Arizona's only federally designated Wild and Scenic River, the Verde offers exciting whitewater through a spectacular desert canyon. This section features Class II-IV rapids including Verde Falls (Class IV-V, often portaged), Bull Run, Rock Garden, and White Flash, along with opportunities to see bald eagles, beaver, and diverse birdlife. The short and unpredictable spring season makes this a special early-season destination.
Snapshot
Important information for this section of river
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Water Level
FAQ: What's the current water level for Verde River - Beasley Flats to Childs?
118 CFS
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FAQ: What's the ideal range for this section of river?
500 – 2,000 CFS
Rapids
Community-contributed. Conditions change with flow. Scout everything.
No rapids logged yet for this river.
Boat Launches
Community-contributed. Conditions change with flow. Scout everything.
No boat launches logged yet for this river.
Camps
Community-contributed. Conditions change with flow. Scout everything.
No camps logged yet for this river.
Outfitters
Community-contributed. Conditions change with flow. Scout everything.
No outfitters logged yet for this river.
Common Questions
What paddlers most often want to know about Verde River - Beasley Flats to Childs.
What class of rapids does the Verde River Beasley Flats to Childs section have?
The Verde River from Beasley Flats to Childs in central Arizona runs Class II–IV, with Verde Falls (Class IV–V) being the defining and most serious rapid on the section. Most of the run is Class II–III with Verde Falls commonly portaged by all but expert paddlers.
Do I need a permit to raft the Verde River in Arizona?
No permit is currently required to raft the Verde River through the Beasley Flats to Childs section, which flows through the Prescott National Forest. Check current BLM and Forest Service regulations before your trip as requirements can change.
When is the Verde River runnable in Arizona?
The Verde River runs during Arizona's spring rainy season and snowmelt from the Mogollon Rim, typically from January through April. The season is short and highly weather-dependent — when flows are right, this is one of Arizona's premier spring paddling destinations.
What is Verde Falls on the Verde River?
Verde Falls is the crux rapid of the Beasley Flats to Childs section — a powerful Class IV–V drop that is the most significant feature on this run and on Arizona's only designated Wild and Scenic River. Most paddlers choose to portage Verde Falls, while experienced experts carefully scout before committing to a line.
What wildlife can you see on the Verde River near Camp Verde?
The Verde River corridor is designated a Riparian National Conservation Area and supports extraordinary biodiversity. Bald eagles, black hawks, and diverse herons nest in the cottonwood-willow gallery forest; beaver, river otter, and desert mule deer are also regularly observed along the bank.
Weather Forecast
What's the daily forecast at the put-in for Verde River - Beasley Flats to Childs?