You could rush through a Verde voyage, but a lazy schedule allows ample time for playing in the rapids and swimming in the clear, warm water of late spring. Later, the Pueblo fashioned cliff houses to safeguard themselves against roving enemies. When Coronado came in 1540 to the area, fierce Apaches dominated the region. One of the rewards of desert camping is the bedazzling night sky. After the sun goes down the temperature drops, and the barren rock and sand erupt with life.
Coyotes let loose with spine-tingling choruses of yelps and howls.
Great horned owls hoot from canyon crevices. And all the music of the night is played in concert with the sound of moving water. It s not often that you can traverse a desert expanse in an open canoe enjoying the odd combinations of whitewater and cacti, surfing holes and parched arroyos, otters and buzzards. I highly recommend it. The section of most interest to boaters lies east of I-17, some 50 to 80 miles north of Phoenix and an equal distance south of Flagstaff.