As the hub of outdoor adventures, Cottonwood offers just about any activity involving wind, water or earth. Wild comes to mind when thinking about many of the options available for those interested in adventure and scenic beauty. Pack your tennis shoes or boots, bathing suit, jeans, sun screen and a hat; perhaps a helmet to go skydiving. You’re now ready to explore!
Jeep Tours
Hold on to your seat and enjoy the view as your guide from Pink Jeep Tours or Sedona Red Rock Jeep Tours takes you on a rollicking ride to unforgettable views and a true west experience.
Hiking
Whether an easy stroll on the Jail Trail (accessed from the Visitor Information building in the former jail in Old Town) or a heart thumping trek through the high desert grasslands . The Cottonwood area and Dead Horse Ranch State Park offers myriad hiking opportunities.
Start in Riverside Park and hike the entire Verde River Greenway for a rare riparian experience, and see how the vital Verde River feeds this scenic valley.
Parks & Recreational Facilities
- Main Street Gym (Weight Room) - 791 N. Main Street
- Equestrian & Animal Center - Verde Valley Fairgrounds
- Garrison Park (Play/Picnic Park, Aquatics Center & 5-Court Tennis Center) - 100 S. Paul Street
- Riverfront Park (Ramadas/Playground, 3-Field Softball Facility, Batting Cages, Roller Rink/Skateboard Park) - 1284 E. Riverfront Drive
- Lion's Club Park (Shaded Picnic Area) - 730 N. Willard Street
- Old Town Activity Park (Multi-use area) - 187 E. Pima Street
- Cottonwood Kids Park (Soccer Fields/Ramadas) - 12th Street & Cherry
- Dog Park - Riverfront Park - 1284 E. Riverfront Drive
Biking
Visitors to the area can join in a ride when they are in town, and growing cyclists can also enjoy the opportunity to capitalize on others' experiences. Zoomers Bike Shop is here to help. 928.202.4941 Bike trails are also available at Dead Horse Ranch State Park.
Skate Park
Our newly renovated skate park is located at Riverfront Park and offers a strenuous workout on several different runs for those skateboarding enthusiasts.
Baseball, Softball & Batting Cages
Tournament level facilities are available at Riverfront Park. Snack bars, rest-rooms and nearby picnic ramadas are available through Cottonwood Parks and Rec. Dept.
Birding
The Audubon Society named the upper Verde Valley as the first Important Birding Area in Arizona. The lagoons at Dead Horse Ranch State Park, Tavasci Marsh and the Verde River all provide exciting venues for this wilderness activity.
Fishing
World class fly fishing (elusive Brown Trout) in Oak Creek, Verde River small mouthed bass, stocked with trout in winter, lagoons at Dead Horse Ranch State Park.
Tennis
Five lighted courts are available at Garrison Park.
Swimming
Public swimming is offered by the City of Cottonwood, and new recreation center is in the planning stages. For the adventure seeker, take a dip in the ever flowing Verde River, Clear Creek, Oak Creek or Sycamore Creek.
Kayaking, Canoeing & Tubing
The Verde River is a great source to experience any of these brisk and fun rides. Sedona Adventure Tours offers hiking and wine tours as well as river floats in canoes, kayaks or rent their special tubes. They will also take you on birding treks or experience the Sedona Vortex locations.
ATV
Rent or ride your own ATV on one of our many off road trails in the Verde Valley.
Ballooning
Get a birds-eye view of the entire Verde Valley on an early morning balloon flight. Visit Sky High Balloons or Sedona Hot Air Ballons.
Skydive
Tandem or solo drops available through Redrock Skydiving. Learn and jump on the same day!
Horseback Rides
Tour the wild west like it was 100 years ago. Remote trails accessed right from the heart of Cottonwood provided by Trail Horse Adventures or trailer your own horse and bring to Dead Horse Ranch State Park.
Hangliding
At the top of Mingus Mountain is one of the finest launch sites in Arizona. Enjoy the panoramic view of the entire Verde Valley, then take flight, landing adjacent to Riverfront Park. | 
