Go Deep with the Verde River Institute

Experience, Explore and Learn on an Up Close and Personal Kayak Trip

Our “Go Deep” trip was created especially for adventurers who want to understand the Verde River’s plants, animals, birds, history, and culture while they appreciate how this desert oasis gives us the richest, most diverse habitat in the southwest. Join the Verde River Institute’s Executive Director, Doug Von Gausig, a lifelong student of the River and what makes it tick. Doug’s a world-class birder and biologist who will point out many of the 240 species of birds that make this river home, and share their lives with you in an engaging and passionate way. His understanding of the ecology of the Verde and how it relates to its geology, hydrology, history, and cultural importance is second to none. But the best thing about Doug is his infectious passion for teaching! If you love to learn and want to find ways you can become even more engaged in river conservation, this is your trip!

Your tax-deductible contribution to the Verde River Institute will help the Institute in its quest to keep the Verde River healthy and its biodiversity strong.

You’ll learn about:

• The beaver’s “dental clinic” and how this fascinating animal engineer creates his own environment.
• Why this river supports hundreds of species of birds, mammals (like our river otters), butterflies, dragonflies, trees and plants to form the richest habitat in the desert southwest.
  
• Why native trees and plants are so important to the natural function of a river.
  
• How the river affects and is affected by Arizona and Federal water law.
  
• Why the right bank and the left bank can be completely different ecosystems, and what affects their diversity.
  
• How floods create a richer, more diverse habitat.
  
• What dragonflies and damselflies tell us about the health of the riparian environment.
  
• What threats and opportunities will affect the future of this river.
  
• What happened in 1916 that changed this river’s shape and form forever.
  
• How a desert river repairs itself after major floods and deep drought.
  
• How you can help save a river and make sure it’s here for your kids and grandkids to enjoy.
  
• What Yellow-billed Cuckoos, Common Black Hawks, Bald Eagles, Summer Tanagers, Belted Kingfishers, Verdins, River Otters, Flame Skimmers and Arroyo Dancers love about the river.
  
• And much, much more!

You’ll see:

• Ancient cliff dwellings used by the prehistoric Sinagua people
  
• The “history cliff” where you’ll learn how the river has changed over the years
  
• Fascinating plants, like Yerba Mansa, Stream Orchids, Velvet Mesquite, Arizona Alder, and the reed that wasn’t a reed!
  
• Incredibly lush and pristine riparian beauty

Important Trip Information

Tour Time:
This trip launches at 8:30 am on alternating Fridays and Saturdays during our season. Please arrive at our launch point at 8:00 am to give yourself time to use the facilities, change and get checked in. Total time on the water is roughly 3.5 hours. There is a short shuttle to and from base to the river, as well as an instructional briefing once we reach the river access park. Time on the varies slightly depending upon the number of participants on the trip. You can expect to be back to our launch point around 12:30-1:00 pm. You can enjoy a beer and a snack at Smelter Town Brewery nearby. Enjoy a stroll through the historic charm of Clarkdale’s Main Street, with its wine tasting, Copper Art Museum, and beautiful Town Park.

Location:
The tour departs from our launch point, located at the Tuzigoot River Access Point. Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your scheduled trip time. Changing rooms and restrooms are available.

Price:
$98 per Adult plus a suggested tax-deductible donation of $40 to the Verde River Institute

$74.50 per Child (4 – 12 years of age) plus a suggested tax-deductible donation of $40 to the Verde River Institute.

What to bring:

• A desire to immerse yourself in the beauty and wonder of the Verde River’s biological, archeological, and geological diversity, and a sense of adventure and learning.
  
• Appropriate clothing. This is a river trip and you will likely get splashed. Quick drying fabrics are preferable.
  
• Appropriate footwear. Tennis shoes or Teva type sandals are suitable. Your feet will get wet getting in and out of the river.
  
• Sunscreen
  
• Sun hat
  
• Sunglasses
  
• Waterproof binoculars and camera, if you love birds and dragonflies!
  
• Change of clothes for after the kayak trip

What we provide:

• Transportation to and from the Verde River.
  
• An ACA certified Kayak Guide
  
• New Top of the line Kayak(s)
  
• Dry Bags
  
• Coast Guard approved, Type 3 Personal Floatation Device (PFD).
  
• Bottled Water

Trip Itinerary:

• River time is about 3.5 hours. Total trip time 3.5 - 4 hours
  
• 8:00 am: Arrive at our launch point at 8:00 am. Use changing and restroom facilities, get checked-in.
  
• 8:20 am: Shuttle departs for the river. Expect to be briefed by your knowledgeable guide on the short 10 minute drive down to the river access park
  
• Arrive at the Verde River. Safety talk and kayak instruction
  
• Launch boats around 9:00 am at Cuckoo Island
  
• Cliff Ruin Chute
  
• Streamside Biology (why the two banks can be so different)
  
• Red Root Rapid (what’s in those red roots?)
  
• Impact of Mining on the Verde River (what’s that big black mountain of glass?)
  
• Smelter Pond (a great place to relax and have fun!)
  
• Paddle past Beaver Alley (a visit to their dental clinic)
  
• Brewer’s Tunnel Portage and snacks with a short Q&A opportunity.
  
• Bitter Creek Run (just the right amount of fun and a lesson on flash floods)
  
• Willow Rapid (that’s Doug standing at the bottom of the “rapid” making sure you stay safe and have fun)
  
• Boulder Chute
  
• Tuzigoot Bridge
  
• 12:00 pm so: Take out at Tuzigoot River Access Point (“TuziRAP”)