summary
- Sedona may be popular, but Clarkdale is a quieter option with beautiful hiking and natural surroundings.
- Clarkdale has far fewer tourists than bustling Sedona, making for a quieter experience.
- The town serves as a gateway to the Sycamore Canyon Nature Preserve and offers access to the luxury railroad.
Arizona is home to many must-see destinations when traveling to the southwestern United States. Some of the country's most beautiful road trips are taking place, taking in some of the most charming towns and truly spectacular natural beauty. One of those places is the famous Sedona, Arizona. Sedona is one of the state's ultimate attractions, Approximately 3.4 million tourists visit each year.
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Arizona is more than just hot deserts dotted with saguaro cacti and bustling cities. These special places deserve the attention of every visitor.
There's good reason for this, of course, but considering Sedona's spectacular natural beauty, charming downtown, and otherworldly energy swirl, Arizona has plenty of underrated towns that attract visitors. provides an opportunity to experience the quieter side of Arizona. Clarkdale is known for being an underrated alternative to Sedona, but here's why quiet Clarkdale is an ideal, low-key destination for travelers making the leap from Sedona.
Clarkdale is a quiet alternative to Sedona, Arizona
55.5% of visitors to Verde Valley visit Sedona and only 11% visit Clarkdale
The Verde Valley is a 1,0000-mile region of Arizona drained by the Verde River. It is made up of several towns and cities, including Sedona, Cottonwood, Jerome, and modest Clarkdale. This region is home to some of Arizona's most beautiful scenery, abundant wildlife, and plenty of outdoor activities.
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Within the Verde Valley, Sedona is the most famous and most visited destination of all the towns and cities in the region. Clarkdale receives 55.5% of the region's annual visitors, compared to just 11%. Of course, Sedona's popularity is fully justified by its stunning natural beauty, charming downtown filled with boutiques, restaurants, and spas, and the perfect place for a mental reset.
- Sedona receives approximately 3.4 million tourists each year, or approximately 8,219 visitors per day.
Sedona is a city, but it's a small city, and in addition to Sedona's population of 9,763, there are plenty of things to do, lots of traffic, and plenty of restaurants and upscale hotels. Knowing the exact number of tourists Clarkdale receives was not very transparent. But I can say it's not even close. The population alone is 4,635, about half of Sedona.
There are several indicators that help travelers understand the contrast in tranquility between these two destinations.First up is Clarkdale's. Tuzigoot National MonumentWhich Accepts approximately 100,000 visitors per year. That's a lot, but compared to over 3 million, it's not that much.
Another clue to Clarkdale's quietness is in the area of tourism, based on the town's atmosphere. verde canyon railroad. It's a scenic 40-mile train journey along the Verde River that welcomes about 90,000 tourists a year. These numbers help you understand how many people visit Clarkdale on an annual basis.
In some cases, seeking out smaller, underrated alternatives to Sedona can help visitors discover these hidden gems.
Explore quiet activities in Clarkdale
Highlights include hiking trails and gateway to the secluded Sycamore Canyon Nature Preserve
Verde Canyon Railway, Clarkdale, Arizona
What makes Clarkdale the perfect destination for those looking for a tranquil getaway is the beautiful countryside that surrounds a modest yet historic, classic western-style downtown.Surrounding area Clarkdale has some great hiking trails Tour some of the most beautiful natural environments in the Verde Valley.
What makes Clarkdale a great hiking destination is that visitors are likely to encounter minimal traffic congestion on the trail. It is the perfect place for those who want to get out into nature and enjoy peace and quiet.
Clarkdale is also known as the gateway to the world. Sycamore Canyon Nature Preserve, Arizona's second largest canyon in red rock country. Sycamore Nature Preserve is a lesser-known destination. So it's definitely underrated considering the incredible natural beauty that makes up this area.
This also means you are more likely to have a calm and peaceful experience. Clarkdale is the gateway to this remote area, but Sycamore Canyon is just an hour's drive from town, making Clarkdale the perfect base for day trips to the wild region.
The hilltop ancient pueblo ruins of Tuzigoot National Monument may be one of Clarkdale's busiest spots, but it's still a must-see, and it's never as crowded as Sedona. Tuzigut is home to 110 pueblo ruins and traces of pottery and artifacts, as well as great trails to hike with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding Verde Valley.
Tuzigoot National Monument
- Admission fee: $10 per person
- address: 25 Tuzigoot Road, Clarkdale, AZ
- time: Monday to Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
Clarkdale's Verde Canyon Railroad carries 90,000 passengers a year, but the experience can still be personalized and intimate. The four-hour train journey winds along the Verde River and through the pristine, unspoilt natural environment of the Verde Valley.
The Verde Canyon Railway offers luxurious seating with appetizers, champagne, and endless views of Arizona's beautiful landscape. There may be others on board, but this is definitely one of the most relaxing and enjoyable experiences you'll have during your visit to Clarkdale.
verde canyon railroad
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How to get from Sedona to Clarkdale
Clarkdale is a 30-minute drive southwest of Sedona.
Enter sign for Clarkdale, Arizona
For those visiting Arizona for the first time, it's hard not to visit Sedona as your first visit to Arizona, and honestly, it's a must-see. But perhaps after one night, visitors will want to head to a more secluded spot to enjoy Arizona's natural beauty in all its well-deserved glory. That's where Clarkdale comes in.
Clarkdale is a 33-minute drive southwest on Route 89A. The drive is anything but boring as travelers cruise through the heart of Red Rock Country. The further you get from Sedona, the quieter it gets as Clarkdale comes into view.
Arizona is known for its majestic beauty, and to truly experience that beauty, peace and quiet are typical aspects of this experience. But let's be honest, there are a lot of people in the world who want to travel and see the beauty around the world, and rightly so.
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However, the crowds can be overwhelming for travelers looking for a quieter side. For travelers who want to explore Northern Arizona's Verde Valley, avoid the crowds, and get a feel for the essence of Sedona, Clarkdale has it all.
