Looking for something to do with the kiddies during spring break? Family in town? Sometimes not everyone is up for – or capable of – a 6-mile hike in the red rocks. That’s when Cottonwood’s Jail Trail River Walk comes in handy. It might be the most accessible trail in the Verde Valley. The hike begins at the back of one of the biggest parking lots in bustling Old Town Cottonwood, which makes it a great option if you’re planning to explore Old Town’s restaurants and antique shops before or after your walk. It also boasts bucolic views of the Verde River, and we can almost guarantee that you won’t break a sweat along this perfectly flat route. The trail gets its name from the nearby river-rock building that was constructed in 1929 to serve as Cottonwood’s jail and now houses an art gallery. It’s also part of Verde River Greenway State Natural Area, which was established in 1986 to preserve the Verde River. Southwestern bald eagles, southwestern willow flycatchers and dozens of other bird species flock to this area, making it a birdwatcher’s paradise. (We spotted a woodpecker on our hike – yay for us!) There are also leopard frogs in the area and plenty of dog walkers, so bring Fido on this exploration. Jail Trail begins as a wide dirt path that heads toward the Verde River. Despite its proximity to Old Town Cottonwood, it has a remote feeling, and the sound of the river and the wind in the reeds quickly blocks out traffic noise. You’ll be hiking among enormous cottonwoods, willows and ethereal stands of cattails. The trail soon narrows, with numerous side trails providing access to the Verde River. We hiked here in the spring, before the trees had leafed, and found the starkness of the foliage quite beautiful (the lack of leaves also exposed large, bright green bushels of mistletoe high up in the cottonwood trees). The trail is well marked and makes its way under a highway overpass before meeting up with the disc golf course at Riverfront Park. It skirts the park and ends at Dead Horse Ranch State Park, approximately 1 mile from where you began your hike. Dead Horse Ranch has its own network of trails, including a path that circumnavigates one of several ponds. It’s another easy walk that provides more birdwatching opportunities. Once you’ve explored to your heart’s content, return the way you came, but don’t leave Cottonwood without stopping for a glass of wine or a craft beer.
Jail Trail River Walk
If you're looking for a walk that is easy enough for the entire family, head to Old Town Cottonwood.
TEXT BY ERIKA AYN FINCH. PHOTOGRAPH BY DEB WEINKAUFF.
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