Nestled in central Arizona's Verde Valley, the Yavapai-Apache Nation's lands are filled with remnants of rich history and breathe strongly of preserved culture. Explore prehistoric cities at two historic pueblos and marvel at early irrigation systems that fed the farmlands of these tribes. Then let loose at the casino to enjoy gaming, live entertainment, and excellent dining.
History & Nature
The Yavapai-Apache Nation is situated on five separate parcels in the beautiful high desert country of the Verde Valley in central Arizona. Their tribal lands span over four communities including Camp Verde, Clarkdale, Middle Verde, and Rimrock, and encompasses more than 1,600 acres throughout the Verde Valley.
The tribe members are descendants of the Wipukyipai (Yavapai) and Dil zhéé (Tonto Apache) peoples. The Yavapai speak the Yuman dialect and the Apache speak the Athabascan dialect.
Things to Do
Tour the prehistoric past at Montezuma's Castle National Monument, Montezuma's Well, and Tuzigoot. These prehistoric cliff dwellings are within close proximity to the and are marvels of culture and early construction.
Montezuma Castle National Monument stands in a cliff recess 100 feet above the valley. Sinagua farmers began building this five-story, 20-room dwelling early in the 12th century.
Montezuma's Well is a limestone sink formed long ago by the collapse of an immense underground cavern. The ancient irrigation system of tribes who inhabited the area thousands of years ago can still be seen as well.
The Tuzigoot National Monument is the remnant of a Sinaguan village built between 1125 A.D. and 1400 A.D. that is located about 50 miles south of Flagstaff. A short trail leads visitors around and through the 110-room pueblo.
Other nearby attractions include the red rocks of Sedona, the famous ghost mining town of Jerome, and the Fort Verde State Park at Camp Verde.
Where to Stay
Cliff Castle Casino Hotel in Camp Verde has more than 80 rooms and several restaurants so you can play, dine, and relax—all at the same time. The casino is open 24 hours, so you can drop in whenever you're feeling lucky. Lay your chips on the table for live-action blackjack and poker, and catch a live show after your hot streak.
Distant Drums RV Resort, also in Camp Verde, features 158 spacious RV sites, pool, hot tub, and a country store that welcomes big rigs and rolling home-away-from-homes. Each site comes with hookups and is easy to pull in and out of, so you'll spend more time exploring the area then parking your large vehicle.
Half an hour northwest of Camp Verde, in Old Town Cottonwood, you'll find The Tavern Hotel—a stylish contemporary inn with a steakhouse and separate cafe attached.
Annual Events
1875 Removal – 1900 Return Commemoration
Location: Camp Verde
Date: February
Indian Pow Wow
Location: Camp Verde
Date: July
Indian Day
Location: Camp Verde
Date: September
For More Information
Tribal Government
2400 W. Datsi St.
Camp Verde, AZ
(928) 649-6945
Visit Tribal Website
