped lake on the edge of Clarkdale. Peck's Lake has no motor restrictions and occasionally somebody tries water skiing on this small body of water. The lake gets lots of day use from Verde Valley residents. If you like to fish, Peck's Lake is home to carp, northern pike, large-mouth bass, green sunfish, redear sunfish and crappie. JEROME STATE HISTORICAL PARK: Jerome is a historic mining town with original buildings, mining relics and contemporary shops. Exhibits and memorabilia recount the story of this once rip-roarin' copper camp and introduce the people, places and technology that played a major role in Arizona 's mining history. The museum was designed by James "Rawhide Jimmy" Douglas as a mansion and hotel for visiting mining officials. It features a wine cellar, billiard room and marble-faced bathrooms. If you're a mining buff, you’ll enjoy the antique equipment and copper mining exhibits. If you like mansions, you won't want to miss the artifacts of the Douglas family. This adobe brick mansion sits on the hilltop above the Little Daisy Mine, with its panoramic views of Jerome and the Verde Valley. SYCAMORE CANYON ... is Arizona 's Little Grand Canyon. Don't miss this vast chasm of red rocks and green foliage 20 miles long and a mile wide. At the edge, the canyon’s elevation is 7,000 feet, but it drops to 3,600 feet at the bottom. This maze of red rock formations resembles Oak Creek Canyon , except Sycamore Canyon is a designated wilderness and has no roads and very few hikers. Without question, it's one of Arizona 's most scenic wonders off the well-traveled highway. Legends persist about lost gold mines in this wild area, one of them supposedly discovered by Spanish soldiers in the 1760s. People who have lived in these parts all their lives believe these treasure stories are true. PERKINSVILLE AREA: Ol’Man Perkins bought the 76 Ranch on the Verde River in 1900. In 1912, the Santa Fe Railroad ran a branch line from Drake east into Clarkdale and put a station on the Perkins ranch. They decided to call it Perkinsville. The stout, one-lane steel bridge over the Verde River near Perkinsville is a respected landmark. The 16 mile road from the bridge to Jerome runs on top of the old narrow gauge railroad bed from Chino Valley to Jerome. The road was built in 1893 by William Andrews Clark, owner of the United Verde copper mine. He named it the "United Verde and Pacific” railroad. Many people laughed at the title, which they thought was a rather lofty name for a railroad that went only 27 miles. The line, having more kinks than a cheap lariat, was quickly dubbed "the world's crookedest railroad." Passengers could look out of their train cars and see the engine going in the opposite direction. Today this same railroad, now known as Verde Canyon Railroad, is a favorite tourist attraction affording a marvelous look at the wilderness area surrounding the Verde River. PAGE SPRINGS FISH HATCHERY: Every year this cold water hatchery provides lakes and streams across Arizona with 1,200,000 catchable rainbow trout. Recently renovated at a cost of $5.5 million, this popular attraction now boasts a visitor's center and picnic area. In addition, the Arizona Game and Fish Department has added a non-game birding area. Bird watchers and nature lovers can saunter through this 10+ acres and enjoy the birds, trees and plants of the Verde Valley . The fish hatchery is open to the public from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, except Thanksgiving and Christmas. Also, you may wish to visit Bubbling Ponds Fish Hatchery, on the land opposite Page Springs on the west side of Oak Creek . It's a warm water hatchery that grows primarily catfish. In addition, several of the ponds are being used as a refuge for endangered native fish. RED ROCK STATE PARK ... is cradled next to Oak Creek among green meadows and red cliffs. Southwest of Sedona, this northern Arizona Park offers spectacular shots for photographers. Day use sites provide a base for hiking and picnicking. OAK CREEK CANYON ... is a spectacular, natural area of towering, red sandstone cliffs and spires. It's a favorite retreat of native Arizonans because each hour of the day - each season of the year - brings a new and special mood to the imposing red cliffs that surround you. Oak Creek Canyon is 16 miles long and rarely more than a mile wide. You'll marvel at the canyon's scenic cliffs, rocky gorges, and unusual rock formations. At this "Grand Canyon of Tomorrow," you'll enjoy campsites, hiking trails, spectacular scenery, and a stream teeming with trout. Surrounded by brilliant red rocks of