Typical Class II rapid

The entire run of the Verde, all 198 miles from Sullivan Lake to its confluence with the Salt River outside of Phoenix, would take the better part of two weeks to float. For those on a tighter schedule, here are some weekend-size sections of the river that I highly recommend.

Beasley Flats to Childs Campground
Distance: Approximately 17.5 miles
Days needed: One to two
Difficulty: Class II/III+ (Intermediate/Advanced)
Maps: USGS 7.5-minute quads: Horner Mountain, Hackberry Mountain, Tule Mesa, and Verde Hot Springs, and Prescott National Forest

In addition to being the"scenic" stretch of the Verde, Beasley Flats to Childs is the whitewater run. Commencing with "Off-the-Wall" (Class II), this run takes you through the only rapid on the Verde rated Class IV or above: The Falls (actually a pair of rapids, the "Pre Falls" and the "Falls").

To get to the put-in take the General Crook Highway (Arizona State Highway 260) south from Camp Verde for about a quarter mile until you see Salt Mine Road on the right. Take Salt Mine Road about 1 mile to FR 574, which heads south along the west side of the river. Stay on FR 574 for approximately 8.5 miles, then head east on FR 334 approximately 2 miles to Beasley Flats. To access the take-out at Childs, take the General Crook Highway (AZ 260) south from Camp Verde for 7 miles to the Childs/Fossil Creek Road (FR 708 to FR 502). It is 23 rough miles to the river.

Childs Campground to Horseshoe Dam
Distance: Approximately 41 miles Days needed: Three to forever! Difficulty: Class II with some II+ at high flows (Beginner/Intermediate) Maps: USGS 7.5-minute quads: Verde Hot Springs, Wet Bottom Mesa, Chalk Mountain, and Horseshoe Dam, and Tonto National Forest

This run is the "Wild" portion of the Verde River, and although it may not offer the whitewater thrills of the Beasley Flats/Childs run, you are unlikely to encounter reminders of the outside world.

See above for directions to Childs. To get to the take-out at Horseshoe Dam, from the town of Cave Creek, take Cave Creek Road (FR24) for 7 miles until you see the signs on the right for FR 205 to Horseshoe and Bartlett Reservoirs. Drive approximately 7 more miles until you see the left to turn to Horseshoe. The Horseshoe Road (FR205) is 11 miles of improved dirt.

Perkinsville to TAPCO (The Arizona Power Company)
Distance: Approximately 21 miles
Days needed: Two (three to four if you explore the Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Area)
Difficulty: Class II+ (Beginner/Intermediate)
Maps: USGS 7.5-minute quads: Perkinsville, Sycamore Basin, Munds Draw, and Clarkdale, and Prescott National Forest

Although not designated as Wild or Scenic, the Perkinsville/TAPCO run is a beautiful section of the Verde, marred only by the presence of the Central Arizona Railroad. The twice-daily intrusion of the Verde River Excursion Train might prove distracting, but in general a prettier stretch is hard to find.

There are several ways to get to the Perkinsville Bridge for put-in, but the most straightforward is the Perkinsville Road. From Chino Valley (Highway 89), Perkinsville Road (FR 354) runs approximately 20 miles to the bridge. From Williams (I-40), Perkinsville Road (FR 173) runs approximately 30 miles to the bridge. The take-out at TAPCO is about 3 miles from the Tuzigoot Road/Sycamore Road junction (right outside of Clarkdale). Just look for the old smokestack.