Best Day Trips from Prescott, AZ
From mining towns turned arts hubs to red rock canyons, the Verde Valley packs a lot into a short radius. Use the quick routes and highlights below to plan an easy, unforgettable day from Prescott.
Travel Times at a Glance
- Cottonwood (via 89A): 44 mi · ~1h10
- Cottonwood (via 69/169/I-17/260): 54 mi · ~1h15
- Jerome: 35 mi · ~55 min
- Clarkdale (via 89A): 40 mi · ~1h05
- Clarkdale (via 69/169/I-17/260): 58 mi · ~1h25
- Sedona (via 69/169/I-17/179): 67 mi · ~1h25
Times are approximate and can vary with traffic and weather.
Cottonwood – The Heart of the Verde Valley
Nestled between the Mingus Mountains and Woodchute Mountains and traversed by the Verde River, Cottonwood is surrounded by the scenic beauty of Central Arizona. The town began as a small adobe shelter for soldiers in 1874 and was named for a circle of 16 cottonwood trees near the river. Established in 1879 and incorporated in 1960, Cottonwood sits at 3,300 feet elevation and is roughly 100 miles north of Phoenix.
Jerome – Arizona’s Famous Ghost Town
Perched on Cleopatra Hill above a massive copper deposit, Jerome was once a booming mining town filled with miners, gamblers, bootleggers, and saloon keepers. Today, its hillside streets are lined with art galleries, unique shops, and historic saloons like The Spirit Room. Enjoy tastings at Jerome Winery and local eateries, or explore the town’s famously haunted hotels and historic buildings.
DirectionsCamp Verde – Oldest Community in the Valley
Located in the Verde River valley at 3,100 feet, Camp Verde was established in 1865 and is the oldest community in the Verde Valley. Explore rich frontier history and enjoy easy access to outdoor recreation along the Verde River.
DirectionsClarkdale – Gateway to the Verde Canyon Railroad
Situated at the upper end of the Verde Valley, Clarkdale was founded in 1914 near the Clarkdale Smelter, financed by Montana Senator William A. Clark. At 3,542 feet elevation, the town offers views of mesas, buttes, and the Mingus Mountains—and it’s the popular starting point for the Verde Canyon Railroad through red rock country.
DirectionsSedona – Red Rock Country Adventure
About 90 minutes north of Prescott, Sedona is world-famous for its towering red rocks, Oak Creek Canyon, and access to 1.8 million acres of Coconino National Forest. Hike scenic trails, take Jeep or helicopter tours to ancient ruins, or experience the area’s famed vortex sites. Oak Creek Canyon offers shaded boulders, cool swimming holes, and breathtaking viewpoints along its 16-mile gorge.
DirectionsMORE FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE AREA
Prescott Ebike Rentals & Tours
Lakeside Tours by Watson Lake on The Peavine and Iron King Trail! If you are looking for something fun to do in Prescott, you have come to the right place. Let our E-bikes take you on an adventure!
Some of Our Reviews:- The highlight of our … More
Lakeside Tours by Watson Lake on The Peavine and Iron King Trail! If you are looking for something fun to do in Prescott, you have come to the right place. Let our E-bikes take you on an adventure!
Some of Our Reviews:- The highlight of our trip
- Bikes are in great condition
- Great way to experience ebikes
- Loved the entire experience
Self-Guided | Family-Friendly | Excellent Service | Scenic Ride
2 Hours Water to Wine Kayak Trip from Cottonwood
The perfect mix of outdoor adventure and relaxation, this tour combines a kayaking excursion with wine tasting in Arizona’s Verde Valley. Paddle down the Verde River in a kayak and stop at a vineyard for a sommelier-led tasting. Feel safe with a guide who can offer paddling and safety t … More
The perfect mix of outdoor adventure and relaxation, this tour combines a kayaking excursion with wine tasting in Arizona’s Verde Valley. Paddle down the Verde River in a kayak and stop at a vineyard for a sommelier-led tasting. Feel safe with a guide who can offer paddling and safety tips, as well as sharing information on the river’s flora and fauna.
Water Activities
Montezuma Castle, Jerome and Sedona Day Tour From Scottdale or Phoenix
Wine Tour from Sedona to four Verde Valley Vineyards in Luxury Transportation
Sedona with Jerome and Montezuma Castle One-Day Van Tour from Phoenix
Family-Friendly | Beautiful Scenery
Jerome History Walk
Grape Train Escape: Wine Tasting and Verde Canyon Railroad Adventure
Savor the flavors of the diverse vineyards of Arizona's Verde Valley and beyond. The Verde Canyon Railroad's Grape Train Escape treats passengers to select wines from the Southwest accompanied by specialty cheeses and hors d'oeuvres while winemakers discuss earache wineries terroir and … More
Savor the flavors of the diverse vineyards of Arizona's Verde Valley and beyond. The Verde Canyon Railroad's Grape Train Escape treats passengers to select wines from the Southwest accompanied by specialty cheeses and hors d'oeuvres while winemakers discuss earache wineries terroir and techniques.
