Vital Statistics -Location / Description
Cottonwood is located near the geographic center of Arizona near Interstate
17 on Highways 89A and 260. It is the largest Verde Valley city of Yavapai County
in North Central Arizona. It is near Clarkdale and Camp Verde. The beautiful
Verde River runs through Cottonwood, and the town is near the spectacular Oak
Creek Canyon area. The city thrives on tourism, retirement facilities, farming,
and ranching. It is the main commercial center of the area between Maricopa County
and Coconino County. Cottonwood is a retail and service center located about
50 miles south of Flagstaff. Hundreds of thousands of tourists are attracted
by nearby national forests, state, parks, national monuments, and wilderness
areas.
Population / Elevation
Population: 10,925 (2006)
Elevation: 3,320 feet above sea level
Weather
History
In 1874, soldiers from Camp Verde were stationed in an adobe house on the
site of the present day Cottonwood. Charles D. Willard settled in the area, bringing
with him a mechanic by the name of Neff. As other settlers came in, the area
became a farming settlement until World War I and after that, it began booming.
At one time, Cottonwood was known to have the best bootlegging booze within hundreds
of miles, attracting citizens from Los Angeles, Phoenix, and people from nearby
areas.
Cottonwood is the site of the first Arizona territorial capital.
Cottonwood was incorporated in 1960.
The city is named for a circle of 16 cottonwood trees near the river.
Things To Do
- Hang Gliding
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Boating
- Climbing
- Hiking
- Exploration
- Picnicking
Events
- May - Sizzlin' Salsa Sunday/Cinco de Mayo Celebration in Historic Old Town
- May - Verde Valley Fair
- September - Verde River Days at Dead Horse State Park
- November - Zeke Taylor Open Pit Barbecue
- December - Christmas Parade
Lodging
Hotels/Motels
Camping & RV Parks
For more information, contact:
Cottonwood Chamber of Commerce
1010 South Main Street
Junction 89A & 260
Cottonwood, Arizona 86326
(928) 634-7593
Resources & Nearby Attractions
Resources
Cities & Towns
Parks & Monuments
Wilderness & Recreation Areas
- Sycamore Canyon Wilderness
- Oak Creek Canyon
- Slide
Rock
- Minugs Mountains - 7,700 feet - for hang-gliding enthusiasts
- Prescott National Forest
- Verde River
Historic & Points of Interest
- Old Town Cottonwood features arts and crafts shops
on historic Main Street
- Verde
Canyon Railroad
- Sedona's Red
Rocks
- Blazin' M Ranch - Reenactments of the Old West (1-800-West 643)
- Clemenceau Heritage Museum
