Verde River (Phoenix, Flagstaff, Sedona: live in, land, golf)

[SageCreek]

My Wife and I are planning to spend a couple months in AZ. (Jan and FEB)
Any thoughts about the Cottonwood area at that time of the year?
How about stuff for outdoor type people to do, would this be a good choice.
Thanks.

[Gandalara]

Have you read this post in the City by City thread?

The Verde Valley

[cacto]

It'll be really cold in Cottonwood in JAN and FEB. The Verde should be freezing.

[curly5759]

We get some winter visitors in the area, but not too many because it does get cold. There is a lot of hiking opportunities in the area as well as lots of forest roads if you are into 4 wheeling. I have done both during the winter, but it isn't quite as nice as the warmer months.

Curly

[SageCreek]

Thanks everyone.
We live in North Central MT, so your coldest will be balmy to us. The first year we plan to explore, maybe stay a day or two here and there. We're not interested in the bigger city stuff. We love the barren countryside, nature, scenery and lots of public land to hike around in.
I have 2 bird dogs so maybe some quail hunting.

[locolobo13]

Originally Posted by SageCreek

Thanks everyone.
We live in North Central MT, so your coldest will be balmy to us. The first year we plan to explore, maybe stay a day or two here and there. We're not interested in the bigger city stuff. We love the barren countryside, nature, scenery and lots of public land to hike around in.
I have 2 bird dogs so maybe some quail hunting.

Wrong time of year and not near the Verde River, but you might look at this area some other trip:

Welcome to Arizona Road Adventures

[rational1]

> It'll be really cold in Cottonwood in JAN and FEB. The Verde should be freezing.

Not sure the writer has ever BEEN in Cottonwood in the winter.

Typically it is pleasant during the day, hiking is comfortable with a jacket and maybe even without on warmer days. It can be cloudy and if so it will be cooler. Sedona- at a higher elevation- can get snow in the winter and it may even last for a morning in the valley.

Nightime will be cold and usually below freezing.

There is climate information posted on the web; however be careful you are not looking at data for the nearest large city- Flagstaff.

[mohawkx]

Originally Posted by rational1

> It'll be really cold in Cottonwood in JAN and FEB. The Verde should be freezing.

Not sure the writer has ever BEEN in Cottonwood in the winter.

Typically it is pleasant during the day, hiking is comfortable with a jacket and maybe even without on warmer days. It can be cloudy and if so it will be cooler. Sedona- at a higher elevation- can get snow in the winter and it may even last for a morning in the valley.

Nightime will be cold and usually below freezing.

There is climate information posted on the web; however be careful you are not looking at data for the nearest large city- Flagstaff.

I've lived here in Cottonwood since 1999. I live 10 minutes walk from the Verde River. I've never seen it frozen. I play golf every week, all year round, with a group, and even in Jan. Feb. we get our round in. It's not that cold. But nighttime is cold and below freezing, as mentioned.

That overview of The Verde Valley was my very first post on C-D, over 5 years ago. If I wrote it now, I would refrain from being so opinionated about certain areas and venues. I've learned a lot about the internet since then.
I'm still in awe of the Verde River, Mingus, Jerome, Fossil Creek, Sycamore Canyon, and Sedona as I ever was. I haven't scratched the surface of experiencing what there was before and what is now.

[SageCreek]

I appreciate everyone taking the time to give information.
First thing I did of course was check on Winter conditions in the Cottonwood area. We sure don't want snow and cold.
Average Jan High is 58 low is 30. Feb is 60 and 30.
Guess it will at times be 75 and 25.
Lots of sunshine and not much precipe. Cooler temps are nice for hiking etc.
Phoenix area is 67 and 46 for Jan.
Getting first hand information is nice. Thanks again.