Sedona & Oak Creek Travel Guide

The Sedona-Oak Creek Travel Guide is a resource for those planning to tour the famed red rock country of northern Arizona. This guide includes coverage of Sedona, Oak Creek Canyon, Prescott, and the Verde Valley including the historic town of Jerome. The area features diverse outdoor recreation, spectacular sightseeing, shopping and culture, Indian ruins, historic sites, even wine tasting.

(Right: Tuzigoot National Monument)

Using the Interactive Map

Place your mouse pointer on any purple KEY item or place name on the map. A brief description will appear. Click on the box for a link to detailed information. For easiest use, scroll map to top. Detailed Sedona, Oak Creek, & Verde Valley Map in separate window. (Index at bottom of this page.)

Verde Valley & Jerome, Arizona - Indian Ruins & Cultural Sites

The Verde Valley follows the Verde River, one of Arizona's major rivers, between the mountainous regions of Sedona and Oak Creek to the east, in the Coconino National Forest, and the mountains of Jerome and Prescott to the west, in the Prescott National Forest. The major towns in the valley are Camp Verde, Cottonwood, and Clarkdale. Jerome which overlooks the valley is only a few miles from Clarkdale and is included in this section of the guide.

The fertile valley has encouraged human habitation for millennia. Remnants of the ancient pueblos and cliff dwellings of the Sinagua people can be found at several sites in the valley, including the famous Montezuma Castle. More recent 19th century history can be found at Fort Verde and Jerome State Historic Parks. The historic mountaintop mining town of Jerome also offers a fascinating historical perspective.

Verde Valley also has a fledging wine industry, generally centered in the vicinity of the town of Cornville. Several are open daily for tasting. These very small vineyards offer the visitor a pleasant and intimate experience.

There are several other notable experiences available in Verde Valley, including Dead Horse Ranch State Park, the excellent Verde Canyon Scenic Railroad, the Blazing M Ranch, and Out of Africa Wildlife Park.

Verde Valley Visitor Services  |   Verde Valley Attractions  |   Indian Ruins/Cultural Sites

Indian Ruins / Cultural Sites

• Montezuma Castle National Monument. The monument contains an extremely well preserved cliff dwelling of the Sinagua people. The structure which dates to the 12-13th centuries is on five levels and gives the appearance of a castle. A short trail passes the base of the cliff with the structure high on the wall (photo, right) and also a smaller secondary ruin at ground level. Exit I-17 at exit #289. There is a $5 per adult (16 and over) entrance fee, children under 16 years: Free admission.
• Montezuma Well. A separate section of Montezuma Castle National Monument about 11 miles away. The well is a water-filled limestone sinkhole about 470 feet across. It is surrounded by remnants of pueblos and cliff dwellings occupied mainly in the 13th century. Remains of the irrigation ditches used at that time can still be seen. A self-guiding trail accesses the area. Exit I-17 at exit #293. No fee.
• Palatki Heritage Site. Palatki features a Sinaguan cliff dwelling dating from about 1300AD and much more ancient rock art panels. Access is by two short trails. Parking is limited so reservations are required - call 928-282-3854 before going out. West from Sedona on AZ-89a, then north on FR525, then FR795, about eight miles from highway. Suitable for passenger cars when dry. Check for jeep tours on this route.
• Honanki Heritage Site. Honanki also features a Sinaguan cliff dwelling dating from about 1300AD and much more ancient rock art panels. West from Sedona on AZ-89a, then north on FR525, about ten miles from highway. Suitable for passenger cars when dry. Check for jeep tours on this route.
• V-Bar-V Ranch Petroglyph Site. The largest known and best preserved petroglyph site (etched rock art) in the Verde Valley. The rock art is unique as the Beaver Creek Style, belonging to the Southern Sinagua of the Beaver Creek Community, and dating from about A.D. 1150-1400. Gated site is open 9:30am-3:00pm, Friday through Monday. On-site guides provide free tours to visitors. Red Rock Pass required for access. Located on FR618, three miles east of I-17, off of exit #298.
• Tuzigoot National Monument. The remnants of a large hilltop pueblo occupied by the Sinaguans from about A.D. 1100-1425. The structure originally contained about 110 rooms on three levels. Many artifacts were recovered from the rooms and are on display at the visitor center. Located two miles outside of Cottonwood. Follow signs from Main Street.

Verde Valley Visitor Services  |   Verde Valley Attractions  |   Indian Ruins/Cultural Sites

Sedona & Oak Creek Travel Guide Index

• Introduction & Index to Sedona, Oak Creek Canyon, Verde Valley, Prescott
• Sedona, Arizona
  • Visitor Services
  • Outdoor Attractions
  • Cultural Attractions/Shopping
  • Guided Recreational Activities
• Oak Creek Canyon, Arizona
• Verde Valley & Jerome, Arizona
  • Visitor Services
  • Attractions
  • Indian Ruins / Cultural Sites
• Prescott, Arizona
• Camping in Sedona, Oak Creek Canyon, Verde Valley, & Prescott
• Lodging & Travel Services in Sedona, Oak Creek Canyon, Verde Valley, & Prescott
• Northern Arizona Travel Guide
• Grand Canyon Area Travel Guide
• Las Vegas Travel Guide