Adventure Intel
Verde River Kayak Tour FAQs
Everything you need to know before you tread through the Verde River
The Experience
You’ll spend approximately 2 hours on the water, covering 3.5 miles of scenic Verde River. Total trip time including the shuttle from The Dream West Caboose is about 2.5 hours.
Our meeting point is The Dream West Caboose, located at 900 Main St, Clarkdale, AZ. We provide shuttle service to and from the river, so you won’t need to worry about car logistics. Please arrive 45 minutes before your launch time.
Yes — the Verde is one of Arizona’s most beginner-friendly waterways. Our 3.5-mile stretch is mostly calm, scenic pools with a few small, exhilarating chutes and riffles — no real whitewater or technical rapids. Every paddler wears a Coast Guard-approved life vest, and our guides know the river inside and out. Great for families and first-timers!
Rules & Requirements
Our inflatable kayaks comfortably accommodate paddlers up to 300 lbs, with single and tandem options to suit all body types. If you have any questions about fit or comfort, give us a call at 800-478-4711 and we’ll make sure you’re set up for a great day on the water.
Absolutely! Children ages 5–12 are welcome on our Guided Tour and ride in a tandem kayak with a parent or guardian when needed. Children’s pricing is $74.50 + tax. Teens 13+ pay adult pricing ($98 + tax).
Not at all! Our sit-on-top inflatable kayaks are stable and easy to paddle, and your certified guide will give you all the instruction you need before hitting the Verde River. We welcome first-timers, families, and experienced paddlers alike on our Guided Tour. The Self-Guided tour is recommended for paddlers with prior kayaking experience.
Wear shoes or sandals that can get wet — closed-toe shoes, river shoes, or strap sandals work best (flip flops tend to float away). Pair with quick-drying clothing, a sun hat, sunscreen, and a change of clothes for after the trip. You may get wet but it’s part of the fun!
48+ hours before your trip: Full refund.
24–48 hours before: Rebook for any future date with a $10/person fee (no cash refund).
Less than 24 hours / no-shows: Non-refundable and non-rebookable — our guides and crew are already prepping for your trip.
Weather cancellations by Clarkdale Kayak Co. are eligible for a full refund or free rebook.
Light rain doesn’t stop the fun — you’re already getting wet on the water! However, we do cancel for lightning, high winds, or unsafe river conditions. If we cancel, you’ll get a full refund or free rebook. If you cancel because of the forecast, our standard cancellation policy applies.
Still have questions?
Our adventure coordinators are here to help you plan the perfect Verde River experience. No question is too small.
Contact UsOperating Hours
Daily: 9:00 AM – 3:00PM
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Join us on the Verde River and experience the beauty of Arizona from the water. Paddle, explore, and make memories worth sharing.
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