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.
At a Glance
Operational Hours: | Day Use Only |
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Open Season: | Year round |
Restrictions: | Stay limit 1 day, no motor boats allowed, trailers under 16'. Picnic tables & grills, trash service, no drinking water. Glass containers prohibited. |
Closest Towns: | Scottsdale & Fountain Hills |
Water: | Not Available |
Restroom: | Vault toilets |
Passes: | The links below provide additional information on pricing and purchasing information.
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Information Center: | Cave Creek Ranger District (480)595-3300 |
General Information
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.
General Notes:
Bald Eagle Seasonal Closures - December 1 to June 30
Activities
River and Stream Fishing
River Access Point (Verde R.)
Fish Species: Rainbow Trout; Large and Smallmouth Bass; Sunfish; Channel and Flathead Catfish
Viewing Wildlife
Species | Bald eagles and great blue herons |
Picnicking
Picnic tables and grills, trash service
Boating - Non-Motorized
River Access Point (Verde R.)
Swimming
Alerts & Warnings
- 03-12-04-24-61_East Webber Geronimo Trails_Public Safety Closure
- 03-12-04-24-04 Colcord Campground Public Safety Closure
- 03-12-03-24-52 Forest Road 287 Area Closure
- 03-12-03-24-47_Boulder Fishing Pier Temporary Closure
- 03-12-01-24-45 Wildcat Reduction Closure Order
- Equestrian Users Please Be Aware
- 03-12-06-24-27 Tonto Creek Crossing Road Closures
- Federal Holiday: offices closed Monday, Nov. 11.
- 03-12-01-24-62 Bartlett Lake Quarry Public Safety Closure
- 03-12-00-23-36 Target Type Restrictions Order
- Amended - Apache Lake Closure - Lower Burnt Corral Campground remains closed
- Bald Eagle Seasonal Closures
- Occupancy and Use Restrictions
- Update on State Route 88 (Apache Trail) - August 18, 2021
- Redmond Fire Road Closure