Blue Trails Blog

Verde float - Doug Von Gausig

Verde River Mobile Site Launched

It’s the best time of year again – river season! River flows are up, snow has melted, the fish are ready to bite and the sun is shining! Whether you are a kayaker, angler, birder or avid hiker or biker the Verde Valley is full of excellent recreational opportunities in and along the Verde River. With river season upon us, American Rivers and our partners throughout the Verde Valley are thrilled to release the Verde River Mobile Map!

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VRRO - Mens Single Kayak Division Lining Up

Race Day! The 2015 Verde River Runoff

Today’s post is a guest blog by Susan Culp, our Verde River Coordinator.


In the spring, Verde Valley residents and visitors look forward with anticipation to the end of March: the official start of the paddling season on the Verde River, and the annual Verde River Runoff Kayak and Canoe Race. The 2015 Verde River Runoff was held on March 28th, a bright warm day, when paddlers from all over the state and abroad (including a canoeist hailing from Kenya) come to the Town of Camp Verde to participate in the race. Read more…

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A Place for the Birds

Today’s post is a guest blog by Doug Von Gausig, Executive Director of the Verde River Institute.


The Verde River flows through central Arizona for 192 miles, and along the way, it attracts, feeds, provides breeding habitat, and concentrates more than 200 species of migratory and resident birds. The river first erupts at 4,400 feet elevation and, at its endpoint with the confluence with the Salt River near Scottsdale, Arizona, it has descended to nearly 1400 feet of elevation. It is this altitudinal range and the fact that this beautiful river runs through a wide mix of habitat types that attracts so many birds. Read more…

Verde Falls

Take a Paddle on the Wild Side: A Trip Down the Verde River Wild & Scenic Stretch

Today’s post is a guest blog by Susan Culp, our Verde River Coordinator.


Many of the most popular stretches for paddlers along the Verde River are through the sections of the Middle Verde known affectionately as the “mild and scenic.” There are few serious hazards within this stretch, as the river has some fun Class II riffles and is safe and enjoyable for inexperienced boaters, or those who just want a relaxing paddle on one of Arizona’s last perennial rivers. However, below the Beasley Flat river access point, exists the Wild and Scenic stretch of the Verde River, featuring more challenging Class III and Class IV rapids, as well as open stretches of magnificent desert wilderness.

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Register for the National Water Trails Forum

Today’s post is a guest blog by Corita Waters with the National Park Service Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance


Are you interested in learning more about the National Water Trails System and how your water trail can become a designated National Water Trail? We’re on the lookout for current and aspiring national water trails to join us at the National Water Trails Forum Read more…