Verde River

Prescott National Forest has eight sites that offer access to the Verde River.  Some sites are commonly used to put-in or take-out non-motorized watercraft while others offer picnicking facilities or are popular for wading and fishing.  Down river, starting at Beasley Flat, the Verde River has Wild & Scenic River status protecting its outstanding natural and cultural values.  Upriver, the Verde Canyon Railroad [http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/prescott/recreation/natureviewing/recarea/?recid=81659&actid=63] follows the Verde River as it cuts through stunning red rock canyons that border the Prescott and Coconino National Forests. Verde River Guide [http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fswdev3_009800.pdf] (&, 928 KB PDF)  Please plan ahead, be prepared, and practice Leave No Trace [https://lnt.org/learn/7-principles] ethics to leave the Verde just as you find it for those who come after. Canoe and Kayak Launch: * White Bridge [http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/prescott/recreation/wateractivities/recarea/?recid=67211&actid=79] Located across from the Verde Ranger Station on Highway 260, this site has picnic facilities and is the most popular boat launch for float trips to Beasley Flat. * Beasley Flat [http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/prescott/recreation/wateractivities/recarea/?recid=67209&actid=79] This site marks the beginning of the Wild & Scenic stretch of the Verde River which is recommended only for experienced boaters.  Float trips take out here, and there are picnic facilities and a nature trail.  * Clear Creek [http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/prescott/recreation/wateractivities/recarea/?recid=67251&actid=79]  Though boaters can put in or take out here, this is not a very good boat launch.  The access to the river is steep and slippery, and parking is limited. * Black Canyon [http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/prescott/recreation/fishing/recarea/?recid=67273&actid=43] A popular fishing spot, and a fun place to splash around on an inner tube! Fishing, wading and picnicking: * Bignottie [http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/prescott/recreation/picnickinginfo/recarea/?recid=67213&actid=70]  * Skidmore [http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/prescott/recreation/picnickinginfo/recarea/?recid=67215&actid=70] Fishing: * Sheep's Crossing [http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/prescott/recreation/fishing/recarea/?recid=67271&actid=43] * Prairie Lane [http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/prescott/recreation/fishing/recarea/?recid=67253&actid=43]   Learn more about the National Wild & Scenic River program [http://nps.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapJournal/index.html?appid=ba6debd907c7431ea765071e9502d5ac]: Check out this story board created by the National Park Service! Help increase awareness of our nation's Wild & Scenic Rivers by using the 2019 Forever Stamps featuring Wild & Scenic Rivers of the USA [http://postalnews.com/blog/2018/11/21/arts-entertainment-history-and-culture-headline-the-2019-forever-stamp-lineup/]!