Clarkdale, Arizona · 25 Min from Sedona

Paddle the
Verde River

Guided kayak tours through 3.5 miles of stunning Arizona canyon — the adventure you've been looking for.

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3.5
Miles of River
2.5hr
Total Experience
$98
Per Person + Tax
1,500
Trips Per Season
Kayaking the Verde River in Clarkdale Arizona from above
★ 5
TripAdvisor
The Adventure

Arizona's Most
Scenic Paddle

Paddle the scenic Verde River on a guided kayak adventure just outside Sedona in historic Clarkdale, Arizona. Cruise through calm desert waterways in comfortable inflatable kayaks designed for beginners, families, and experienced paddlers alike. Whether you're escaping the Phoenix heat, planning a weekend adventure, or exploring Arizona's hidden gems, this is one of the Verde Valley's most memorable outdoor experiences.

  • Certified guides with local knowledge of Verde River history
  • Stable sit-on-top inflatable kayaks for all experience levels
  • Family-friendly — kids 5–12 welcome in single or tandem kayaks with an adult
  • Departs from The Dream West Caboose, Clarkdale, AZ
  • Featured on Fox10 Phoenix for amazing destinations
Reserve Your Spot
Tours & Pricing

Choose Your Adventure

Every trip includes a certified guide, kayak, paddle, Coast Guard-approved PFD, drybag, bottled water, and shuttle to the river.

Rent & Ride

Experienced on the water? Skip the guide and go at your own pace. We handle the gear and the shuttle — you handle the river.

$74.50 + tax / person
Rent Now

18+ only

⭐ Most Popular
21+

Paddles to Pints

The full experience — guided kayak tour followed by 2 craft pints or a flight at Smelter Town Brewing in historic Clarkdale. The perfect way to cap off an adventure on the river.

$117 + tax / person
Book This Tour

Must be 21+ · Includes 2 pints or a flight

🎁 Looking for a great gift? Give the experience of the Verde River.

Purchase a Gift Card
Important arrival note: Please arrive 45 minutes before your departure time. For example, arrive at 10:15 AM for an 11:00 AM launch. We cannot return to pick up late arrivals once the trip has departed, as we have fixed launch windows at the river. We'll do our best to reschedule if needed.
Small groups: Small bookings may be combined with other groups for a shared guided experience.
What You Get

Everything You Need
We've Got Covered

We Provide

  • Certified river guide
  • Premium inflatable kayak & paddle
  • Paddle
  • Coast Guard-approved PFD (life jacket)
  • Dry bag for your belongings
  • Bottled water
  • Shuttle to & from the river
  • Squirt gun (trust us, you'll want it)

What to Bring

  • Sunscreen (waterproof recommended)
  • Athletic shoes or river shoes (no flip flops)
  • Sun hat or cap
  • Quick-drying clothing (you may get wet!)
  • Change of clothes for after the trip
  • Snacks or a light lunch if desired
  • Sense of adventure ✌️
What People Are Saying

Loved by Adventurers

★★★★★

"One of the most beautiful experiences I've had in Arizona. The guides were knowledgeable, the kayaks were in great shape, and the Verde River is absolutely stunning. Will definitely be back!"

Sarah M.
TripAdvisor
★★★★★

"Did the Paddles-to-Pints tour and it was perfect. Great time on the river, amazing scenery, and then cold beers at Smelter Town. Couldn't have asked for a better afternoon."

Mike & Jenna L.
Google Reviews
★★★★★

"Brought the whole family including kids aged 7 and 10. The guides were so patient and made sure everyone had a great time. The kids are already asking to go back. Highly recommend!"

The Rodriguez Family
TripAdvisor
See All Reviews on TripAdvisor
Got Questions?

Frequently
Asked

Can't find your answer? Give us a call at 800-478-4711

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).

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!

Getting Here

Find Us on the Verde

Departure Point

Dream West Caboose
900 Main St
Clarkdale, AZ 86324

📍 Get Directions

Hours & Scheduling

Seasonal hours — Visit website for availability
Multiple departure times daily

Phone

800-478-4711

Mailing Address

900 Main St
Clarkdale, AZ 86324

Ready to Hit
the Water?

Spots fill up fast — especially on weekends and holidays. Book your Verde River kayak adventure today.

Keep the Adventure Going

Kayak to Cowboy

Your Verde River adventure doesn't have to end at the water. Just minutes away, the Blazin' M Ranch invites you to trade your paddle for a pair of spurs. Enjoy a classic Western chuck wagon dinner, live entertainment, axe throwing, a petting zoo, and more — the perfect way to cap off a day on the river.

Whether you're traveling with family, a group of friends, or planning a full Arizona day trip, pairing a kayak tour with an evening at Blazin' M Ranch is an experience you won't forget.

Explore Blazin' M Ranch →
Blazin M Ranch Western Experience
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River Guide Clark
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