Arizona | Verde Valley / Yavapai County

Verde RiverBeasley Flat RAP to Childs River Access

A remote 17-mile Wild and Scenic Verde River expedition from Beasley Flat through named Class III–IV rapids to Childs.

Route location

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Plan this route

DistanceAbout 17 river miles
DifficultyHard
Typical timePlan a full daylight day with an expert crew
ShuttleCar shuttle
The Verde River runs through a rugged Arizona canyon corridor.
River contextVerde River; same-river context, not an endpoint or current-conditions photograph river-level context — not necessarily this exact reach.Photo by Jennifer Horn via Wikimedia Commons

Need to know

Why this call
This route is documented for planning, but does not receive a Paddle Today score.
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Trip details

Access rules, camping, seasonal conditions and trip length.

Distance, difficulty, rules and camping
DifficultyhardA remote 16–18 mile Class III–IV+ Wild and Scenic reach with named rapids, limited road access and no dependable bailout between Beasley Flat and Childs.
PermitsCheck posted rulesConfirm current Forest Service access, Wild and Scenic rules, road closures and any commercial or group permit requirements before unloading.
CampingOptions nearbyChilds Campground and designated sites are documented near the take-out; confirm current status and reservations. Do not assume informal riverbank camping is legal.
SeasonJan-MayRiverBrain lists January through May as the typical season. Its 150 cfs minimum is described as extreme-low-flow boating; hard-shell boaters may prefer about 300 cfs, and larger boats often use roughly 700–800 cfs as a minimum cue. Avoid monsoon flash-flood conditions.

Tomorrow and the weekend

Forecasts can change. Check current conditions again before leaving.

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Plan your trip

Launch points, shuttle details, distance, and access notes.

Access and shuttle

A remote 17-mile Wild and Scenic Verde River expedition from Beasley Flat through named Class III–IV rapids to Childs.

Access map

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Start

Put-in

Beasley Flat RAP

Beasley Flat and Childs are the named public access points for this reach.

Finish

Take-out

Childs River Access / Childs Campground

FR 502/708 roads can be rough, seasonal or closed; verify before committing a shuttle.

Road shuttle

Access notes and hazards

Access caveats

  • Beasley Flat and Childs are the named public access points for this reach.
  • FR 502/708 roads can be rough, seasonal or closed; verify before committing a shuttle.
  • Carry all emergency and water supplies; bailout options are limited.

Watch for

  • Class III–IV+ rapids and changing lines
  • Low water, strainers and debris
  • Flash-flood rises and cold water
  • Remote road access, private banks and limited communication

Choose your trip times

No account needed. Check the selected access points above, then choose both dates and times. For an overnight paddle, set take-out to the following date.

Trip schedule

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Water levels, gauge history, and hourly forecast

Check the forecast and local water levels before launching.

Water-level history and forecastDetailed view

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Hourly forecast

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Data and sources

Read the access and hazard notes and check the linked guides. We do not issue a daily score for this trip.

What to know before you go

These notes cover the access details, route quirks, and source caveats most likely to matter once you get there.

  • Named reach and accessBeasley Flat RAP to Childs River Access; 17 planning miles

    USFS/FWS materials identify Beasley Flat and Childs as public boat launch/take-out sites; the Verde access map places Childs at approximately river mile 17.2.

    Source

  • Flow guidanceRiverBrain: 150 cfs minimum, about 800 average, 2,000 maximum

    These community values describe the named Beasley Flat–Childs run only; 150 cfs is described as extreme-low-flow boating. A longer trip that starts above Beasley Flat includes other reaches and should not inherit this flow guidance.

    Source

  • Direct gaugeUSGS 09506000

    Verde River near Camp Verde telemetry used for the named Beasley Flat–Childs run; recheck current discharge and trend.

    Source

  • Difficulty and remotenessClass III–IV+ Wild and Scenic reach

    The reach is remote with named rapids, limited exits and rough road access to Childs; expert skills and a conservative shuttle plan are required.

    Source

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Verde River paddling FAQ

What water level is best for the Beasley Flat RAP to Childs River Access route on the Verde River?

This planning route has no live Paddle Today score. Review the linked water-level sources, current access notices and route-specific hazards before travel.

Where does the Beasley Flat RAP to Childs River Access route on the Verde River start and end?

This route starts at Beasley Flat RAP and ends at Childs River Access / Childs Campground, about 17 river miles on the water.

Is the Beasley Flat RAP to Childs River Access route on the Verde River suitable for beginners?

This is listed as a hard route. Review the difficulty notes, hazards and current access conditions against your group's skills. No live score assesses this trip.

See something outdated?

Access, hazards, wood, and shuttle details change. Send a quick correction if something looks off.