Sedona, AZ — As communities recover from historic flooding, the region’s hotels, restaurants, wineries, shops, galleries, and attractions continue welcoming visitors. Arizona residents, especially those in Greater Phoenix, are encouraged to keep Sedona and the Verde Valley in their travel plans.
SEDONA VERDE VALLEY, ARIZONA November 2, 2026 From Sedona’s magnificent red rocks to the historic communities and wine country of the Verde Valley, northern Arizona’s popular tourism destinations have a message for visitors: We’re open for business, we’re recovering, and we look forward to welcoming you.
Extraordinary rainfall across northern Arizona sent Oak Creek and the Verde River surging beyond their banks, causing serious flooding in low-lying areas of Sedona, Clarkdale, Cottonwood, Camp Verde, and surrounding communities.
Dramatic images of flooded properties, emergency rescues, and overflowing waterways have attracted widespread attention throughout Arizona and beyond. But those images do not tell the whole story of what is happening across this remarkable region.
While some businesses, homes, and recreational areas have suffered significant damage, many hotels, restaurants, shops, galleries, wineries, and visitor attractions throughout Sedona and the Verde Valley continue operating and welcoming guests.
“People watching the news in Phoenix, Tucson and around the country may understandably think the entire Sedona and Verde Valley region has been shut down,” said Steve Segner, longtime Sedona hotel owner, hospitality industry advocate and community leader. “That simply isn’t the case. We have neighbors who have suffered serious losses, and our hearts go out to them. But much of our hospitality industry is still operating, and visitors remain an important part of our recovery.”
A regional destination with much to offer
Sedona and the Verde Valley are much more than a single creek, river, or scenic attraction. Together, the communities offer one of Arizona’s most diverse visitor experiences, combining extraordinary scenery, history, culture, outdoor recreation, fine dining, shopping and a growing wine industry.
In Sedona, visitors can still experience spectacular red rock scenery, art galleries, restaurants, shopping, wellness retreats, spas and the spiritual atmosphere that has made the community internationally famous.
In Cottonwood, historic Old Town remains a centerpiece of the Verde Valley visitor experience, offering restaurants, wine-tasting rooms, boutiques, galleries and entertainment.
In Clarkdale, visitors can explore a historic Arizona community known for its scenic setting, cultural attractions, local businesses and the renowned Verde Canyon Railroad.
In Camp Verde, the region’s rich history, archaeological heritage, family attractions, restaurants, local businesses and recreational opportunities offer another dimension to a Verde Valley visit
Throughout the region, Arizona’s Verde Valley wine country continues to offer a compelling reason to visit, with wineries, vineyards, and tasting rooms in and around Cottonwood, Clarkdale, Cornville, Page Springs, and Camp Verde.
Individual attractions and businesses may have temporary access restrictions or adjusted hours. Cleanup continues along Oak Creek and the Verde River.
The most serious flooding occurred in low-lying areas along Oak Creek and the Verde River, where the rising waters affected homes, businesses, roads, and recreational properties.
In Sedona, the Center for the New Age was among the businesses reported to have experienced serious disruption. Other creek side properties are assessing losses and beginning recovery efforts as conditions permit.
At the renowned Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village, cleanup of mud and flood debris is part of the effort to restore affected areas and welcome visitors again as quickly as possible. Reopening is expected in just a few days.
Farther downstream, neighborhoods and properties along the Verde River near Clarkdale, Cottonwood and Camp Verde experienced substantial flooding. Emergency responders, public works crews, volunteers, and property owners have been working to protect lives and property and begin recovery.
Flood warnings and access restrictions remain in effect in some areas as river conditions are monitored. Visitors must continue to respect closures and stay clear of dangerous waterways.
But the effects of flooding in these vulnerable areas should not be confused with the condition of every business or attraction across the region.
“We’re a community of people who care deeply about one another,” Segner said. “Our immediate responsibility is to help those who have been affected. At the same time, keeping our tourism economy functioning supports thousands of working people, from hotel employees and restaurant servers to shopkeepers, tour operators and small-business owners.”
A special invitation to the five million-plus residents of Greater Phoenix
Perhaps the most important audience for the region’s recovery message is right here in Arizona.
