Clarkdale is at the upper end of the Verde Valley in Yavapai County and is approximately 110 miles north of Phoenix and south of the Grand Canyon at an elevation of 3,542 feet.

Topography of the area is characterized by numerous mesas and buttes along the rise from the Verde River on the east, at 3,300 feet, to the Mingus Mountains on the west, at 7,000 feet. Clarkdale, incorporated in 1957, was laid out in 1914 near the site of the Clarkdale Smelter, which was financed by Senator William A. Clark of Montana. Construction of the smelter began in 1910 and it processed ore from nearby Jerome until 1952. Clarkdale was a company town way ahead of its time with many modern amenities. The old mining and smelter sites and clubhouse are listed on the National Register of Historic Sites.

Principal Economic Activities

Clarkdale developed as a service center for the mining area around it. The growing population spurs the housing and construction industries and makes for active retail and service sectors within a five-mile radius.

The Phoenix Cement Company, on a 2,000-acre site, is one of only two Arizona portland cement manufacturing plants. Artists and production craftpersons utilize the original high school and elementary school as facilities. CTI, a trucking firm, headquarters in Clarkdale and is a major employer. Varied custom manufacturers and producers serving the construction industry are part of Clarkdale’s industrial and professional community. Clarkdale is home to Mold-in-Graphics and Reactive Metals serving manufacturers internationally.

The Arizona Central Railroad Company, which has a 1500-ton capacity, makes a daily 338-mile freight run to connect with the Santa Fe. The Arizona Central Verde River Canyon Line is a 19-mile scenic passenger tour up the Verde River between Clarkdale and Perkinsville.

Scenic Attractions

Clarkdale’s location makes the varied scenic, historic and recreational areas of the Verde Valley and north-central Arizona easily accessible. Historic Main-Town Clarkdale preserves its "model town" look and an ambiance perfect for walking tours. In a addition, the historic downtown district offers two restaurants and an Antique Emporium and Soda Fountain.

Sycamore Canyon Wilderness area, a quiet and beautiful 26-mile canyon, is perfect for short walks as well as lengthy back-packing. Tuzigoot National Monument, two miles northeast of Clarkdale, dates prior to 1000 AD. This 42-acre site houses three large Sinagua Indian pueblos containing over 100 rooms. Dead Horse Ranch State Park is a 300-acre park with a visitor contact station and facilities for camping, picnicking, and fishing.