In 1984 the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act established the portion of the Verde River from Beasley Flat
downstream to the confluence with Red Creek, as Arizona’s only Wild and Scenic River. While it may appear
calm at many of the river access points, the large number of wrecked canoes that have been removed from the
Verde River testify to the fact that it has its share of hazards. 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.
1
Mile -0.3
Verde River Scenic Area. This is the beginning of the Verde River
Scenic Area. The group size on this section of river is limited to 25
people. There are rapids ranging from Class I to Class IV. The
ratings given in this guide are for low water (below 1,000 cfs).
Mile 0.0
Beasley Flat River Access Point and Picnic Area. The facilities here
include a concrete boat ramp, a parking lot, toilets, a changing room,
and ramadas with picnic tables and barbecue grills.
Mile 0.5
Camp (Capacity 25). This camp is on river left with a large gravel
beach.
Mile 0.7
Trail Access Point. The Cavates Trailhead is approximately ½ mile
from the river on river left. This trailhead is accessible from Forest
Road 9242.
Mile 1.7
Off the Wall Rapid (Class II). In this rapid, the water goes over a
rock bar and then pushes current into a rock wall on river right. The
Scout for this rapid is from the right bank.
Mile 1.9
Camp (Capacity 25). This sand and bedrock camp is on river left.
Mile 2.3
Trail Access Point. The Falls Trailhead is 1/10 of a mile from the
river on river left. This trailhead is accessible from FS road 9244.
The Ladders Trail #16 is approximately 1¼ mile from the river on
river right. This trail is accessible from Forest Road 9709. This
area is in Eagle Habitat, so roads are closed from December 1 to June
30.
Mile 2.3
No Stop Zone. This is the beginning of a No Stopping Zone for Eagle
Habitat. This area, which ends at mile 4.3, is closed to stopping from
December 1 to June 30.
Mile 2.4
Pre-Falls Rapid (Class III). The river splits above this rapid and the
right channel goes through trees to bypass it. The left channel pours
over a three-foot ledge creating a sometimes-sticky hole. The Scout
for this rapid is from the left bank, stopping well above the rapid.
Mile 2.5
Verde Falls Rapid (Class IV). The water pours over an 8-foot ledge
into a narrow bedrock channel where there is a large rock in the
middle of the channel just below the pour over. The scout for this
rapid is from the left bank, stopping well above Pre-Falls Rapid.
2
3
Mile 4.1
Rock Garden Rapid (Class II). This rapid is a ¼ mile long series of
rocky drops. The rocks get larger and the drops a little steeper as
you progress. The Scout for this rapid is from the left bank.
Mile 4.3
End of No Stop Zone. This is the end of the No Stopping Zone for
Eagle Habitat, which is closed from December 1 to June 30.
Mile 4.5
Camp (Capacity 25). This camp on river left has a sandy landing.
Mile 4.8
Palisades Rapid (Class III). This rapid has a long rocky entry at low
water. The water eventually funnels to the right and pours over a
rock bar before hitting the rock wall on the right. The scout for this
rapid is from the right bank.
Mile 4.9
Camp (Capacity 25). This camp has a large sand beach and is located
just below Palisades Rapid on river left.
Mile 6.5
Bull Run Rapid (Class III). The water in this rapid runs over a gravel
bar towards a 2-foot ledge on the right side of the rapid. At high
water the two large boulders below the rapid become holes on either
side of the channel. The scout for this rapid is from the left bank.
Mile 6.7
Camp (Capacity 6). This small camp on river right has a sand beach in
a dry wash. There are cliff walls on both sides and a sycamore tree
near the landing.
Mile 7.1
Turkey Gobbler Rapid /Punk Rock (Class III). At the bottom of the
rapid, there are two large rocks (the larger of which is punk rock).
The water goes over and through these rocks, making a hole at higher
water. The scout for this rapid is from the right bank.
Mile 7.5
Trail Access Point. Towel Creek Trail (#67) is approximately seven
miles from the river on river left. This trail is accessible from
Forest Road 708.
Mile 8.0
Camp (Capacity 15). This sand and gravel beach across from the Gap
Creek Trail has a large sycamore tree in the center of it.
Mile 8.1
River Access Point. On river right is the Gap Creek Trail. This is a
short steep trail to a parking area approximately ¼ mile from the
river. This trail and parking area can be accessed by Forest Road
574.
4
5
Mile 8.4
Bushman Rapid (Class III). In this rapid, the water flows down a rock
bar and then turns right as it piles into a rock wall on river left.
