Verde Float 2012
The Verde River is almost unknown outside of Arizona. Beginning southwest of Flagstaff, the Verde flows south and merges with the Salt River just east of Phoenix. The boating season for rafts is very short and in some years is non-existent. Rafting is only possible at peak runoff when the river overflows its banks and cascades through trees and brush. However, canoes or small inflatables can float the river at much lower flows. If you are willing to push and drag your boat over shallow areas, it is possible to run the Verde at flows as low as 150 cfs.
In late Feb 2012, Armando Menocal I and did an 8-day float trip using my SOAR inflatable canoe. We paddled 70 miles and there were 24 rapids, divided between class 2's and 3's with one class 4 that required a portage. We had previously run the river in March 2007. This time, we had 3 capsizes and found the river to be harder. The water levels were about 200 cfs for the entire trip. The most challenging part is what we called "tree rapids" which are areas where the river flows under brush and trees. It was often necessary to line our boat through them. The main characteristic of a Verde float is isolation. We saw no one in 8 days except for some campers on the last day where a 4WD road accesses the river.
For interested paddlers, an itinerary is below. I also have notes about all 24 rapids. Contact me if you want information.
ITINERARY
DAY - MILES - RIVER MILES - HOURS PADDLED
1 - 5 - - 5 - 2 ¼
2 - 8.2 - 3.2 - 5 ½
3 - 7 - 10.2 - 5 ¼
4 - 8.1 - 18.3 - 5
5 - 8.5 - 26.8 - 6 ¾
6 - 9.2 - 36 - 5 ¾
7 - 12.3 - 48.3 - 6 ½
8 - 11.7 - 60 - 4 ¾
Total miles = 70
Read MoreIn late Feb 2012, Armando Menocal I and did an 8-day float trip using my SOAR inflatable canoe. We paddled 70 miles and there were 24 rapids, divided between class 2's and 3's with one class 4 that required a portage. We had previously run the river in March 2007. This time, we had 3 capsizes and found the river to be harder. The water levels were about 200 cfs for the entire trip. The most challenging part is what we called "tree rapids" which are areas where the river flows under brush and trees. It was often necessary to line our boat through them. The main characteristic of a Verde float is isolation. We saw no one in 8 days except for some campers on the last day where a 4WD road accesses the river.
For interested paddlers, an itinerary is below. I also have notes about all 24 rapids. Contact me if you want information.
ITINERARY
DAY - MILES - RIVER MILES - HOURS PADDLED
1 - 5 - - 5 - 2 ¼
2 - 8.2 - 3.2 - 5 ½
3 - 7 - 10.2 - 5 ¼
4 - 8.1 - 18.3 - 5
5 - 8.5 - 26.8 - 6 ¾
6 - 9.2 - 36 - 5 ¾
7 - 12.3 - 48.3 - 6 ½
8 - 11.7 - 60 - 4 ¾
Total miles = 70
