7 Activities to Visit
Water to Wine: Road Trip to Verde Valley
Starts from
Phoenix
Transportation
By Car
Guidance
Self-Guided
Activities
7
Duration
10 hours
Length
56 mi
Price
$ 2.99Guide details
Starts from
Phoenix
Transportation
By Car
Guidance
Self-Guided
Duration
10 hours
Length
56 mi
Price
$ 2.99Created by:
Nathan Lemin
Travel Expert
Highlights
- Imbibe at the region's terrific wineries.
- Cool off in the gorgeous Verde River.
- Learn about ancient peoples at Puebloan ruins.
That such a rich and green region (hence Verde Valley) is positioned so near to Phoenix may seem unbelievable. The beauty and wine in Cottonwood and the surrounding towns should truly not be missed. Spend the morning learning about the ancient peoples indigenous to the area, and then cool off by the Verde River. Local favorites for food and wine in Cottonwood and beyond wrap up this relaxing day trip.
Do not forget the camera! The juxtaposition of the green valley with the red rocks is worth documenting!
Do not forget the camera! The juxtaposition of the green valley with the red rocks is worth documenting!
Categories
That such a rich and green region (hence Verde Valley) is positioned so near to Phoenix may seem unbelievable. The beauty and wine in Cottonwood and the surrounding towns should truly not be missed. Spend the morning learning about the ancient peoples indigenous to the area, and then cool off by the Verde River. Local favorites for food and wine in Cottonwood and beyond wrap up this relaxing day trip.
Do not forget the camera! The juxtaposition of the green valley with the red rocks is worth documenting!
Do not forget the camera! The juxtaposition of the green valley with the red rocks is worth documenting!
Nathan Lemin
Travel Expert
- Imbibe at the region's terrific wineries.
- Cool off in the gorgeous Verde River.
- Learn about ancient peoples at Puebloan ruins.
7 Activities to Visit
Day 1
56 mi
Experience the Verde River and Surrounding Wineries
Cool off in the flowing Verde River. Visit ancient Puebloan ruins. Relax and wander the Verde Valley Wine Trail. Dine and shop in the historic town of Cottonwood, Arizona. Enjoy the beauty of red rocks all around.
Day Itinerary
09:501 hr
Montezuma Castle Visitor Center
Visitor Centre
Open Details
The sheer size of this well-preserved dwelling inspires visitors to imagine how the Sinaguan people lived centuries ago. The monument is actually a misnomer, as the Sinaguan people occupied this terrain pre-Colombus and pre-Montezuma. The "Castle" in fact functioned much like an apartment building: a communal living space with multiple dwellings. While visiting, you may look up and wonder why the dwelling is so high up; while there is no doubt safety from invasion built-in to this location, researchers also believe the situation helped avoid seasonal flooding brought on by monsoons.
Additionally, do not miss the Montezuma Well. What appears to be a mere pond is filled with 15 million gallons of daily-refreshed water, percolated over millennia and fed by what was once a subterranean flowage. View additional dwellings and prehistoric structures around Montezuma Well, and hike down along the well's outlet into Beaver Creek.
Additionally, do not miss the Montezuma Well. What appears to be a mere pond is filled with 15 million gallons of daily-refreshed water, percolated over millennia and fed by what was once a subterranean flowage. View additional dwellings and prehistoric structures around Montezuma Well, and hike down along the well's outlet into Beaver Creek.
23.3 mi40 min
11:301 hr 30 min
Tuzigoot National Monument Visitor Center
Museum
Open Details
Another well-preserved Sinaguan ruin, Tuzigoot is a perfect place to explore the landscape and history of the valley. Featuring a small museum, ruins, and Tavasci marsh (yes, a marsh in the desert!), the Monument is well connected by accessible walking trails. After your visit, follow the road in to one of the many river access points. At the very least dip your toes in the historic river; however, if you have time, renting kayaks or taking a guided trip with one of the many companies in Verde Valley is highly recommended.
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