After the turn, there are ledges or holes on the left side of the
channel. Some water also flows through trees to the right of the
rapid. The scout for this rapid is from the left bank.
Mile 8.5
Camp (Capacity 10). This camp has a sand beach and is on river right
just below Bushman Rapid.
Mile 9.0
Camp (Capacity 15). This is a large sand beach camp on river left.
Mile 9.1
Big Pink Rapid (Class III). This rapid is very rocky at low water. The
water goes through a series of rocks, funneling towards a large pink
rock at the bottom of the rapid. This rock becomes a large hole at
high water. The scout for this rapid is from the right bank.
Mile 9.6
Black Hole Rapid (Class III). This rapid is very rocky at low water.
It has a bedrock ledge at the bottom of the rapid that becomes a
hole at high water. There is a long channel on the left with some
trees in it that bypasses the rapid. At low water, most of the water
goes down the left channel. The scout for this rapid is from the
right bank.
Mile 10.1
White Flash Rapid (Class II). In this rapid the river turns right as it
goes around the white rock wall on the left. The waves coming off of
the bottom left wall become a hole at high water. The scout for this
rapid is from the right bank.
Mile 10.2
Camp (Capacity 25). This camp is an elevated sand beach on river
right just below White Flash Rapid.
Mile 10.4
No Stop Zone. This is the beginning of a no stopping zone for Eagle
Habitat. This area is closed to stopping from December 1 to June 30.
Mile 11.0
Trees. There are both left and right channels going around and
through these trees.
Mile 11.8
End of No Stop Zone. This is the end of the No Stopping Zone for
Eagle Habitat, which is closed from December 1 to June 30.
Mile 12.1
Trees. The river turns left and goes through trees into a narrow
channel with waves on the left side.
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7
Mile 13.7
Trees. There is a tree on river left with a limb overhanging the
water.
Mile 14.8
Camp (Capacity 15). This camp is on river right with a sand and gravel
beach.
Leave No Trace
The intent of “Leave No Trace” is simple; when your group utilizes one of the beaches in the
river corridor as a picnic area or campsite, it is the responsibility of your group to leave that
site as clean or cleaner than you found it For more detailed information see www.LNT.org
Sanitation / Human Waste: Urinate directly into the river. Urine deposited on land has a
strong odor and can attract insects. Urine on wet sand can encourage algae growth. The
removal of solid human waste is mandatory for all boating groups.
Campfires: Protect river beaches by containing all campfires, coals, and ash within a fire pan.
Burn charcoal instead of wood for cooking purposes. Wood collection is restricted to dead and
down material only. Cutting or stripping limbs from live trees is prohibited. Burn your fire
down to white ash, let it cool, and pack out all remnants of the fire.
Kitchens: Pack it in, pack it out! If you smoke, dispose of your cigarette butts properly.
Items such as tin cans, aluminum foil, and glass are not burnable and must be packed out.
Dispose of wastewater into the main rive current. This includes bathing and dishwashing water
as well as liquids from canned foods and beverages
Breaking Camp: It is very important to naturalize the campsite before you leave. Disperse
wood piles, rocks used to stabilize tents, etc. Pick up all microtrash. Check the area to make
sure you have left nothing behind. Leave the camp as if no one had been there.
Leave What You Find: Removing potsherds or other artifacts from cultural sites is against
the law. Do not touch any rock art such as pictographs and petroglyphs. The oils and acids in
our hands can cause deterioration of the site.
Respect Wildlife: Quiet groups see more wildlife; both on the river and in camp. Bald eagle
nesting areas are quiet zones. It is important not to stop within line of sight of the nests. An
adult eagle that is disturbed and flies from it’s nest cannot protect eggs or eaglets from heat
or predators. Fishing line kills and maims wildlife, especially raptors. Please help out the
creatures of the canyon by disposing of any fishing line you come across.
Be Considerate Of Others: Thoughtful users are considerate of other boaters and
recreational users by respecting their “space”. Communicating with other river parties when
you meet them can minimize congestion at the put-in, take-outs, attractions sites, and on the
river.
Mile 15.9
Ranch House. On river right there is a ranch house made from river
rock. Walt Randel, one of the original ranchers in the area, had four
sons who built the house in 1939.
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9
Mile 16.2
Trees. There are trees in the entry to the channel on river right.
Mile 16.3
Verde Hot Springs. This hot springs on river right was a hotel built in
the late 1920’s and early 1930’s. A Cherokee Indian named Ben
Copple was the caretaker of the hotel. Ben was also the guide of
southwestern author Zane Grey. The Hotel burned down on
Christmas Eve in 1958. What remains are concrete sidewalks, two
palm trees, retaining walls, and two hot tubs; one in a small rock
building, and the other outside.
