Several accesses are available. Consult the sources listed below for advice. Rather than tackle the rough, unpaved Forest Service road to Sheep Bridge, many boaters prefer to paddle the remaining eight miles or so to the Ocotillo Boat Ramp on Horseshoe Reservoir. The first nine miles are slow and flat, ideal for less-experienced paddlers. The Verde can rise dramatically after heavy rains, becoming a muddy, silt-laden torrent.
Flash floods can occur throughout the year but are more common during the summer monsoon season.
Other hazards include rattlesnakes, scorpions, and sun that can be dangerously hot between May and September. Long pants and long-sleeved shirts are recommended for sun protection. A tent or bug bivy may be necessary. Most of the river from Beasley Flat to Horseshoe Reservoir passes through Forest Service land. Wilderness Area, Arizona s fourth-largest wilderness.