The Greater Phoenix metropolitan area is home to more than 5.2 million residents, many of whom consider Sedona and the Verde Valley favorite destinations for a day trip, a weekend getaway, a romantic retreat or a visit with family and friends.
With November’s cooler temperatures and the fall travel season, the region offers an inviting escape from the metropolitan area.
Visitors can enjoy a memorable meal, browse galleries, discover historic downtowns, visit tasting rooms, enjoy a resort stay, or simply take in the extraordinary landscapes that make this part of Arizona so special.
And spending an afternoon, a weekend, or several days in the region supports the local businesses and employees whose livelihoods depend on a healthy visitor economy.
“One of the best ways Arizonans can help our communities recover is to continue supporting the businesses that are open,” said David Key, President and CEO of the Greater Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau. “We appreciate the emergency responders, public works crews, business owners and neighbors who have stepped forward to help. We also appreciate the visitors who continue to supprt Sedona and the surrounding Verde Valley.”
The red rocks are as beautiful as ever
One thing the storms have not diminished is Sedona and the Verde Valley’s magnificent natural beauty.
Recent rains have washed the iconic sandstone formations, refreshed the desert vegetation, and brought renewed color to the surrounding hills and valleys.
“The scenery is magnificent,” Segner said. “The red rocks have had a tremendous natural washing, and the beauty that brings people here from around the world hasn’t gone anywhere. When visitors see the landscape, they’ll understand that Sedona is still Sedona.”
The region’s distinctive character, welcoming hospitality, historic communities and scenic treasures remain compelling reasons to visit.
Keep your travel plans — and check local conditions
Visitors with reservations or plans to explore Sedona and the Verde Valley are encouraged to contact their accommodations and planned attractions before deciding whether to postpone their trips.
Some creekside recreation areas, trails, and roads remain closed or restricted while emergency conditions, cleanup, and inspections continue.
Andrew Grossmann, Tourism Manager for the City of Sedona, which serves as Sedona’s official Destination Marketing and Management Organization, offered this invitation to Arizona residents and travelers:
While the recent flooding has impacted parts of our community, Sedona remains open for business and ready to welcome visitors planning their next vacation. We encourage travelers to research current conditions and check for any temporary closures before arriving, while continuing to support the local businesses that make our community so special.
About Sedona Verde Valley
Located in north-central Arizona, Sedona and Verde Valley encompass a remarkable collection of communities, including Sedona, Cottonwood, Clarkdale, Camp Verde, Jerome, Cornville, and surrounding areas.
Known for their spectacular red rock landscapes, historic communities, Arizona wine country, cultural attractions, outdoor recreation, restaurants, accommodations, and unique shopping experiences, these destinations welcome visitors from throughout Arizona, across the United States, and around the world.
Together, they offer an extraordinary Arizona experience within convenient reach of the Greater Phoenix metropolitan area
Visitor Information and Travel Updates
For information on accommodations, restaurants, attractions, wineries, shopping and activities throughout Sedona and the Verde Valley, explore these regional visitor resources:
VisitSedona.com — The Greater Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau’s visitor website, featuring accommodations, restaurants, attractions, local businesses and trip-planning information.
ScenicSedona.com — The official visitor website of the City of Sedona Tourism Office, Sedona’s Destination Marketing and Management Organization (D
VisitCottonwoodAZ.org — Cottonwood’s official tourism website, featuring historic Old Town, Arizona wine country, restaurants, lodging, galleries, shopping and regional attractions.
VisitCampVerde.com — Camp Verde’s visitor website, highlighting history, archaeological sites, outdoor recreation, Verde River activities, wineries, dining and family attractions.
ExperienceClarkdale.com — Clarkdale’s visitor website, showcasing the Verde Canyon Railroad, historic downtown, local attractions, wine and dining experiences, arts and outdoor recreation.
For current travel and safety updates:
Road conditions and closures: AZ511.gov. Weather forecasts and flood warnings: Weather.gov
MEDIA CONTACT Sedona Verde Valley News | Contact: Al Comello,| Telephone: [928-862-0210]
