Verde River, Sedona Arizona

When you are in Arizona, how can you miss out on the Verde River? There is so much to do here – rafting, kayaking, canoeing. Or if you are not one for adventure sports, then perhaps you may want to try out your hand at some trout fishing. The Verde River is the jewel of Arizona.

How do you reach the Verde River? Reach Flagstaff and drive down the I-17 for 50 miles and you will reach Camp Verde. You will then need to go east on the State Highway 260. Sedona and Phoenix are good places to start your journey to the river. There are 3 major access points and they are at White Bridge (on the Highway 260 close to Camp Verde), Beasley Flats and the Childs Power Plant. However the last one is a winding and steep climb, and do keep in mind that when it rains, it can become slippery.

An important source of water for the surrounding desert, the Verde River provides a recluse to several plant and animal species. You are likely to come across several migratory and resident birds and some of them are endangered too. Take a guide along and track the southwestern willow flycatcher, bald eagle, Colorado pikeminnow, razorback sucker and the spikedace.

Considering the scenic setting, the endangered species and the Indian relics in the region, 6 miles of the river has been protected since 1987. The Verde River has also been included into the Arizona State Parks system, and 700 acres of the area is today referred to as the Verde River Greenway State Natural Area.