About this Experience
What you'll do:
You'll paddle 3.5 miles down the Verde River through open Arizona canyon, with red-rock walls rising on both sides, clear water underneath you, and nothing on the agenda but moving at your own pace through one of the most scenic stretches of river in the state.
The float: You cover 3.5 miles of calm Class I-II water, making this a genuine Verde River kayak tour that works for first-timers and experienced paddlers alike.
Your options: Choose a Guided Tour with a certified local guide, go Rent and Ride at your own pace, or upgrade to Paddles to Pints for craft beer at Smelter Town Brewing after your float.
What's included: Every booking comes with a kayak, paddle, life jacket, dry bag, bottled water, and shuttle service back to the start.
The scenery: Canyon walls, cottonwood groves, and open sky frame the whole float, giving your group the kind of photos that are genuinely hard to get anywhere else near Sedona.
The pace: With calm water and no technical skills required, the focus stays on the scenery, the conversation, and being on the river, not on keeping up.
This is one of the few outdoor activities near Sedona that puts you on the water rather than on a bus or a trail. The entire trip runs about 2.5 hours from launch to shuttle drop-off.
Why you'll love it for your group:
Not another tour bus: This is a Verde River float trip, which means you're moving through the canyon under your own power, not watching it from a window.
Built-in brewery stop: The Paddles to Pints upgrade adds two craft pints or a tasting flight at Smelter Town Brewing, turning a river float into a full afternoon.
Actually beginner-friendly: Class I-II water means calm, readable current with no surprises, so no one in your group gets in over their head.
Group photos that hold up: Red rock canyon framing a river with clear water is a setting most group shots don't get anywhere near, and everyone's in it together.
Pair it into a full day: The float pairs easily with a Wild West evening at Blazin' M Ranch nearby, giving your group a complete day without doubling back across town.
About this experience partner:
Clarkdale Kayak Co. runs guided and self-guided Verde River kayak tours from their launch point at the Dream West Caboose on Main Street in Clarkdale, Arizona, about 20 minutes from Sedona. Part of the Dream West Adventures family, the team has logged years on this specific stretch of river and handles all logistics including shuttle service, quality gear, and certified guides. They specialize in making the Verde River accessible to groups with no prior paddling experience.
Additional information:
Tour options and pricing: Guided Tour at $98/person, Rent and Ride at $74.50/person, and Paddles to Pints at $117/person (21+ only, includes two craft pints or a tasting flight at Smelter Town Brewing). All 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 before launching.
All trips depart from The Dream West Caboose, 900 Main St, Clarkdale, AZ. Shuttle service returns you to the start point.
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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!
