Where to Hike
Cliffrose Trail
The trailhead for the Cliffrose Trail is located just off Mingus Avenue, making it easy to access. This hike is just over one mile long. Expect to take in sweeping views of the area’s surrounding mountains on this easy, quick loop trail.
Dead Horse Ranch State Park. Photo courtesy of Arizona State Parks and Trails.
Dead Horse Ranch State Park
The Verde River flows all throughout Cottonwood’s Dead Horse Ranch State Park, and visitors have plenty of opportunities to spend time on the water. They can fish, kayak and canoe on the river. Fishing holes are stocked with rainbow trout and channel catfish in the summer. One unique part of the river is a six-mile stretch known as the Verde River Greenway State Natural Area. This area is known for its cottonwood and willow riparian gallery forest and is one of 20 riparian zones in the world. The entire park is spread across 423 acres. In addition to the aforementioned water activities, park guests also can bike and hike here too. The Lime Kiln Trail is a 15-mile trail that connects both Dead Horse State Park to Red Rock State Park and is popular among mountain bikers. Visitors can stay overnight at the park in eight cabins or on one of 100 campsites.
Dead Horse Ranch State Park. Photo courtesy of Arizona State Parks and Trails.
In addition to its lush waterways, the park is very well known as a birding destination. Visitors can see nearly 200 bird species here, and the park hosts the annual Verde Valley Birding and Nature Festival. Common bird species you might see include Vermillion Flycatchers, Great Blue Herons and Black Hawks. Birds aside, you might also spot wildlife like Gray Foxes, ducks, coyotes, cottontail rabbits, mountain lions, javelinas, mule deers and Striped Skunks. You’ve likely wondered about this park’s unique name. Here’s the story behind it: When Calvin “Cap” Ireys purchased the property in 1950, he toured a number of properties with his children. The one they liked the best was, you guessed it, the property with a dead horse lying in a field. That land eventually became the state park that we know today. Arizona State Parks acquired the land in 1973, and Cap made the state keep the name as part of the sale.
675 Dead Horse Ranch Road (928-634-5283)
Black Canyon Trail. Photo by Deb Weinkauff.
Black Canyon Trail
The Black Canyon Trail is one tough trek. The entire out-and-back trail is just about 6.4 miles long and has an elevation gain of over 2,200 feet. You need to be in good shape to tackle this backcountry trail and should preferably be with a group of people due to safety reasons. Your reward for all the effort? Truly breathtaking, sweeping views of the entire Verde Valley. Think of expansive blue skies and the area’s mountains.
Black Canyon Trail. Photo by Deb Weinkauff.
True to its name, the trail climbs steadily and overlooks Black Canyon. If you hike even farther, you’ll enter Gaddes Canyon where ponderosa pines in addition to walnut and oak trees flourish. All of the trees create a lush canopy that’s tough to find in Arizona – making for one unique, rugged experience.
Attractions
Clemenceau Heritage Museum
Operated by the Verde Historical Society, the Clemenceau Heritage Museum preserves and displays artifacts that capture the history of the Verde Valley. This includes written, oral and living histories of the region. Visitors also can see Native tools like bowls and vases. Housed in the classrooms of the former Clemenceau School, the museum also features replicas of a kitchen, a classroom and a bedroom from the past. Guests also can check out artifacts and photographs capturing the area’s agricultural history. Expect to see photos of farming, ranching and mining. Admission is free.
1 N. Willard Street (928-634-2868)
Where to Eat
Gayle’s Chocolates. Photo by Courtney Worden.
Gayle’s Chocolates
Named after its founder Gayle Harte, Gayle’s Chocolates started way back in 1979. Her goal was to make tasty chocolates with premium ingredients. The business started in Michigan and relocated to Cottonwood in 2019 and has been there ever since.
Gayle’s Chocolates. Photo by Courtney Worden.
Customers can look forward to a plethora of chocolates made out of premium cacao. Some of Gayle’s most striking creations include a high heel and a Porsche 911 – both crafted entirely out of chocolate. Guests also can dig into the crispy cinnamon peanut butter cup and a variety of truffles.
