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 March 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.

The 42 images that follow are in cronological order.

We launch at White Bridge in the small town of Camp Verde at 3:30 in the afternoon.
Previously, we left a car at Ocotillo Boat Ramp on Horseshoe Reservoir near Phoenix.
The first 10 miles is a pleasant easy float through flat terrain. We see ranches and housing developments on this stretch but no people.
Lots of birdlife
Our first camp is only 5 miles from our start.
On day 2, the rapids start. Here we scout "Off the Wall" Rapid.
Our mandatory portage is also on day 2. We carry everything around Pre-Falls and Verde Falls rapids but float a short section in between.
You can see why we don't run "Verde Falls" rapid
On the afternoon of Day 2, the wind picks up. The weather forecast had predicted wind but it was way beyond our expectations. We have gusts of 50+ mph which moved our boat back upstream against the current. We land to make camp and luckily it is a good place since we don't have other options. The reeds between us and the river block almost all the wind.
On Day 3 the wind has passed and we prepare to launch.
Palisades Rapid requires some lining.
Our water levels are low enough that there are always rocks showing in the rapids. Here we are lodged on one and looking up stream as we try to push off.
Camp 3 is a comfortable site high above the river.
There is lots of walking in the river. Some is easy as seen here where we choose the wrong channel and have to go back upstream to get in the proper one.
On Day 4, we reach Verde Hot Springs at Mile 16.3. Years ago, this was a big resort but it gets limited use now.
But it is clean and maintained
Great murals
Camp 4
Rapid No 15 is called "Nasty Little Dog Leg" and it was.
We line the SOAR. This photo was taken just before it turned over and Armando had to swim out to retrieve it. I lose a shoe and limp along the bank to catch up.
More typical dragging at Rapid No 16 called "Gnarly Little Rock"
Not much water to drag the boat.
Rapid No 17 "Dogs Foot"
Lining a tree rapid
We make it to Camp 5. A tough day with another capsize. But we have one beer left.
We had planned to climb Squaw Peak but the capsizes took extra time and we had to skip it.
This is Rapid No 19 called "Shoots and Ladders" at mile 26.9. We ran this one clean.
We fill up our water bottles at Warm Springs at mile 26.5. It was the only time during the trip that we got water other than from the river. We used Iodine to purify the river water.
A tree rapid ahead
Good thing we avoided this one. Note that almost all the water is flowing under the logs.
We find a very small channel to push our boat around the hazard.
And we emerge from the other end
Here we take a wrong turn and have to drag boat over rocks to get back into the main channel.
Great cactus are visible all along the river.
Tricky tree rapid
We pass it on the left
Cliffs along the river
Looks like we can go through this one.
Sheep Bridge is a 4 foot wide historical bridge which we reach on our last day.
For the final 8 miles, the Verde is a meandering stream that has cut into the dry Horseshoe Reservoir.
The takeout is at Ocotillo Boat Ramp. It is a short carry from the river.
I guess it was a good trip.