About this Experience
What you'll do:
Spend a couple of hours paddling the Verde River through 3.5 miles of stunning Arizona canyon, crystal-clear water, red-rock views, and fresh desert air, just 20 minutes from Sedona. The water is calm and beginner-friendly (Class I–II), so no experience is needed.
Choose a guided tour with a certified local guide, go for rent & ride at your own pace, or upgrade to Paddles to Pints and finish your river day with craft beer at Smelter Town Brewing. Everything's included: kayak, paddle, life jacket, dry bag, bottled water, and shuttle service. Just show up ready to get on the water and have fun!
Why we love it for your party:
Not another wine tour, a river float that still ends with drinks, minus the bus
Cooler than the desert: you're on the water while everyone else is melting in town
Beginner-friendly (Class I–II water) nobody gets left on shore
Red rocks, canyon, and river make for unreal group photos
Everything provided (kayak, paddle, life jacket, dry bag, water, shuttle) - just show up
Easy to pair with a Wild West night at Blazin' M Ranch nearby for a full day-to-night
About this experience partner:
Clarkdale Kayak Co. runs guided and rent & ride trips on the Verde River from Clarkdale, Arizona, minutes from Cottonwood and about 20 minutes from Sedona. Part of the Dream West Adventures family, the team knows this stretch of river inside and out, with shuttle service, quality gear, and friendly guides who make it easy for first-timers and fun for everyone.
Additional information:
Tours: Guided Tour ($98), Rent & Ride ($74.50), and Paddles to Pints ($117, 21+ includes 2 craft pints or a flight at Smelter Town Brewing). Prices per person, plus tax.
All trips include kayak, paddle, life jacket, dry bag, bottled water, and shuttle service.
All participants must sign a waiver.
All trips depart from Clarkdale (The Dream West Caboose, 900 Main St) - shuttle service included.
Approximately 2.5 hours total.
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LocationSedona, AZ
900 Main St, Clarkdale, AZ 86324, USASedona, AZ
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Frequently Asked Questions
What's the kayak weight limit?
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.
Can I bring kids on the Verde River kayak tour?
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).
How long is the Verde River kayak tour?
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.
Do I need kayaking experience?
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. Rent & Ride is recommended for paddlers with prior kayaking experience.
What should I wear kayaking?
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!
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Where do trips depart from?
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.
What's your cancellation policy?
We get it — plans change. Here's how cancellations work: 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.
What if the weather is bad?
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.
Is the Verde River safe? Are there any rapids?
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!
