This stretch of the Verde is not a river for beginners. Experienced canoeists have had their boats crunched in half at the Falls. Rated a 3-plus on a scale of 1 to 5, even experienced kayakers walk their boats around the Falls. At Punk Rock, a Class 3 rapid, the river yanks boaters over dips and turns, shoving them toward a giant boulder in the middle of the current. Scouting a line to follow, even through calmer rapids, can be challenging when the river's low.
Rocks hiding just below the surface can bounce a boat around like a pinball.
In the shadows of the canyon walls, taking an unexpected swim can make for a chilly experience. But the gentle stretches of the river provide solitude. Without the hum of a boat motor or even the sound of footsteps, floating down the Verde is a silent tour past steep cliffs, swooping great blue herons and sandy river beaches. All rights reserved.