Things to do nearVerde River
The Verde River in central Arizona is a rare desert waterway celebrated for its cottonwood-lined banks, exceptional fishing, and world-class kayaking.
The Verde River is one of Arizona's last free-flowing rivers, stretching roughly 170 miles from its headwaters near Paulden south through the Sonoran Desert. For centuries, Indigenous peoples including the Yavapai and Hohokam relied on its waters, and remnants of ancient settlements can still be found along its banks.
Today the river draws paddlers, anglers, hikers, and birdwatchers to its cottonwood-willow gallery forests. The section between Clarkdale and Cottonwood is especially popular for float trips, offering gentle riffles and deep pools shaded by towering trees.
The Verde River supports one of the richest riparian ecosystems in the arid Southwest. More than 100 species of breeding birds have been recorded here, making it a destination for serious birders. Native fish species, including the spikedace and razorback sucker, inhabit its cleaner upper reaches.
Tuzigoot National Monument and Montezuma Castle are both nearby, giving a visit cultural depth beyond the river itself. The Verde River is a place where natural beauty and human history meet in a landscape unlike anywhere else in Arizona.
7-day forecast
Chance of rainTips for visiting Verde River
Visit during spring when water levels are ideal for kayaking and wildflowers line the riparian corridor.
Try fishing the upper stretches near Cottonwood for smallmouth bass and native desert suckers.
Bring water shoes since rocky entry points and shallow crossings are common along the Verde River.
Arrive early in the morning to spot great blue herons, bald eagles, and other birds before the heat builds.
Explore the Verde River Greenway State Natural Area near Cottonwood for well-maintained access trails and picnic areas.
Top tours & experiences near Verde River
Explore Tonto National Forest Jeep & Helicopter Tour
Private Jeep ride, helicopter flight, and gold mine visit in Tonto National Forest
Guided Verde River Kayak Tour With Burgers & Beer
Paddle Class I–II rapids, then relax with burgers, beer, and games
3.1-Mile Guided Verde River Kayak Tour
Paddle a Wild and Scenic River with safety-certified guides
Verde River Float & Wine Tasting in Cottonwood
Float the Verde River, then taste wine at Alcantara Vineyards
Verde River Kayak & Wine Tasting
Paddle the Verde River, then taste wines at a local vineyard
Self-Guided Inflatable Kayak Trip on the Verde River
Float the Wild & Scenic Verde River in a stable inflatable kayak
Northern Arizona Grand Canyon & Antelope Canyon Air Tour
See Northern Arizona’s landmarks by air and explore Antelope Canyon on foot
7-Hour Private Wine Tasting Tour in Sedona
Spend 7 hours sampling up to five Verde Valley wine tastings on a private, guided tour
Guided Kayak Tour & Steakhouse Dinner in Cottonwood
Paddle the Verde River, then enjoy a group steakhouse meal
Private Verde River Kayak Tour
Paddle Class I–II rapids through Sycamore Canyon with a private guide
Cottonwood ATV Rental & 3.1-Mile Guided Kayak Tour
Pair dusty Verde Valley trails with a guided paddle on the Verde River
Kayak Tour on the Verde River With Wine Tasting
Paddle the Verde River, then unwind with a local tasting
Self-Guided Verde River Kayaking In Cottonwood
Paddle the Verde River at your own pace with shuttle support
Guided Beat-the-Heat Kayak Tour on Verde River
Cool off on a guided paddle through Verde River scenery
Pedal, Paddle & Wine Taste in Camp Verde
Ride an e-bike, float the Verde River, then taste wine at Alcantara Vineyards
Ride a 30-Minute Verde River Shuttle in Camp Verde
Verde River shuttle for your own tube or boat
Guided Verde Valley E-Bike Vineyard Tour
Ride a guided e-bike tour from Alcantara Vineyard to the Verde River, plus a $20 winery credit
Paddleboard Yoga on the Verde River From Camp Verde
Practice paddleboard yoga on the Verde River with a $20 winery credit
Sedona 5-Hour Vineyard Tour & Wine Tastings
Tour two Northern Arizona vineyards with tastings and a food item
Verde River Kayak & Wine Tasting Tour From Sedona
Kayak the Verde River, then enjoy wine flights and lunch in Cottonwood
Ride an Outlaw Trail Horseback Tour in Cottonwood
Ride the Outlaw Trail on a 1-hour guided horseback tour in Dead Horse Ranch State Park
Guided Kayak & Brewery Tasting on the Verde River
Paddle the Verde River, then toast the day with craft beer
Sedona 50-55-Minute Scenic Flight
Fly over Sedona’s canyons, river, mountains and historic Jerome