unusual configurations, many artists and filmmakers have been drawn to this area's beauty. SLIDE ROCK STATE PARK ... is a visual wonder to behold. Slide rock is a natural sandstone waterslide on Oak Creek , set against the backdrop of red rock mountains, Ponderosa pine trees, green meadows, and a large apple orchard. You can picnic, fish, and relax on the rocks on this historic Pendley Homestead property. ARCOSANTI... is architect Paolo Soleri's "city of the future”. It's an experimental city being built to find alternative ways for people to live in the future. This fusion of architecture and ecology is called "arcology”. Arcosanti offers daily tours. A cafe serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. World-famous Soleri bells are displayed and available for purchase. GRAND CANYON : No, it's not in the Verde Valley . But no trip to Northern Arizona would be complete without visiting the GRAND CANYON , one of the Seven Wonders of the World . While at the south rim, you can visit Bright Angel Lodge, El Tovar and browse around the Village. The North Rim offers an entirely different perspective of the splendor you can find only at the GRAND CANYON . You'll see vast geologic time represented in the layers exposed in the steep walls of this world famous canyon, carefully carved out by the Colorado River . It's a living history area with wildlife and spectacular desert and forest scenery. You’ll never see anything like it. And it’s only 2.5 hours from THE WILLOWS. CAMP VERDE ... was established in 1865 to protect the settlers from the Apache Indian raids. It was a critical outpost in General George Crook's campaign to stop the harassment of settlers by the Apaches. The first post overlooked the farms at West Clear Creek, near its Fracture with the Verde River . The present site was built in 1871. It was here that General Crook accepted the surrender of Apache Chief Cha-Lipun. The Fort Verde State Historical Park features many military artifacts, Indian relics and articles used by early settlers. Camp Verde has a population of 6,500. It is at an elevation of 3,100 feet. LAKE MONTEZUMA , RIMROCK and McGUIREVILLE... are tranquil communities that back right into National Forest lands and colorful Indian ruins. These towns proudly invite visitors to Montezuma Castle and Montezuma Well National Monuments, some of the most well preserved cliff dwellings in the United States . These sites were inhabited by the Sinagua Indians in 1250 A.D. Also, the Beaver Creek Golf Resort was once an elegant ranch home that entertained Clark Gable, Carol Lombard and Betty Grable. The three towns combine to have a population of about 2300, and are located at an elevation of 3,600 feet. COTTONWOOD ... was a farm settlement in the late 1870s. It was named after a circle of 16 cottonwood trees that grew near the Verde River . In the early years, Cottonwood developed along with the progress of Jerome. Today, the town has grown into the Verde Valley 's trade and population center. Its modem shopping centers, plazas and professional offices share business with Historic Old Town . This quaint, old town area provides visitors with an atmosphere of an old western downtown street complete with its high sidewalks and false-fronted buildings. Cottonwood ’s population is about 6,000 (Combined Cottonwood and surrounding Verde villages total 12,000 population.), at an elevation of 3,300 feet. CLARKDALE... was founded to serve the company that smelted copper ore from Jerome's mines on the nearby mountain. The town was named after its most prominent resident, William Clark, who created a mining empire in the early 1900s. Clarkdale boasts of having one of the tallest unsupported masonry smokestacks in the world. Today, the town’s tree-lined streets and brick homes give residents and visitors a look at life near the turn of the century. Residents enjoy a community center, a golf course and a branch of Yavapai Community College . In addition, they enjoy water recreation at Peck's Lake . Clarkdale has a population of 2,000, and sits at an elevation of 3,100 feet. JEROME... clings perilously to the slopes of Cleopatra Hill. At one time Jerome was a roaring mining camp known for its copper, silver and gold. Then, almost overnight, the town of 15,000 people became a virtual ghost town when the copper mines closed in 1953. Many buildings owned by the copper company still stand, housing shops and galleries. You're invited to explore Jerome's winding cobblestone streets and stairways for gift shops, eateries, art and mine museums. You'll appreciate the efforts of local citizens who are working