Cottonwood Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, food to eat, and more in Cottonwood, Arizona with this comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Cottonwood

Located in Northern Arizona, Cottonwood is a small town with big attractions. Surrounded by stunning natural vistas and rich in culture, this charming town is a perfect getaway for those looking to explore the Southwest. Whether you’re seeking adventure, cultural immersion, or a relaxing vacation, Cottonwood has something for everyone. In this guide, we’ll take you through the best places to visit, things to do, and more in Cottonwood.

List of Places to Visit in Cottonwood

Here are some of the top attractions in Cottonwood:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Clemenceau Heritage Museum - This museum showcases the history and culture of the Verde Valley, with exhibits on the mining industry, pioneer life, and more.
  • Tuzigoot National Monument - Explore the ruins of a 1,000-year-old Sinagua pueblo at this national monument.
  • Jerome State Historic Park - Learn about the history of Jerome, a former copper mining town turned artist colony, at this state historic park.

Natural Attractions of Cottonwood: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Dead Horse Ranch State Park - This park offers camping, fishing, hiking, and birdwatching opportunities, as well as stunning views of the Verde River.
  • Verde Valley Wine Trail - Take a scenic drive through the Verde Valley and visit local wineries for tastings and tours of the vineyards.
  • Red Rock State Park - Marvel at the red rock formations and explore the hiking trails in this state park.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Cottonwood

  • Lime Kiln Trail - This 15-mile round-trip trail offers stunning views of the Verde River and the red rocks of Sedona.
  • Bill Grey Road Trail - This scenic trail leads through Dead Horse Ranch State Park and offers opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife viewing.
  • Bell Rock Pathway - This easy hike provides beautiful views of Bell Rock and the surrounding red rock formations in Sedona.

Best Things to Do in Cottonwood: Activities and Tours

  • Harley Davidson Motorcycle Tour - Take a guided motorcycle tour through the red rock canyons and mountains of Sedona.
  • Vortex Tours - Explore the energy vortexes of Sedona and learn about their spiritual significance.
  • Jeep Tours - Take a guided off-road tour through the rugged landscape of Sedona.

Week-Long Itinerary for Cottonwood

Day Activity
1 Explore Tuzigoot National Monument and the Clemenceau Heritage Museum
2 Do the Lime Kiln Trail hike
3 Visit Verde Valley wineries
4 Take a Harley Davidson tour of Sedona
5 Explore Dead Horse Ranch State Park
6 Experience Sedona’s energy vortexes on a tour
7 Relax and enjoy Cottonwood’s local cuisine and culture

Food and Drink Scene of Cottonwood

One of the best parts of traveling is discovering the local cuisine. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages in Cottonwood:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Chimichangas - Deep-fried burritos filled with meat, beans, and cheese, served with sour cream and guacamole.
  • Navajo Fry Bread - A Native American staple that can be served sweet or savory, made with flour, baking powder, salt, and milk.
  • Tamales - Corn dough filled with meat or beans, wrapped in corn husks, and steamed.

Local Beverages

  • Arizona Wine - The Verde Valley is home to numerous wineries, offering varietals made from locally grown grapes.
  • Prickly Pear Margarita - A classic margarita with a Southwestern twist, made with prickly pear cactus fruit juice.
  • Craft Beer - Cottonwood has a growing craft beer scene, with local breweries offering unique brews like a jalapeño-infused IPA.

Where to Stay in Cottonwood: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Pines Motel - This recently renovated motel offers comfortable rooms at an affordable price, in a convenient location.
  • Cottonwood Hotel - A historic hotel with Victorian-era decor, located in the heart of Cottonwood’s Old Town.
  • The Tavern Hotel - A chic boutique hotel with stylish rooms and a rooftop bar, located in the heart of Old Town.

What to Buy in Cottonwood: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Southwestern Jewelry - Cottonwood is home to numerous jewelry shops offering unique designs made with turquoise and other semiprecious stones.
  • Jerome Memorabilia - Bring home a piece of Jerome’s mining history with a souvenir from one of its many gift shops.
  • Local Wine - Verde Valley wineries offer unique varietals made with locally grown grapes that make the perfect souvenir.

Local Culture and Customs of Cottonwood

Cottonwood has a rich Native American and mining history, and its culture is deeply rooted in Southwestern traditions. Visitors should be respectful of the local customs and follow the Leave No Trace principles when exploring the natural areas.

Best Time to Visit Cottonwood

The best time to visit Cottonwood is from March to May and September to November. During these months, the weather is mild and there are fewer crowds compared to the peak summer months of June to August.

Do’s and Don’ts of Cottonwood

Do:

  • Explore the local wineries and try unique Verde Valley varietals.
  • Respect the local culture and customs.
  • Follow Leave No Trace principles when exploring natural areas.

Don’t:

  • Leave trash or disturb the natural landscape.
  • Ignore local customs and traditions.
  • Drive off-road or in prohibited areas.

Safety and Health

Safety in Cottonwood

Cottonwood is a relatively safe town with low crime rates. Visitors should be aware of the risks of heatstroke during the summer months and use caution when hiking or exploring natural areas.

Health in Cottonwood

Visitors to Cottonwood should be mindful of the high altitude and dry climate, which can cause dehydration and altitude sickness. It’s essential to drink plenty of water and take breaks when hiking or participating in outdoor activities.

Getting to Cottonwood: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Cottonwood

The closest airport to Cottonwood is Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, located approximately 113 miles southwest.

Bus Stations Near Cottonwood

The closest Greyhound bus station to Cottonwood is in Flagstaff, approximately 40 miles north.

Other Options

Renting a car or taking a shuttle service from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport are other options for getting to Cottonwood.

How to Get Around in Cottonwood

Cottonwood is a small town that can easily be explored on foot or by bicycle. Renting a car or taking a taxi may be necessary for exploring attractions outside the town.

Where to Go Next from Cottonwood: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Sedona - Explore the stunning red rock formations, energy vortexes, and outdoor activities in this iconic Southwestern town.
  • Grand Canyon National Park - Travel to one of the most famous natural wonders of the world, and explore its stunning vistas and hiking trails.
  • Flagstaff - Visit the historic downtown, explore the local museum, or hike at nearby Mount Humphreys.

Conclusion

Cottonwood, Arizona, offers an authentic Southwestern experience, with a rich cultural history, stunning natural landscapes, and unique culinary offerings. With this comprehensive travel guide, you’re all set to explore the best places to visit, things to do, and more in Cottonwood.