Verde River

The Verde River is Arizona's only Wild and Scenic River, yet it remains relatively undiscovered as a recreational resource. That doesn't mean this clear desert stream has little to offer. It's an excellent place to fish for a number of species including trout, which the Arizona Game and Fish Department has begun stocking on a put and take basis. The Verde is also becoming more and more popular for recreational boating. Some stretches provide scenic canoeing among long pools and manageable riffles. Other sections become exciting whitewater runs during the spring snowmelt or after late summer thunderstorms.

Location: 50 miles south of Flagstaff on paved and gravel roads. Elevation is a warm 3,000 feet.

Access: Drive south 50 miles from Flagstaff on I-17 to Camp Verde and turn east on State Highway 260 (the General Crook Highway). Major river access points are at the White Bridge where State Highway 260 crosses the river east of Camp Verde, at Beasley Flats via FR 574 and FR 529, and near the Childs Power Plant via FR 708 and FR 502. The route into Childs is steep and winding. It can become very soft and slippery when wet.

Attractions: Fishing, Boating, Waterplay, Whitewater rafting, Hiking, Biking , Sightseeing, Wildlife viewing, Photography

Facilities: Developed Day Use Facilities include vault toilets and picnic tables., Skidmore Drive Access, Prairie Lane Access, Bignotti River Access, White Bridge River Access, Clear Creek River Access, Beasley Flat River Access, Primitive boat ramps at a number of sites, Hiking and biking trails.

Notes:

• A detailed guide for the entire river is available at the Verde District Ranger Station which is off State Highway 260.
• Below Verde Falls, 1.5 miles of river bank are closed to walking or fishing from December 1 to June 15 to avoid disturbing nesting bald eagles.
• Water level varies with seasons.
• Whitewater can be dangerous and cold, wet suits suggested.
• Trout are stocked during cool water times of the year only.
• Please view "A Boater's Guide to the Verde River" supplied by the Tonto National Forest (5.0 MB .pdf file)

For more information contact:
Red Rock Ranger District, P.O. Box 20249, Sedona AZ 86341, (928) 282-4119 or
Verde Ranger District, P. O. Box 670 (300 E. Highway 260) Camp Verde, AZ 86322-0670, (928) 567-4121