Mile 17.1
Childs Power Plant. This historic hydroelectric power plant on river
left began producing power in 1909, and was dismantled in 2005. The
majority of the power was used to power mining operations in nearby
Jerome Arizona. Construction of the plant and the road leading to it
began in 1906, and took 600 men (most of them Apache and Mojave
Indians), 150 wagons, and 450 mules.
Mile 17.2
Childs River Access Point. Access to the river here on river left is by
Forest Road 502. Facilities include a campground and toilets.
Mile 17.3
Childs Play Rapid (Class II). The water goes through some trees at
the entry to this rapid, and then opens up to some waves below. The
scout for this rapid is from the left bank.
Mile 17.7
Verde Wild River Area. This is the beginning of the Verde Wild River
Area and the entry to the Mazatzal Wilderness. This is a very remote
area, so plan ahead and be prepared. Group size is limited to twelve
people.
Mile 18.2
Baby Snaggle-Tooth Rapid (Class II). In this rapid the water funnels
to the left, with a wave at the bottom of the funnel. There is a large
rock just left of the center of the channel at the bottom of the
rapid. The scout for this rapid is from the left bank.
Mile 18.3
Camp (Capacity 12). This camp on river left has a sand beach.
Mile 18.4
Little Drop Rapid (Class II). There are boulders on the right side of
this rapid after the water pours over a rock at the top. The scout
for this rapid is from the left bank.
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11
Mile 20.5
Camp (Capacity 12). This camp on river right has a rocky landing and a
short walk to a sand beach.
Mile 20.8
Trail Access Point. One and a half miles up from the Verde
confluence, Fossil Creek intersects the Dead Man Mesa Trail #17.
Mile 21.0
Camp (Capacity 12). This sand and gravel beach is on river right. It is
difficult to see from the water and has a steep and brushy landing.
Mile 21.2
Nasty Little Dog Leg Rapid (Class III). The entry to this rapid is
very rocky at low water. The water goes over a rock bar into the
right bank, where there are trees and rocks, and makes a sharp turn
to the left. The scout for this rapid is from the right bank.
Mile 21.6
Gnarly Little Rock Bar Rapid (Class II). There is no longer a low
water run in this rapid as most of the water is diverted down the
steep unrunable side channel on river left above it. It is very rocky
and typically requires boat dragging. The scout for this rapid is from
the left bank.
Mile 21.8
Dog’s Foot Rapid (Class III). In this rapid the water pours over and
around several large boulders. The scout for this rapid is from the
right bank.
Mile 21.9
Camp (Capacity 12). This large sandy beach is on river left.
Mile 22.0
No Stop Zone. This is the beginning of a No Stopping Zone for Eagle
Habitat. This zone is closed to stopping from December 1 to June 30.
Mile 22.9
End of Eagle Habitat No Stop Zone.
Mile 23.3
Rockin Center Rapid (Class II). Here the river turns to the right,
then pours over a bedrock ledge with a large rock just right of
center. The Scout for this rapid is from the left bank.
Mile 23.6
Camp (Capacity 8). Behind the brush at this lagoon, there is a small
camp.
Mile 24.2
Trail Access Point. On river left, at the confluence with the East
Verde River, you can access the Verde River Trail # 11. From here, it
is approximately eight miles north to the trailhead near Strawberry,
and approximately sixteen miles south to Sheep Bridge.
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13
Mile 24.3
Camp (Capacity 8). Across from the confluence of the East Verde
River is a small sand and gravel beach.
Mile 24.4
The river splits into two channels here; the left channel is open the
right is full of trees, and dries up at low water.
Mile 25.7
Trail Access Point. From the confluence of Houston Creek and the
Verde River, it is one and a half miles up the Houston Creek Trail to
road #16.
Mile 25.8
Camp Capacity 10). This sand beach on river left has some willow
trees in the center that may provide some shade.
Mile 26.7
Bootlegger’s Cabin. Jim Huffman built this small, dilapidated log
cabin, hidden in the mesquite trees on river right. He lived there in
the days of prohibition, making bootleg whiskey. The well next to the
cabin was hand dug by pioneer cowboy Bill Helm.
Mile 26.9
Shoots and Ladders Rapid (class III). At low water, the water pours
over a large rock in the center of this rapid, forming some large
waves. At high water, the current runs over a rock bar and pushes
into a rock wall on the left, forming large waves at the bottom. The
scout for this rapid is from the right bank.
