Camp Creek to Verde River

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4.3/5 (22 reviews)
Carefree, Arizona (Maricopa County)
Last Updated: 06/25/2021

Trail Information

Highlights

Close to Phoenix and fun! This offroad trail follows the Camp Creek Wash to the Needle Rock Recreation Area on the Verde River. As you progress down the sandy trail, the wash narrows, and cliffs rise above you into a narrow canyon. There are many opportunities to stop and explore by foot or rest for lunch under the towering cliffs. When you reach the end of the trail, you will enter the Needle Rock Recreation Area, a popular swimming hole in the summer. There are plenty of opportunities for fishing, kayaking, or just enjoying the beautiful riparian scenery.

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Trail Navigation

Trail Reviews

4.3/5 (22)
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 04/14/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Fun ride on a mostly sandy trail. Cool ride through the canyon. Looking forward to running it at night.
Trail Review: Camp Creek to Verde River - Steve Ruden
Trail Review: Camp Creek to Verde River - Steve Ruden
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1000
Open
Visited: 02/10/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Easier

This is a very fun and family friendly trail. It’s easy, not technical and not dangerous. We run it in SxS’s so it’s easier than rated here. The soft sand is a little more difficult for SUVs which could get stuck. It’s nice to run down to Needle Rock at the Verde River for a picnic lunch. You are supposed to have a Tonto Pass if parked at Needle Rock park. We always return back on the southern ridge via 2117-2121-2123 and an unnamed trail down and to the right near the end of 2123 that cuts back over to Camp Creek. There is a steep hill climb up to 2117 if you return this way that might be concerning for SUVs but is no trouble for SxS’s. The view from the ridge back into Camp Creek and distant vistas is beautiful. It’s about 3 hours round trip if you take your time.
Open
Rated 4/5
Visited: 12/26/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Easier

Stock 2020 Tacoma TRD off-road 2WD. Nice easy trail. Not technical but fun. Ran the trail north to south. Recommend you air-down.
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1200
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 12/26/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Easier

Easy and fun!! Recommend you air-down.
Open
Rated 4/5
Visited: 09/29/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Nice easy trail. Not technical but fun. Ran the trail north to south which ends up at the Verde river for a nice relaxing spot.
Trail Review: Camp Creek to Verde River - Thomas A Youngerman

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