Cottonwood day trip from Prescott
3 min read4 sectionsTourist Attraction
Quick answer
Cottonwood AZ sits 45 minutes east of Prescott via Highway 260 or 89A. Things to do in Cottonwood AZ include the Old Town Cottonwood wine-tasting strip, the Verde Canyon Railroad from nearby Clarkdale, Tuzigoot National Monument, Dead Horse Ranch State Park, and Blazin M Ranch. The city of Cottonwood is less crowded than Sedona.
Old Town
Walk Main Street. Tasting rooms cluster on a few blocks. Restaurants run patio-friendly and family-friendly.
Wineries
Verde Valley is one of Arizona's main wine regions. Cottonwood and Cornville hold the highest density of tasting rooms.
Verde Canyon Railroad
Boards in Clarkdale, 10 minutes from Old Town. Four-hour scenic ride through Verde Canyon. Reserve in advance.
Tuzigoot National Monument
Fifteen minutes from Old Town. A short walk to a 1,000-year-old pueblo with valley views.
Frequently asked
Is Cottonwood worth a day trip?+
Yes, especially if you like wine or trains.
How long does the railroad take?+
Four hours plus boarding.
Is Cottonwood walkable?+
Old Town is. The rest needs a car.
Can I combine with Sedona?+
Yes. Sedona is 25 minutes northeast.
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