Take a Paddle on the Wild Side: A Trip Down the Verde River Wild & Scenic Stretch

Many of the most popular stretches for paddlers along the Verde River are through the sections of the Middle Verde known affectionately as the “mild and scenic.” There are few serious hazards within this stretch, as the river has some fun Class II riffles and is safe and enjoyable for inexperienced boaters, or those who just want a relaxing paddle on one of Arizona’s last perennial rivers. However, below the Beasley Flat river access point, exists the Wild and Scenic stretch of the Verde River, featuring more challenging Class III and Class IV rapids, as well as open stretches of magnificent desert wilderness.

By Fay Hartman | April 22, 2015