The Yavapai-Apache Reservation is located in the Verde Valley, which is located in central Yavapai County.  The 636-acre reservation is made up of five separate parcels of land. The main parcel (Middle Verde Community) situated along the Verde River, consists of approximately 458 acres.  This parcel is approximately two miles west of Interstate 17, 95 miles north of Phoenix, and 55 miles south of Flagstaff.

 

The Verde Valley is a nucleus of recreational attractions.  Within the Valley are three state parks and two national monuments.  The Valley is completely surrounded by the Coconino National Forest and adjacent to the Prescott, Tonto, and Kaibab National Forests. Montezuma Castle National Monument is located near Camp Verde.  It is one of the best preserved prehistoric Indian structures in the Southwest. 

 

Topographic features of the Middle Verde reservation include intermittent streams, terraces adjacent to the river, and rich flood plain soil deposits.  The deposits are of great economic importance to the inhabitants of Verde Valley because they support the majority of agriculture. Beef and dairy cattle, poultry, and irrigated crops of hay, grain, and fruit provide most of the income for the area residents.

 

Water sources for three of the Nation’s property parcels are supplied by non-tribal water companies.  Residents of the Rimrock community purchase water from Arizona Water Company, a small, local system.  The Verde Formation aquifer is the source for all of the Valley’s water systems.

 

Retirees contribute greatly to the Valley's economy, and constitute well over 25 percent of the Valley’s population.  The size of this particular population is expected to increase.

 

Additionally, tourists contribute to the Valley's economy immensely.  Visitors are attracted to the area’s three national monuments and other scenic sites, such as the red rocks of Oak Creek Canyon, and the Ghost Town of Jerome.

 

Census Profile

Arizona Department of Commerce, Community Profile

 

Casino 

The Yavapai-Apache Nation adopted an ordinance legalizing gaming and establishing regulations for gaming activities. 

 

The Nation opened Cliff Castle Casino, a 12,000 square-foot facility on May 24, 1995 on 72 acres near Montezuma Castle National Monument.  In 2000, the Yavapai-Apache Nation opened a new 110,000 square-foot casino to replace the current casino.  Some features:

 

• Gaming options include live-action, Las Vegas-style games, and over 570 slot and video machines. 

• The Dragonfly Lounge offers nightly entertainment.

• Outdoor entertainment is held in The Stargazer Pavilion

• Four restaurants offering distinct dining experiences from an elegant, intimate atmosphere to a rockin’ fifty’s style diner.

• Family fun: bowling, horseback tours, kids’ karaoke, and an arcade room.

 

The casino has sponsored and donated money to over thirty different community and social programs and projects.  Approximately forty-five percent of its funds support economic development and employment activities (Cliff Castle Casino Corporate Backgrounder & History, 1998).

 

Tribal Enterprises

Cliff Castle Casino
Arizona's top rated casino for five years in a row.

 

The Lodge at Cliff Castle

More than eighty rooms available 

(800) 524-6343

 

The Conference Center at Cliff Castle

Fully equipped meeting rooms, conference suite, and a grand ballroom with attentive service, and food and beverage catering. (928) 567-6611 or

(800) 524-6343.

 

Yavapai-Apache Nation Native Visions

Offers scenic van tours, horseback riding, and Native American arts and crafts, and a gift shop: (928) 567-3035.

 

Yavapai-Apache Small Business Office
Tribal member assistance loans and courses for starting small businesses.

 

Other business contacts:

• Farm and Ranch - (928) 567-9841

• Sand and Rock - (928) 567-3109

• Yavapai-Apache Construction (928) 567-0433

 

Contact the Executive Director of the Economic Development Authority for information regarding starting a business on the Yavapai-Apache reservation.

 

Economic Development Authority

2400 W Datsi St

Camp Verde, AZ 86322

(928) 567-1056

E-mail: ya067@yavapai-apache-nation.com