A little-known, deceivingly intense trail near Montezuma Castle National Monument

A collaboration by Camp Verde Urban Upland Trail System and Coconino National Forest

The Verde Vista Loop, just south of the famed Montezuma Castle National Monument, commences with a tranquil stroll across an open desert landscape and grassy slopes. The initial mile involves an easy ascent along a combination of dual-track and single-track dirt paths. Throughout this stretch, the path meanders amidst clumps of wild plants, yucca, and a lush expanse of creosote shrubs, offering stunning mountain vistas in all directions.

Progressing along the trail towards the impressive crescent of sand-colored cliffs and a sizable mesa-like formation to the northeast, one is treated to panoramic views of the radiant Verde River winding through the valley to the west. Upon entering Coconino National Forest, a warning sign is encountered, cautioning horse riders about potentially perilous conditions further along the trail for equestrian travel.

As advertised, the trail only gets more adventurous from there.

Verde Vista Loop Trail details

• The Loop, established in 2021, is a 5.5-mile train recognized as difficult.
• The adjacent Perimeter Trail is 1.6 miles and known to be easy.
• Verde Vista’s elevation changes is an accumulates 1,190 feet.
• The change of the Perimeter Trails is just 60 feet.

Getting to Verde Vista Loop

• Starting from Interstate 17 in Camp Verde, travel east for 4 miles on State Route 260 in the direction of Payson until you reach McCracken Lane, which will be on your left.
• Follow McCracken Lane for 0.1 mile until you arrive at the entrance of the Camp Verde Sports Complex on the right.
• Note that the gate might be locked due to ongoing Sports Complex construction. If this is the case, you can use the pedestrian walk-thru by parking at the intersection of SR 260 and McCracken.
• The trailhead for the Verde Vista Loop is located 0.6 miles to the east from the gate, along Champion Trail, which is the main road within the park.

Special for The Arizona Republic

For more about this trail, what to expect, and how to be prepared, read Mare Czinar’s article in AZ Central.