On the Road: 4 Great Day Trips to Take Near Cottonwood, AZ

From historic Old Town shops to outdoor adventure on the Verde River, Cottonwood, AZ offers no shortage of things to do. But once you’ve explored this city, you’ll want to load up the vehicle and explore farther afield. Fortunately, there’s no shortage of potential day trips in Arizona.

1. Grand Canyon

One of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Grand Canyon is a little over two hours north of Cottonwood. More than 200 miles long and with the Colorado River at its bottom, the canyon offers striking vistas, hiking opportunities, and overnight camping. This national park has four primary areas and can be accessed at multiple points. Verkamp’s Visitor Center, located at 100 South Entrance Road in Grand Canyon Village, is a good place to start.

Keep in mind that cell service is limited in some parts of the park, so be sure to carry along printed maps and guides.

2. Prescott

If you’re eager to step back in time and experience the spirit of the Wild West, plus Prescott into the GPS in your Jeep Grand Cherokee. Just an hour southwest of Cottonwood, this charming town hosts the world’s oldest rodeo.

You’ll also want to set aside time to stroll along the saloon-lined streets. Be sure to stop by The Palace at 120 S. Montezuma St. USA Today named The Palace, which opened in 1877, one of the top ten historic bars in the country.  

3. Petrified Forest National Park

To see a forest unlike any other, pay a visit to Petrified Forest National Park. This park is filled with colorful petrified wood and numerous plant fossils. You’ll also see petroglyphs and the ruins of an ancient Pueblo village.

This sprawling, 28-mile-long park stretches between Interstate 40 and Highway 180 and can be accessed from either the north or the south. When traveling west on Interstate 40, you’ll find the park at Exit 311. When traveling east, take Exit 285 into Holbrook and then follow Highway 180 south to the park’s south entrance.

4. Phoenix

After taking in northern Arizona’s rocks and natural beauty, you may be ready for a day in the city. From art galleries and museums to delicious southwest cuisine, there’s plenty to do in America’s sixth-largest city. And the 90-minute drive south to Phoenix will be an easy one thanks to your Jeep Wrangler’s smartphone-compatible infotainment system.

Don’t miss the Desert Botanic Garden, which is located at 1201 N. Galvin Parkway and is home to thousands of different types of cactus, trees, and flowers. And the 90-minute drive south from Cottonwood to Phoenix is an easy one.

There’s a whole lot of Arizona to explore from your home base in Cottonwood, but you’ll need a great vehicle for your adventures. Head to Oxendale Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram to pick out your next car or truck!

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