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      7 Activities to Visit

      Water to Wine: Road Trip to Verde Valley

      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
      $ 2.99

      Guide details

      Starts from

      Phoenix

      Transportation

      By Car

      Guidance

      Self-Guided

      Duration

      10 hours

      Length

      56 mi

      Price
      $ 2.99
      History and CultureUnique Experiences
      Map preview

      Created by:

      Nathan Lemin
      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!

      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!
      Nathan Lemin
      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

      Montezuma Castle Visitor Center
      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.
      23.3 mi40 min
      Tuzigoot National Monument Visitor Center
      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.

      Checkout options

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      $ 2.99/guide

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