East Verde

As teh riverheads out from AZ87 the stream becoms remote and enters the Mazatzal Wildernes Area. There is a poorly maintained trail and expert boaters who made this run claim there were unrunnable waterfalls.

Access: From Payson: Take AZ87 north 6 miles to the East Verde Bridge, or drive 12 miles on FR 406 to the trailhead at the Mazatzal Wilderness boundry. FR 209 leaving AZ87 at mile marker 261.5 also provides access to this stretch.

Takeout: Take Bloody Basi exit from I-17, follow FR 269 fro 32 miles to Sheep Bridge

Forming near SH 99 in Gila County due east of the Verde River is the East Verde River, which flows to the confluence near the Town of Childs in the middle of nowhere. This run of about 34 miles includes numerous Class IV to V+ rapids and drops that test the skills of expert whitewater kayakers. The river flows under SH 87 about half way through the run, then on through Tonto National Forest a few miles north of, and perpendicular to, Tonto Creek, another great whitewater run in Arizona. Water in the river sources mainly from snowmelt runoff in the area of the forest northeast of Phoenix. Small gorges and waterfall drops characterize the East Verde River making it much more difficult than the mainstream into which it flows.

The surrounding area is very remote, and few people will be seen (most of them will be driving by on SH 99 near the put-in, or on the SH 87 crossing.) This run is definitely off the beaten path, though paddlers who enjoy creek boating will love this stream when it flows. Its very limited season is usually in April through June if there was sufficient snowpack over the preceding winter. Always check flows on the USGS gauge near Childs and the Verde River confluence before departing for this hairboat run. Be prepared to cover a lot of kayak miles between access points. There are no easy roads separating short runs on the East Verde River.

The East Verde is the Mr. Hyde to the Verde River's Dr. Jekyl. I

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