Verde Valley
Verde River, Arizona.
Verde Valley Location in Arizona, northeast of Verde River
Length	40.5 miles (65.2 km)
Geography
Coordinates	34°45′11″N 112°01′19″W / 34.75306°N 112.02194°W / 34.75306; -112.02194

The Verde Valley (Yavapai: Matkʼamvaha; Spanish: Valle Verde) is a valley in central Arizona in the United States. The Verde River runs through it. The Verde River is one of Arizona's last free-flowing river systems. It provides crucial habitat for fish and wildlife, fresh water for local agricultural production, recreational opportunities for locals and tourists alike, and brings clean drinking water to over 2 million people in the greater Phoenix area. The valley is overlooked by Mingus Mountain and the Mogollon Rim. The valley is one of three regions of viticulture in Arizona and contains the Verde Valley AVA.

History

The first notice of this region appears in the report of Antonio de Espejo, who visited in 1583. Little more was recorded until the commencement of prospecting for gold and silver in the 19th century.^[1]

Towns

• Camp Verde
• Clarkdale
• Cornville
• Cottonwood
• Jerome
• Lake Montezuma
• McGuireville
• Rimrock
• Sedona

In popular culture

Verde Valley was the setting for the 1977 sci-fi thriller movie Kingdom of the Spiders, starring William Shatner. The theme song for the film, "Peaceful Verde Valley," was recorded by country singer Dorsey Burnette.