Gayle’s Chocolates. Photo by Courtney Worden.
Truffle flavors include milk chocolate, raspberry, pistachio, peanut butter, lemon, white chocolate and caramel.
541 N. Main Street (1-888-761-2626)
Ms. Masaki
Ms. Masaki is a sushi lounge that serves up a plethora of inventive sushi rolls in a sleek setting complete with plush black booths and a sushi bar. A colorful dragon is painted on the wall. Some of this spot’s signature creations include the Salmon Valley Roll, fresh salmon, organic cucumbers and carrots. This roll is topped with spinach, spicy mayo, small slices of avocado and is served with a side of miso sauce. Another dynamic offering is the Sunset Roll, raw salmon, cucumber, cream cheese and slices of lemon and avocado. The Sunset Roll is finished with a drizzle of sesame oil and some fire sauce for a spicy finish. Guests also can order nigiri, sashimi, noodles, salads and appetizers like deep fried veggie dumplings.
654 S. Main Street (928-634-9744)
Wholesome Café
True to its name, the Wholesome Café serves up a plethora of healthy fare like smoothies, salads, wraps and superfood bowls. For example, guests can order avocado toast, gluten-free buckwheat and flaxseed waffles at this breakfast and lunch spot. The smoothies here are colorful, nutritious and healthy. Customers can order Tropical Green, a blend of pineapple, mango, banana, spinach and coconut milk. The dark green Mint Madness is a mix of banana, cacao nibs, mint, spirulina, vanilla syrup and almond milk. For a refreshing, cool treat, consider the coconut crème popsicle.
1413 AZ-89A (928-239-4851)
Eden. Photo by Eden Archer.
Eden
Eden takes its name from founder and chef Eden Archer. She has long been a staple of the culinary scene with more than 30 years of experience in the industry. Her eponymous restaurant, which occupies the space of the former Cork & Catch restaurant, shines with a contemporary setting and excellent cuisine. The light-filled restaurant features dark blue walls, a bar along one wall and tables along another.
Eden. Photo by Eden Archer.
To kick off your meal, consider ordering the Bangkok Shrimp. Red Sriracha gives this appetizer a spicy kick that’s complemented by the crunchy roasted cashews and sesame ginger slaw. The menu is filled with a healthy mix of burgers and salads, and we picked one of each. Looking for lighter options? The Chopped Greek salad is made with traditional ingredients like cucumber, chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, olives, red onion, feta, sweet red pepper and pepperoncini that was drizzled with light and tangy Greek lemon yogurt dressing. The ‘Mutombo Burger was a perfect mix of savory and sweet. The smoked bacon, onion rings, fried jalapenos and cheddar cheese were all balanced out by the prickly pear BBQ sauce.
Eden. Photo by Eden Archer.
Don’t leave here without trying a craft cocktail. The Rose Agave Paloma is excellent. This libation is a blend of fruit infused pechuga mezcal, house rose petal vodka, fresh grapefruit juice and black lava sea salt. The drink was made with ingredients that tasted as fresh as if they were just plucked from a garden – a fitting end to a meal at a restaurant called Eden.
1750 E. Villa Drive (928-649-2675)
Blazin’ M Ranch. Photo by Blaine Ashcraft.
Blazin’ M Ranch
Cottonwood’s Blazin’ M Ranch is a true Western experience that offers dinner and a show. Gates open at 5 p.m., and guests can stroll around a recreated Western town and the ranch before dinner. Pop into a few shops, check out a museum, watch as staff members perform ropes tricks, and even take a tractor ride to check out the ranch’s animals.
Blazin’ M Ranch. Photo courtesy of the City of Cottonwood.
Starting at 6:30 p.m., guests can enjoy a chuckwagon dinner featuring chicken and ribs, mashed potatoes, cowboy beans, signature prickly pear coleslaw, yeast rolls and dessert. Following a one-hour dinner, the Blazin’ M Ramblers Band will take the stage and perform a variety of country hits by the likes of Dolly Parton and Johnny Cash.
1875 Mabery Ranch Road in Cottonwood (928-634-0334)
