What to do in Clarkdale, AZ

Activities, attractions and tours

Tuzigoot National Monument

#roadtrip
#NationalPark
Tuzigoot National Monument

#roadtrip
#NationalPark
You wander around the desert outside Sedona and you're constantly amazed by all the natural formations poking up and undulating out of the landscape.  Then you come upon Tuzigoot, and your eyes fly cartoon-like out of your head.

Because there, on the top of a hill sits a nine-hundred year old chunk of stone put entirely there by people.  The structure contains the remnants of some 110 rooms and spans an area large enough so that a lot of the tourists pop their heads around and say "I'm good," and just head back to the visitor's center.

It's not a fair comparison, but while Europe was suffering a long, dark period of its civilization, here in the Americas, populations were thriving, and new technology of all kinds was being employed to accommodate them.

Here in the Verde River Valley, a group of people later named Sinaguan (without water), put together workable communities in some of the harshest conditions on the planet.  They were all to be abandoned later -- by some accounts because of extended droughts -- but what they did here is nothing short of miraculous.

I have plenty more to show from this site, but for now, take a gander at this spreading honeycomb of brick and clay, still standing (though patched and repaired by modern caretakers) nearly a thousand years after its construction.

And renew your appreciation for the native peoples of this continent.  They did not simply survive.  They built and fortified and settled and grew.  You may look for a culture gap between the new world and the old if you so choose.

But come to this place and you will have a hard time finding it.


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tuzigoot_National_Monument
Pretty cool to walk around for a short visit.
No doubt as fascinating for us today as it was for the people who first lived here, the structure at Tuzigoot almost defies credibility.  It sits in the middle of what you could arguably call "nowhere" and stretches for acres in all directions.

This turret on top is its crowning glory.  Archeologists theorize that the chamber inside was probably used for religious services and community gatherings, though there is hardly any evidence to support it.  It's not difficult to expand on that and posit that it must also have been used as a place from which to survey the valley, whether to check on the progress of the current crop or to keep an eye out for invaders.  Let me say that this latter hypothesis is strictly my own, though it can hardly be original.

As I mentioned before, this is probably one of the most important historical sites of pre-Columbian North America.  The Sinaguans are a mysterious people, who came and went with hardly a trace -- though several modern tribes claim them as their ancestors.  

What they built in that short time is a marvel (if not a miracle), and anyone who lives here should avail themselves of the opportunity to see what was accomplished in the harsh and unforgiving desert so many centuries ago.

Clarkdale Tourist Attractions & Activities

Next stop: Clarkdale! You're about to set course in a different direction. Never one to shy away from innovative ways to get inspired and have an eye-opening excursion, you're eager to investigate an exciting travel spot like a pro. Reserve your activities now, and the only thing you'll have left to do is count the days until your holiday and think about all the places you'll go, because Expedia Australia can hook you up with tons of things to do.

  • Book your favourite adventures on Expedia Australia for a great price, and you'll still have enough cash for a fancy hotel or fine dinner while you're in town. The activities in Clarkdale are not only topnotch, but they won't bust your budget. We have 104 things to do here, and you can reserve them starting at just AU$26.
  • Clarkdale is a favourite among adventurers similar to yourself. In fact, many travellers have been visiting to dive into local history and culture and participate in the best activities, and a good percentage of them are raving about the city's accommodation. The top activities can catch the enthusiasm of even seasoned travellers, and it's easy to see why. Our inventory includes a wide variety of culture and opportunities for excitement. From food and wine tours to exploring mother nature, there is an abundance of active options at your fingertips when you review the inventory of activities here at Expedia Australia.

Our activities are the perfect way to organise your trip. It takes an expert itinerary to really get the most out of Clarkdale, particularly when you wish to schedule in a lot of exciting activities. And it's a no-brainer that you're itching to explore every avenue you're ready to get out and have an adventure. You're excited to sign up for the most essential activities around, and an afternoon walking through charming neighbourhoods is always time well spent. Book guided tours on Expedia Australia, and you'll never get lost.


  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    Members save % or more when you book activities.

Most fun & popular experiences in Clarkdale

Tours & day trips

See all 89 activities

Private & custom tours

See all 45 activities

Water activities

See all 7 activities

Classes & workshops

See all 7 activities

Weddings & honeymoons

See all 3 activities

What to do in Clarkdale


Discover the most popular places to visit in Clarkdale


 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 


 

Day trip destinations from Clarkdale

Frequently asked questions

Is Clarkdale worth visiting?
With a mix of nature and fishing, there are plenty of things to do in Clarkdale. While you're here, head to Page Springs Cellars, a leading attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Clarkdale?
Clemenceau Heritage Museum and Gold King Mine & Ghost Town are two excellent places to start your adventures. Be sure to check out the retail and dining options in Clarkdale while you're in town too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Clarkdale?
Page Springs Cellars is one of the top tourist attractions in Clarkdale and should be high on every to-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Clarkdale?
Three days will be enough time to tick off popular city attractions, including Copper Art Museum, Burning Tree Cellars and Clemenceau Heritage Museum. The average stay in Clarkdale is three days. If you have the time to extend your trip, Sedona isn't far away.
Is Clarkdale a walkable city?
If discovering on foot sounds like your kind of holiday, Clarkdale is a great place to visit. Find leading attractions, like Copper Art Museum, within walking distance of downtown. You can also go for a stroll around Historic Old Town Cottonwood, a hip neighbourhood located about 3 kilometres from the city centre.
What are some activities to do in Clarkdale with kids?
If you are after sights and activities for all of your group, we've got some fabulous ideas for what to do in Clarkdale with kids.

What to do in Clarkdale for adults?
Page Springs Cellars and Alcantara Vineyards are just a couple of the things to do in Clarkdale. With loads of activities available, there's something here for everyone to experience.
Are there free things to do in Clarkdale?
In Clarkdale, Copper Art Museum is a top spot for anyone wishing to tour the city without reaching for their wallet. Also, wander around the other neighbourhoods and green spaces, and ask for recommendations from a local tour guide. It's a simple way to learn about the best free things to do in Clarkdale.