Verde

My friend and I ran the river with an inflatable and hard shell kayak between Beasley Flats and Childs in late March 2020 at 3000- 4000 cfs. Diverging river channels at many sections throughout the run make it difficult to determine the main channel without significant scouting. Choosing the wrong channel leads to a fast ride through brush and trees or worse. Mean looking keeper across most of the Verde Falls with a large boulder in the middle of the river below the falls, completely covered with water and with a hole below. Lined both of our kayaks around Verde Falls. Assisted two rafters in extracting their raft from brush after they flipped at the falls. Chased down a kayak which got away from another boater who flipped at the pre-falls. On the other hand, observed a paddler in an inflatable kayak run the falls on the extreme river left. The high flows create many rapids which are not discussed in the USFS Verde River Guide. In summary, at high flows and given the remote location, take your time, scout the rapids and be prepared for sweepers and trees in the channels.

Richard Olm