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Cottonwood Arizona
is located in Northern Arizona in Yavapai County, between Prescott and Sedona, and 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, the town has grown from a small farming community to the Verde Valley's most populated center. Dubbed “The Old Town City,” Cottonwood has a very rich history. In 1874 soldiers from Camp Verde were stationed at an adobe house at the site of the present town of Cottonwood. In spite of problems such as malaria and dysentery, settlers moved in and it soon became a thriving town. The old adobe house became a schoolhouse for the children and the long farming season in the rich Verde Valley was very appealing to the settlers. By 1917, Cottonwood began booming. Cottonwood appealed to the more adventurous soul, and had a reputation for lawlessness. Some who settled here were run out of other nearby towns and heavy bootlegging was abounding in the area. Today Cottonwood has settled down quite a bit and is a quiet community with convenient shopping, hotels, and restaurants, and a picturesque Historic Old Town, complete with high sidewalks and false fronted buildings that lend to the Old West atmosphere. It still appeals to those who are looking for someplace a little different, off the beaten track. Situated in the center of the Verde Valley, Cottonwood is the ideal spot to stay while visiting other area attractions. The rich reds and browns of the desert come alive in this southwestern town, where mild winter temperatures and warm summers make anytime of year the perfect time to visit. The beautiful Verde River runs through Cottonwood, and the town is near the spectacular Oak Creek Canyon area. Enjoy the hiking trails, golfing, or camping as you watch the changing colors of the desert at twilight. It’s an unforgettable sight. For shoppers, many unique shops and galleries featuring art, antiques, jewelry, pottery and many additional items may be found in our Historic Old Town Cottonwood District, Clarkdale, Camp Verde Jerome and Sedona.
The Verde Canyon Railroad is another popular attraction for visitors who travel down the railroad lines viewing scenic spots and wildlife. Tuzigoot National Monument, The Clemenceau Heritage Museum, Dead Horse Ranch State Park and the Sycamore Canyon Wilderness are just some of the attractions close to Cottonwood. The Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Area is a 26-mile canyon that is one of the most breathtaking spots in the area. Families love to cool off at Slide Rock State Park, which is one of Oak Creek Canyon’s most popular attractions. A thirty-foot water slide worn in the slick rocks winds through the cool creek bed providing visitors with a natural, thrilling outdoor ride. Pre-Columbian Sinaguan sites, officer's quarters at a cavalry fort, a train excursion along the Verde River Canyon, a cowboy dinner show and a night at the casino can all be experienced in a single day. No other place in Arizona offers such a wide range of activities as Cottonwood and the Verde Valley.
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