Mile 27.2
Camp (Capacity 12). This camp has a sand and gravel beach and is on
river right.
Mile 27.5
Water Gauging Station. This water gauging station on river right is
an authorized Wilderness intrusion.
Mile 27.7
Red Wall Rapid (class II). In this rapid the water drops down a long
open channel, and runs straight into a cliff wall as it turns left. The
scout for this rapid is on river left.
Mile 28.1
Trees. Here the river enters a narrow channel with trees on both
sides. At the bottom of the channel there are overhanging tree limbs
on the left. The scout for this is from the right side of the channel.
Mile 28.4
Warm Springs. Warm water flows fifteen feet down to the river.
Please resist the temptation to modify this natural feature.
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15
Mile 29.3
Camp (Capacity 8). This camp on river left has a sand and rock beach
and a rocky landing.
Mile 29.6
Camp (Capacity 12). This camp on river right is a small sand beach
with shrubs.
Mile 30.7
Camp (Capacity 12). This camp on river left has a large sand beach
near a cliff wall.
Mile 32.3
Trail Access Point. The Verde River Trail # 11 crosses the river
here.
Mile 32.9
Camp (Capacity 12). This camp on river right has a large sand beach
near a big rock.
1. Group size is limited to no more than twenty-five people on the Verde
Scenic River section (Beasley Flat to Childs) and no more than twelve
people on the Verde Wild River section (Childs to Red Creek).
2. Overnight raft trips must have a fire pan in their possession. Selfsupporting kayak trips must have a fire pan in their possession. Any open
fires must be contained within a fire pan.
3. Wood collection is limited to dead and down material only. Cutting or
stripping limbs from trees is strictly prohibited.
4. All trips must possess a portable toilet system to collect all solid human
waste for proper disposal at an appropriate waste facility. All solid human
waste must be carried out of the river corridor (including toilet paper and
personal hygiene items).
5. Possession or transportation of any part of native plants is prohibited.
6. Littering is strictly prohibited. Pack out all food remains, and trash
(orange peels, seed shells and cigarette butts are considered litter).
7. The U.S. Coast Guard recommends use of Type III or Type V Personal
Flotation Device by each person, on all watercraft.
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17
Mile 33.8
Camp (Capacity 12). This camp on river right has a rocky landing with
a fifty-foot trek to a sandy beach.
Mile 35.2
Camp (Capacity 12). This camp on river right has a large sand beach.
Mile 35.9
Camp (Capacity 12). This camp on river left has a large rock and sand
beach.
Mile 36.8
Trees. Here the river runs into the right bank where there are some
overhanging trees that have some underwater limbs extending into
the current.
Mile 36.9
No Stop Zone. This is the beginning of a No Stopping Zone for Eagle
Habitat. This zone is closed to stopping from December 1 to June 30.
Mile 37.6
Trees. The river narrows here and there are overhanging trees from
both right and left banks.
Mile 38.1
End of Eagle Habitat No Stop Zone.
Mile 39.0
Camp (Capacity 12). This camp on river left has a sand and rock
beach.
Stream Flow and Snow Pack Information
If you have any questions about the Verde Wild and Scenic River please contact
the Tonto National Forest River Permit Coordinator’s office at (928) 402-6236, or
the Coconino National Forest’s River Ranger’s office at (928) 203-7503.
Information regarding current stream flows, and snow pack, relevant to the Salt
River may be accessed by calling the Salt River Project at (602) 236-5929, or
logging on to the following websites.
US Geological Survey: http://az.waterdata.usgs.gov/az/nwis/current/?type=flow
Scroll down to Verde River Near Camp Verde Az and Verde R Blw Tangle Creek,
Abv Horseshoe Dam.
National Water and Climate Center (snow): http://www.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov/snotel/
18
19
Mile 40.1
Camp (Capacity 12). This camp on river right is a sand beach with a
bedrock landing. It has some willow trees that may provide some
shade.
Mile 40.5
Trail Access Point. The Verde River Trail #11 crosses the river here
at the confluence with Red Creek. This is the end of the Verde Wild
River Area.
Mile 40.6
Red Creek Rapid (Class II). This is a longer than average rapid that is
very rocky at low water. Scout this rapid from the right bank.
Mile 42.5
Camp (Capacity 12). This camp on river right has a large sand beach,
and is difficult to spot because it is elevated from the river. The
landing is very steep with swift moving current.
