Verde River

Prescott National Forest has eight sites that offer access to the Verde River. Some sites are commonly used to put-in or take-out non-motorized watercraft while others offer picnicking facilities or are popular for wading and fishing. Down river, starting at Beasley Flat, the Verde River has Wild & Scenic River status protecting its outstanding natural and cultural values. Upriver, the Verde Canyon Railroad follows the Verde River as it cuts through stunning red rock canyons that border the Prescott and Coconino National Forests.

Verde River Guide (&, 928 KB PDF) Please plan ahead, be prepared, and practice Leave No Trace ethics to leave the Verde just as you find it for those who come after.

Canoe and Kayak Launch:

White Bridge Located across from the Verde Ranger Station on Highway 260, this site has picnic facilities and is the most popular boat launch for float trips to Beasley Flat.
Beasley Flat This site marks the beginning of the Wild & Scenic stretch of the Verde River which is recommended only for experienced boaters. Float trips take out here, and there are picnic facilities and a nature trail.
Clear Creek Though boaters can put in or take out here, this is not a very good boat launch. The access to the river is steep and slippery, and parking is limited.
Black Canyon A popular fishing spot, and a fun place to splash around on an inner tube!

Fishing, wading and picnicking:

Fishing:

Learn more about the National Wild & Scenic River program: Check out this story board created by the National Park Service!

Help increase awareness of our nation's Wild & Scenic Rivers by using the 2019 Forever Stamps featuring Wild & Scenic Rivers of the USA!

Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

River and Stream Fishing

Recreation areas with activity River and Stream Fishing:

Fishing is a popular activity at river access points along the Verde River. Rainbow trout are stocked upstream at Dead Horse Ranch State Park and in Camp Verde at Black Bridge from November through March. Bass, catfish, and roundtail chub are some of the other species that may be caught in this part of the river. Note: If caught, roundtail chub must be released immediately.

A valid fishing or combination license is required for resident and non-resident anglers 10 years of age or older fishing any public accessible water in Arizona.

For more information please visit: Arizona Game and Fish

Picnicking

Recreation areas with activity Picnicking:

Accessible Picnic Site: White Bridge has four tables and two grills available for picnickers. Picnic facilities are protecteded by ramadas with peek-a-boo views of the Verde River and the lush, green Verde Valley.

Boating - Non-Motorized

Recreation areas with activity Boating - Non-Motorized:

Tubing

Recreation areas with activity Tubing:

Tubing the Verde River is free for those who have their own inner tubes. For those who don't, Sedona Adventures rents tubes during the summer for 2-hour floats from Skidmore River Access Point (RAP) to Bignotti RAP.