Needle Rock Day Use Area and Non-Motorized Beach

The beach on the Verde River is generally rocky, but attracts many people during the hot summer months. The area is noted for its unusual rock formations. Nearby is a protected riparian area, the Mesquite Bosque. This popular water recreation area attracts many people trying to escape the Arizona summer heat. The rocky beach area is surrounded by beautiful towering rock formations. Near the recreation site is a fenced unique biological area, a stand of mesquite. Bald Eagles and Great Blue Herons are frequently seen in this vicinity.

General Information

Bald Eagle Seasonal Closures - December 1 to June 30

Year round

Day Use Only

The links below provide additional information on pricing and purchasing information.

Tonto Daily Pass (and Watercraft Sticker, if required). Available at Tonto National Forest Offices and retail vendors (please call for availability).
Tonto Discovery Pass. Available at Tonto National Forest Offices.
Tonto Fee Machine Pass. Please be prepared to pay with DEBIT or CREDIT card.
America the Beautiful Interagency Passes. Available at Tonto National Forest Offices and online at USGS.gov.

Restrictions

Day use only
No motorized boats
Trailers under 16'
Glass containers prohibited

Day Use: $8/vehicle/day
Tonto Fee Machine Pass: $12
Tonto Forest Passes are Honored: $80/annual; $60/senior/access annual

Front view of the Cave Creek Ranger Station building with a clear sky in the background.

Address: 40202 North Cave Creek Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85262
Phone: (480) 595-3300
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (closed noon to 1 pm) Closed Saturday and Sunday (Closed on federal holidays)

Getting There

Latitude / Longitude

Latitude: 33.766968

Longitude: -111.669963

Elevation

1,541 feet

Directions

The site is 14 miles east of Scottsdale. From Pima Road, turn east on Dynamite Road and travel 3 miles to where it merges with Rio Verde Drive. Follow Rio Verde Drive for another 9 ½ miles to Forest Road (FR) 20 and turn left. Follow FR 20 for 3 miles to Needle Rock at the river. FR 20 is an unpaved road with narrow blind curves. View and download a map.