IN THIS REGION Camp Verde, Clarkdale, Cottonwood, Fort Apache, Globe, Holbrook, Jerome, Prescott, Sedona, Seligman NORTH CENTRAL ARIZONA its hillside location overlooked his Little Daisy Mine. Explore this home-turned-museum to see exhibits, photographs and artifacts chronicling the family, mining and town’s history. DEAD HORSE RANCH STATE PARK, COTTONWOOD Escape to the verdant Verde River Valley at this scenic park where you can picnic beneath a shaded canopy of cottonwood and willow trees, go fishing at three lagoons, sleep beneath the stars at one of the high desert campsites; or bike, hike or horseback ride along the shared-use Dead Horse Trail System. PICKLE BARREL TRADING POST, GLOBE In a rugged mining town, discover a century-old post-and-beam-built shop filled with Southwest-inspired treasures: Minnetonka moccasins, Pendleton blankets, sparkly minerals and rocks, Apache beadwork, cowboy hats, one-of-a-kind antiques, rustic yard art and an array of fun gifts for kids. MONTEZUMA CASTLE NATIONAL MONUMENT, CAMP VERDE Gaze into the past at this remarkably preserved cliff dwelling: a 20-room multi-family home tucked into the recess of a craggy limestone cliff where the Sinagua people lived over 600 years ago. Take in views from the self-guided loop trail that follows the spring-fed Beaver Creek. WATSON LAKE AND THE GRANITE DELLS, PRESCOTT Dramatic rock formations — known as the Granite Dells, an assemblage of large granite boulders with a strikingly rippled appearance — surround Watson Lake, making it one of the most ruggedly beautiful spots in the region. Explore the waters by canoe, kayak or stand-up paddleboard — or bike, hike, fish and climb. FORT APACHE HISTORIC PARK/ NOHWIKE’ BÁGOWA (HOUSE OF OUR FOOTPRINTS) MUSEUM, FORT APACHE One of the best examples of an existing Apache Wars-era military post, Fort Apache Historic Park displays more than 20 structures in its historic district. You can also tour the Nohwike’ Bágowa, dedicated to Apache heritage and arts, and visit the nearby Kinishba Ruins National Historic Landmark. 67 Dead Horse Ranch State Park, Cottonwood Verde Canyon Railroad, Clarkdale Area Highlights VERDE CANYON RAILROAD, CLARKDALE Board a restored vintage train car (ADA accessible) pulled by a rare FP7 locomotive for an unforgettable four-hour, 40-mile round-trip ride through breathtaking canyon scenery. You’ll pass by the shimmering waters of the Verde River, lush foliage and high-desert rock faces. Keep an eye out for eagles and other wildlife, and be sure to pick up a Southwestern-style souvenir in the Boxcar Gift Store back at the depot. NAVAJO COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY, HOLBROOK Housed in the historic courthouse on Route 66, this museum tells the stories of the area’s many residents throughout the centuries, from American Indians to early settlers. See ancient fossils, exhibits on Ancestral Puebloans, Apache, Hopi and Navajo cultures and their crafts; an old Hashknife chuck wagon, and artifacts from the legendary Mother Road. TOP TO BOTTOM: NPS PHOTO; AZ STATE PARKS; VERDE CANYON RAILROAD Montezuma Castle National Monument, Camp Verde SLIDE ROCK STATE PARK, SEDONA Brilliant red plateaus, green meadows dappled with colorful wildflowers and the cool waters of Oak Creek meandering through stands of trees are just a few highlights at this 286-acre state park. Bring the whole family along the 5-mile trail network for panoramic views. JEROME STATE HISTORIC PARK, JEROME A landmark in Jerome since 1916, the Douglas Mansion was home to mining mogul James Douglas, and
Arizona Official State Travel Guide Arizona 2024-25: Page 67
