Situated at the southern end of the Verde Valley and surrounded by a landscape of highlands, bluffs, and ancient pueblos, Camp Verde contains a network of trails that lead to Arizona’s most striking vistas. This town is also the only gateway to the state’s officially designated Wild and Scenic Rivers: Verde and Fossil Creek. Access the 36-mile Verde River Greenway and Fort Verde State Park as well as five other Arizona state parks while you’re here, including the brand-new Rockin’ River Ranch.
So whether you’re ready to go horseback riding amid Camp Verde’s stunning white rocks, swim through a cave, or bike beside surprisingly verdant forests within Arizona’s state parks and trails, there’s a dedicated recreational area made for you in a charming town that doubles as a desert oasis.
Hiking Trails
With over a dozen trailheads that are as picturesque as they are secluded, you can go hiking or trail running without encountering any crowds, other than Camp Verde’s distinct species of mammals, reptiles, and birds, of course.
Ryal Canyon Trail
Though the views will make you feel like a royal, that’s not a typo. The newest of Camp Verde’s trails, Ryal Canyon offers 2.5 miles of steep climbs and rocky terrain with remarkable glimpses of San Francisco Peaks, Sedona, the town of Camp Verde itself, and the Verde River Greenbelt.
Verde Vista Loop
Conveniently located close to town, this 5.5-mile non-motorized loop trail ascends to the top of the White Hills, overlooking both the valley and surrounding mountains. There’s nothing like a good perch, after all.
Rockin’ River Ranch State Park
Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Merle Haggard, and Kris Kristofferson used to frequent the land back when it was a privately owned ranch, and now you can too. Arizona’s newest state park provides 209 acres of peaceful pastures at the junction of West Clear Creek and the Verde River. It’s an essential hiking and fishing spot, not to mention a rich habitat for birds, javelina, deer, and beavers.
One of the many beautiful scenes to see at Rockin’ River Ranch State Park
Biking Trails
Camp Verde contains multitudes. And by that we mean vibrant greenery alongside desert canyons that make for a high-contrast, high-definition, and high-elevation experience. There’s no better way to see it all than on a bike. Zip through the following trails to make the most of your time here.
Bull Pen Trailhead
These paved and graveled forest roads make the ideal spot for two wheels. Pedal to the metal in the heart of Desert Canyon, then hop off for some choice river and stream fishing, hiking, and picnicking.
Copper Canyon Trailhead
Follow the same path as thousands of early settlers and find a hidden waterfall. Stretching from the Verde Rim to the Verde Valley floor, this trail is available to horseback riders, mountain bikers, and hikers. A new trailhead located just off Salt Mine Road is equipped with picnic areas and restrooms.
Copper Canyon Trail has amazing views of the region
Water Access
So what’s the deal with Arizona’s two official “Wild and Scenic” rivers? Well, actually, it’s quite an honor. Congress created the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System back in 1968 to protect free-flowing rivers with outstandingly remarkable values so that future generations could enjoy them. Only those with rare, unique and exemplary features at a regional or national level can qualify. And these two most definitely do.
Fossil Creek
This area is known for its waterfall, but also its caves—mostly because you can swim to them and swim through them, if you so desire. One of the few rivers with an entrance, it seems to appear out of nowhere off Hwy 260, gushing 20,000 gallons a minute out of a series of springs at the foot of a 1,600-ft. canyon. Swimming, cliff diving, hiking, and birdwatching are the top activities at this natural attraction, and Camp Verde is home to six different river access points.
Verde River
One of the Southwest’s last free flowing rivers, somehow the Verde remains relatively undiscovered. Snag a boat, kayak, canoe, or anything that floats and let the current take you into full relaxation mode. We understand if you reach such a zen state that you drift off, but open a lid or two occasionally to spot stately canyons, lush forests, and Arizona’s best wildflowers. Stocked with trout, this is a one-stop shop for all nature lovers.
Additional Outdoor Adventures
You’re attracted to the fringe activities, the ones that are under appreciated yet overdeliver. Camp Verde is here for people like you. Our terrain is just as unique as your eventual itinerary, but here are a few highlights to get you started
Horseback Riding
From kid friendly rides to sunset gallops, from outlaw experiences to vineyard tours, several trails and ranches in the area let you take the reins. Saddle up for a good time.
Birding
A welcome host to resident birds and a popular rest area for migratory flocks, it’s no wonder that birders have documented over 300 species along the Verde River and its tributaries. View an interactive map of regional birding trails.
Off Highway Vehicles
You down with OHVs? (Yeah, you know me!) Grief Hill and Hayfield Draw are the premier places for getting your motor runnin’ without getting into any trouble. Not only that, but they encourage it with trails and open pit areas that challenge riders from beginner to experienced adult.
Guess that settles it: the state’s geographic center is also its outdoor recreation center. Visit Camp Verde and never run out of outdoor things to do in Arizona. A town that puts the “great” in “the great outdoors” is just around the bend.