hard to restore and preserve Jerome's old-time charm. And be sure to see the complete mining history of Jerome and the Verde Valley displayed in the old Douglas Mansion . Having a population of only 500, and an elevation of 5,200 feet, makes Jerome unique among towns of the Verde Valley. CORNVILLE AND PAGE SPRINGS... were first ranch homesteads. Today, they're friendly residential communities with a distinctly rural flavor. In the shadow of an old volcanic mountain, these towns watch as Oak Creek flows freely through an area of ancient Indian ruins. This area is home of the Page Springs Fish Hatchery, which supplies the State of Arizona every year with 1,200,000 catchable rainbow trout. There combined population is abut 2,000. The elevation of 3,000 feet places them at the river’s edge. VILLAGE OF OAK CREEK... was the film location for many Westerns in the 1930s and 40s. Today, it is a master planned 920-acre residential, recreational and resort community. Bell Rock, a local landmark, stands as a sentinel at its north entrance on National Forest land. It's a favorite spot for hikers, climbers, meditators, and nature. The population of Oak Creek is 3,500. It is at an elevation of 4,200 feet. SEDONA... is breathtaking. That is an understatement. At the southern entrance to scenic Oak Creek Canyon , Sedona's red rock country is well known for its shops, art galleries, restaurants, hiking, picnicking, and back country touring. The natural beauty of the red rocks makes this resort area unique throughout the country. It provides a beautiful backdrop for the many boutiques found here containing unique mementos and handmade arts and crafts. Galleries are located throughout the town and in Tlaquepaque - a rambling shopping village built in a style that captures the charm and mood of Old Mexico. Tlaquepaque 's bell tower has become a landmark, rising above Sedona's tallest trees. The Sedona Arts Center in the "Barn" is host to both visual and performing arts. The Chapel of the Holy Cross is a famous shrine but into the red rocks in Sedona. A population of 10,000 makes Sedona the most populous town in the Verde Valley . It is also the second highest at an elevation at 4,300 feet. FLAGSTAFF ... the largest community in northern Arizona , is surrounded by the largest Ponderosa pine forest in the world. Flagstaff lies at an altitude of 7,000 feet, at the foot of the San Francisco Peaks , which are remnants of an ancient volcano. The highest mountain, Humphrey's Peak, towers over Flagstaff at 12,670 feet. Flagstaff 's attractions include the Museum of Northern Arizona , which shows the geology, biology, and anthropology of the Colorado Plateau, the Pioneer Historical Museum , housing a collection from the region's history, and the Lowell Observatory, where the planet Pluto was discovered in 1930. Since Flagstaff is just 50 miles north of THE WILLOWS on high-speed I-17, it is considered a nearby shopping Mecca. PRESCOTT ... rests in a mountain basin, surrounded by the pine-forested Bradshaw Mountains , towering Thumb Butte, Granite Mountain , and the vast grasslands of Chino and Lonesome Valleys . At an altitude of 5,000 feet, Prescott is known as Arizona 's mile-high city. Downtown, the Doric-columned courthouse sits in a spacious grassy plaza surrounded by tall elm trees. Opposite the courthouse on Montezuma Street , the Palace Bar carries on the tradition of "Whiskey Row," where more than 20 saloons operated 24 hours a day at the turn of the century. Two blocks west, the Sharlot Hall Museum preserves Prescott 's past with early buildings and much admired historic collections. Prescott was the first state capital. It is just 45 miles west of THE WILLOWS. PHOENIX ... the current state capitol, is the largest city in Arizona . Its heritage is reflected in its southwestern architecture and in Indian and Hispanic culture's that is woven into the southwest lifestyle. Phoenix is well known as the home of four major athletic franchises - the Suns, the Cardinals, the Diamondbacks, and the Coyotes. Outdoor recreational opportunities include bicycling, jogging, swimming, softball, baseball, and football. In addition, the Valley of the Sun, which includes Phoenix , has over 90 golf courses - and more than 1,000 tennis courts. Phoenix area attractions include the Arizona Museum of Science and Technology, Desert Botanical Gardens , Arizona State University (home of the Fiesta Bowl), Heard Museum , Phoenix Art Museum , Phoenix Zoo, and dozens of other popular tourist sites. Phoenix is just 86 miles south of THE WILLOWS.
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