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| Rhino "Boom Boom" at Out of Africa Park in Camp Verde, Arizona |
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Traveling Green in the Verde Valley
By Roger Naylor
With sustainability becoming the watchword of travelers, the Verde Valley is well positioned to accommodate the rising trend of ecotourism. The region has a long history of protecting and preserving, not just the scenic splendor that abounds, but also the cultural heritage that defines the valley.
One great starting point is the Institute of EcoTourism is a non-profit organization that promotes environmentally sensitive travel as a means to educate, inspire and inform. Located in Sedona adjacent to Tlaquepaque, the Institute presents weekly and monthly events at the visitor center and throughout greater Sedona. Be sure to stop by and enjoy the reading room, demonstration garden, ECO KIDZ space and Green Concierge, an automated, interactive kiosk providing eco-friendly information. (928) 282-2720, ioet.org.
Red Rock State Park is another invaluable facility, a nature preserve and environmental education center offering an array of interpretive programs. A five-mile network of trails loops through the red rock and the lush greenery of Oak Creek. Enjoy videos, exhibits and slide shows at the visitor center. (928) 282-6907.
Sometimes green isn’t always where you expect it. More and more restaurants are using organic meats, locally grown produce and wines from neighboring vineyards. Many art galleries are artist-owned. Others exhibit the works of local artists, giving visitors a chance to directly support the creative community with each purchase.
Out of Africa Wildlife Park, where visitors can feel like they’re traversing the Serengeti on this 104 acre preserve, is home to over 400 animals from around the world, many that were rescued from unfortunate circumstances. That’s the very best kind of recycling. (928) 567-2840
With a little research and planning, visitors can experience a truly memorable vacation while leaving the softest of footprints. Here are just a few helpful resources.
Hiking
Hikers have it made in the shade in the Verde Valley, except with limited shade. Better wear a hat and sunscreen. With hundreds of miles of trails veining the breath-snatching landscape, there’s something for everyone. Check with the forest service or visitors centers for maps and suggestions. Anyone looking for guided hikes can’t go wrong with the eco-aware and knowledgeable Sedona Hiking Adventures. They’ll get you just about anywhere you want to go and back with a minimum of blisters and a maximum of memories. (866) 445-3732, sedonahikingadventures.com.
Birding
Dead Horse Ranch State Park offers camping and RV facilities, hiking trails and 20 acres of lagoons. Over 100 species of birds have been identified in the park. They host the annual Verde Valley Birding and Nature Festival each April. (928) 634-5283. Northern Arizona Audubon Society conducts regular field trips and outings as well as working to preserve unique birding habitats. nazaudubon.com or click here to read about the Verde Valley River Birding Trail.
Biking
If you don't have your own bike, rentals are available—along with trail maps and advice—at Mountain Bike Heaven, (928) 282-1312, mountainbikeheaven.com; Sedona Bike and Bean, (928) 284-0210, bike-bean.com and Absolute Bikes, (877) 284-1242, absolutebikes.net.
Native America Heritage
Montezuma Castle National Monument: These ruins are some of the best-preserved cliff dwellings in North America. Built by the prehistoric Sinaguas more than 600 years ago. (928) 567-3322.
Tuzigoot National Monument: A dramatic hilltop Sinagua pueblo dating back hundreds of years. The site also includes hiking trails and a complete museum. (928) 634-5564.
Palatki, Honanki and V-Bar-V Heritage Sites: Built into the walls of Red Canyon, the ancient Sinaguan ruins of Palatki and Honanki are beautiful to behold and offer impressive displays of rock art dating back 6,000 years. Reservations are required for Palatki. Located along Wet Beaver Creek, V-Bar-V holds the largest collection of petroglyphs in the Verde Valley. (928) 282-3854
Pioneer History
Fort Verde State Historic Park: A major fort for General George Crook during the Indian Wars. Four former military buildings tell the story of territorial life from the 1860s to the 1890s. (928) 567-3275.
Sedona Heritage Museum: Take a step back in time and learn about area pioneers, movies made in Sedona, cowboy life and Oak Creek Canyon’s orchard industry. Beautiful setting with stunning red rock views and buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. (928) 282-7038
Clemenceau Heritage Museum: Maintained and operated by volunteers, the museum preserves and displays the artifacts and heritage of the Verde Valley. (928) 634-2868, clemenceaumuseum.org.
Tours
Sedona Adventure Outfitters & Guides: Take an eco tour, by water or land. Tackle the Verde River in an inflatable kayak—also known as a ducky, climb Thunder Mountain or hike to the Cathedral Rock vortex. You can even rent tubes and duckies for a leisurely day of drifting down Oak Creek on your own. (877) 673-3661, sedonaadventuretours.com.
Evening Sky Tours: Professional astronomers lead small groups just a few minutes outside of Sedona for some intense stargazing. Using a high-powered laser pointer, visitors are given an overview of the constellations and then get some time on the telescope for an up-close perspective. (866) 701-0398
M Diamond Ranch: A working cattle ranch that offers trail rides, cookouts, and special western flavored events. They also give visitors a chance to see the impact of rangeland management and riparian preservation. (928) 300-6466, mdiamondranch.com.
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