Clarkdale is located 22 miles south of Sedona, nestled in the foothills of Mingus Mountain on the banks of the Verde River. Founded in 1912 by the United Verde Copper Company, Clarkdale's early residents were the employees from Jerome's copper mines. The original railroad line that served the smelter is now host of a scenic excursion train which entertains guests on a four hour scenic, historic, cultural and recreational ride through the Sycamore Canyon Wilderness. The earliest Clarkdale residents were the Sinagua peoples who built Tuzigoot, the 110 room pueblo with 2 and 3 levels, around 1000A.D. These people were farmers and traders, and mysteriously left the area around 1400. Visitors can tour the 42 acre site, and enter the ruins.

With some of the original homes dating back to the early 1900's, they offer a sharp contrast to the new residential developments for the 3,700 people that call Clarkdale home. Still, the residents of Clarkdale are working to preserve the history and buildings from the past.