Verde River

The Verde River is one of  Arizona's only two Wild and Scenic Rivers, 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.

• Overview/Background: Additional Verde River resources
• Permits & Regulations: Online regulations, map, Forest Order for the Verde River
• River Ranger Reports: For recent Verde Wild & Scenic River conditions as reported by USFS Staff

There are several recreation sites and ways to access and enjoy the Verde River:

• White Bridge Picnic Area
• Childs Dispersed Camping Area
• Sycamore Canyon Road (Google Maps)
• Find more Verde River recreation sites on the Prescott National Forest

Hover mouse over image below to display slideshow controls. See Verde Wild & Scenic River photo album on Flickr.

 

General Information

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.

Verde River Coridor Map: This map covers from Tapco to Beasley Flat, and Hwy 89A to Sedona. It shows river access points, parks, campgrounds, and major roads in the area.

Verde River access points map (click thumbnail to view larger image)

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

Significant Fact:

Although the Verde is a river, it often resembles “creek boating” with water levels and vegetation conditions varying wildly by season and year. Vegetation may have choked some channels. Forest Service advises that boaters plan for longer travel times to accommodate scouting and safe passage.

Notes:

Read our recent river reports from our River Rangers. Our River Rangers run the Wild and Scenic Verde River all winter season, and provide lots of useful information in their reports.

• The following will prove very helpful in navigating the river:

1. Verde River Paddle Map: Tuzigoot Bridge to Highway 89A Bridgeport Bridge
2. Verde River Paddle Map: Beasley Flat to Sheep Bridge
3. Verde River Paddle Map: Highway 89A Bridge to Beasley Flat

• No toilets at Clear Creek, Prairie Lane, or Skidmore River Access Points.
• 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. (See links at "Overview/Background" in the right column).
• Whitewater can be dangerous and cold, wet suits suggested.
• Trout are stocked during cool water times of the year only.
• Childs Dispersed Camping Area is an undeveloped and very remote area on the Verde.