ATV Rentals in Sedona and Cottonwood
Adventurous and independent travelers who don't want to be constrained by a guided tour will love this full-day ATV rental. Starting from Sedona or Cottonwood, you'll have your own ATV to use for six hours. You'll be given a map so you know where to go and the itinerary is up to you. Dr … More
Adventurous and independent travelers who don't want to be constrained by a guided tour will love this full-day ATV rental. Starting from Sedona or Cottonwood, you'll have your own ATV to use for six hours. You'll be given a map so you know where to go and the itinerary is up to you. Drive to Sycamore Canyon and Sedona Red Rocks, or stop for a hike and a picnic.
Family-Friendly
Full-Day Guided Kayak Fishing Down the N. Verde River from Cottonwood
Fishing on Arizona's Verde River offers the opportunity to catch some really awesome fish, but if you don't know the best spots to go to, you may come back empty handed. This Verde River Kayak Fishing Full-Day Experience from Cottonwood takes you down river with a guide and in a kayak, … More
Fishing on Arizona's Verde River offers the opportunity to catch some really awesome fish, but if you don't know the best spots to go to, you may come back empty handed. This Verde River Kayak Fishing Full-Day Experience from Cottonwood takes you down river with a guide and in a kayak, so you not only get to fish in great spots, but you also get closer to the fish, too.
Family-Friendly | Professionally Guided
Kayak Tour on the Verde River
Immerse yourself in Arizona’s beautiful scenery—and enjoy a new way to explore—on this family-friendly kayaking tour along the Verde River. Pick between several departure times, grab your safety gear, and set off in a shuttle to the river with just a small group for company. This beginn … More
Immerse yourself in Arizona’s beautiful scenery—and enjoy a new way to explore—on this family-friendly kayaking tour along the Verde River. Pick between several departure times, grab your safety gear, and set off in a shuttle to the river with just a small group for company. This beginner-friendly tour includes a relaxing paddle down a 3.1-mile (5-kilometer) stretch of this river, and the chance to take on gentle mini rapids.
Water Activities | Family-Friendly
Guided Horseback Tour only 30 mins from Sedona
Go horseback riding in Arizona during this small-group tour in Cottonwood, approximately 30 minutes from Sedona. Meet your guide and set out on a tour through the Alcantara Vineyards. Cross the water where the Verde River and Oak Creek meet, and get up close to see ancient Apache ruins. … More
Go horseback riding in Arizona during this small-group tour in Cottonwood, approximately 30 minutes from Sedona. Meet your guide and set out on a tour through the Alcantara Vineyards. Cross the water where the Verde River and Oak Creek meet, and get up close to see ancient Apache ruins. Admire panoramic mountain views during this scenic excursion. No prior experience is necessary.
Family-Friendly | Professionally Guided
PRIVATE Guided River kayaking on the Verde River Cottonwood, AZ (Private Group)
Explore Arizona’s Verde River with a dedicated guide on this private kayak tour. Depart from a designated pickup point in a UTV and enjoy an off-road adventure on the way to the launch point. Sit atop your kayak and enjoy a guided tour through the river, taking in the landscapes along t … More
Explore Arizona’s Verde River with a dedicated guide on this private kayak tour. Depart from a designated pickup point in a UTV and enjoy an off-road adventure on the way to the launch point. Sit atop your kayak and enjoy a guided tour through the river, taking in the landscapes along the way. Enjoy stops at several water holes to swim and cool off before heading back.
Family-Friendly | Pet-Friendly
Northern Arizona Private Wine Tour south of Sedona - Verde Valley Wineries
Tour Sedona’s Verde Valley wineries on this private wine tour in Sedona. You and your group (max 14) will be driven in a luxury limo- think Mercedes Benz Sprinter or Ford Transit- so no one needs to worry about logistics or driving. You’ll visit three vineyards, where tastings are inclu … More
Tour Sedona’s Verde Valley wineries on this private wine tour in Sedona. You and your group (max 14) will be driven in a luxury limo- think Mercedes Benz Sprinter or Ford Transit- so no one needs to worry about logistics or driving. You’ll visit three vineyards, where tastings are included in the price. Lunch is also included, so you can relax and enjoy this trip with everything taken care of for you.