Mile 44.0
Dry Run Rapid (Class III). At high water the water runs over and
through bedrock boulders. At low water it goes around these
boulders to the right. The scout is from the right bank.
Mile 44.2
Camp (Capacity 10). This camp is on river right below Dry Run Rapid,
and has a sand beach that is elevated from the river. It has some
willow trees that may provide a little shade.
Mile 44.3
Camp(Capacity 12). This camp has a large sand beach on river left.
“No servant brought them meals… No traffic cop whistled them off the hidden
rock in the next rapids. No friendly roof kept them dry when they misguessed
weather or not to pitch the tent. No guide showed them which camping spots
offered a night long breeze and which a nightlong misery of mosquitoes; which
firewood made clear coals and which would only smoke. The elemental simplicities
of wilderness travel were thrills…because they represented complete freedom to
make mistakes. The wilderness gave…those rewards and penalties for wise and
foolish acts…against which civilization had built a thousand buffers.”
Aldo Leopold
(1887-1948)
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21
Mile 44.9
Trees. Here there is a narrow channel with overhanging trees on
river right.
Mile 45.2
Trees. There are trees overhanging the river from both sides of the
river here.
Mile 45.6
Camp (Capacity 12). This camp is on river left and has a sand beach
and a steep landing with trees and shrubs.
Mile 46.3
Junkyard Rapid (Class III). The water goes over a pour over in the
middle of the river and towards a tree on river left. The scout for
this rapid is from the right bank.
Mile 46.6
Camp (Capacity 12). This camp on river left has a large sand beach.
Mile 46.9
Trees. There are trees overhanging the river from the right bank
here.
Mile 47.8
Trees. The river enters a long narrow channel with trees overhanging
from the left bank.
Mile 48.3
Honey Chute Rapid (Class II). The water funnels into the left bank
here. The scout for this rapid is from the left bank.
Verde River Approximate Travel Times
Put-in/ Take out
White Bridge to
Clear Creek
Clear Creek to
Beasley Flat
Beasley Flat to
Gap Creek
Beasley Flat to
Childs
Childs to Sheep
Bridge
Sheep Bridge to
Horseshoe Dam
High
(30008000 cfs)
1 or 2
Hours
10 to 20
Minutes
1½ or 2
hours
4 or 5
Hours
Miles
Low (100-500 cfs)
Med (500-3000 cfs)
6
3 or 4 Hours
2 or 3 Hours
3
1½ or 2 hours
30 or 40 Minutes
8
5 or 6 Hours
3 or 4 Hours
17
2 or 3 Days
6 or 7 Hours
32.5
4 or 5 Days
2 or 3 days
1 or 2 Days
10
3 or 4 Hours
2 or 3 Hours
2 or 3
Hours
All travel times are approximate and vary greatly with many factors including type
of craft, your group’s pace, wind and weather.
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23
Mile 48.3
Camp (Capacity 10). This camp has a sand and gravel beach on river
left.
Mile 49.2
End of the Mazatzal Wilderness. In terms of the river corridor, this
is where the Mazatzal Wilderness ends.
Mile 50.5
River Access Point. Trail Access Point. Trail #11 terminates on river
left here. On river right is the end of the Bloody Basin Road. From
here it is thirty-eight miles to I-17, and thirty-three miles to Cave
Creek by way of the Seven Springs Road.
Mile 50.5
Sheep Bridge. This historic bridge was originally constructed in 1943
by the Flagstaff Sheep Company and was known as the Red Point
Sheep Bridge. It was entered into the national register of historic
places in 1978. In 1988, weakened by the years and a series of
floods, the bridge was disassembled. In 1989, the current bridge,
which is reminiscent of the original, was erected by the Forest
Service, and recalls the ingenuity of the pioneer sheep men.
Mile 50.8
Camp (Capacity 10). This camp on river left has a sand beach. From
this point on the availability of camps varies greatly with the level of
Horseshoe Reservoir.
Mile 51.2
Trees. The river appears to go straight here, but the channel is on
the right where the water goes through trees into a narrow channel
with trees on both sides.
Mile 51.5
Horseshoe Reservoir. On Horseshoe Reservoir the amount of camps,
current, and time spent traveling depend on the level of the
reservoir. If the reservoir is full, there can be 5 or 6 miles of flat
water. If the reservoir is 40% to 50% full there may be 2 to 3 miles
of flat water. If the reservoir is 10% to 20% full, there may be only
one mile of flat water, after the river cuts a winding channel through
the lakebed. At this level there may be mud conditions, which can
present problems.
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