Verde River Nature Preserve

The Verde Village Property Owner Association (VVPOA) owns about 3.5 acres of land along a 1-mile stretch of the Verde River bordering the Verde Village, which lies southeast of the City of Cottonwood. Open to the public, its access points lie along Comanche Drive, at Broken Saddle Drive (just 1/2 mile from Origins B&B) and at Cayuse Trail. Volunteers maintain trails along the river, complete with benches .

The Verde River is a critical flyway for migratory birds and home to rare species of reptiles and amphibians, and many species of native fish. Frequent visitors are bobcats, grey foxes, coyotes, jackrabbits, deer and javelinas. Enjoy a walk along the river, or sit in the shade of a cottonwood tree and watch its water flow by. It is a great place for bird-watching!

With a grant from the Friends of the Verde River, the VVPOA has recently added signs that more clearly welcomes visitors.

Nature Preserve Sign, Comanche Drive at Broken Saddle.

This stretch of the Verde borders both the Coconino National Forest (on its north bank) and Prescott National Forest (on its south bank). Okay, more accurately, it borders the Coconino NF on its north bank, and Origins Bed & Breakfast on its south bank (as indicated below), with Prescott NF bordering on Origins B&B to its south.

Origins B&B is located on a bluff overlooking the Verde River, at the end of Comanche Drive.

This is our most recent (January 2022) view of the Verde River within the Preserve:

Quiet winter's day along the Verde River.

In summer, the Verde lives up to its name, with vibrant shades of green trees and bushes lining its banks.

Verde River in summertime.