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River runs

Arizona river runs

Live streamflow, whitewater class, and length for every paddleable section in Arizona with a named USGS gauge. Built for kayakers, rafters, and canoeists.

Runs in Arizona
152
Runnable now
-
Class mix
-
Updated
Oct 9
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Arizona paddle map

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Paddle briefing · Oct 9, 2026

Arizona river runs today

What’s in range, the best bets by class and what’s running high — from live USGS gauges.

43 of 152 Arizona runs are in their runnable range right now, 81 are too low and 5 are running high. 23 more have no live reading.

Best bets in range today — Class V: Western Boundary Of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area… (6,150 cfs) and Headwaters To Confluence With Bright Angel Creek (804 cfs); Class IV: Boundary Of The Primary Jurisdiction Below Stewart Mounta… (676 cfs) and Red Creek To Southern Border Of Mazatzal Wilderness (209 cfs); Class III: Eastern Edge Of Kwagunt Valley (Past The Butte Fault) To… (804 cfs) and Begins Just Downstream From South Canyon Creek Confluence… (804 cfs).

Running high: Crossing Of Forest Road 96 To Coconino National Forest Bo… at 5 cfs (range tops out near 0) and Below The Dam At Knoll Lake To Confluence With East Clear… at 5 cfs (range tops out near 0). Scout before you commit.
Arizona is a whitewater enthusiast's dream, with a variety of rivers offering thrilling adventures for all skill levels. One of the most popular destinations is the Salt River, known for its challenging rapids and stunning desert scenery. The Upper Salt River, with class III-IV rapids, is a favorite among experienced paddlers, while the Lower Salt River offers a more mellow experience suitable for beginners. Recommended streamflow levels for the Salt River are around 1,000-2,000 cfs for optimal conditions.

Another must-visit spot is the Verde River, known for its diverse wildlife and lush riparian corridors. The Verde offers a range of experiences, from gentle float trips to more challenging class III rapids. The best time to paddle the Verde is during the spring months when water levels are higher. Safety tips for Arizona whitewater adventures include always wearing a helmet and life jacket, checking water levels before heading out, and being aware of potential hazards such as strainers and undercut rocks. With its beautiful scenery and thrilling rapids, Arizona is a top destination for whitewater and kayaking enthusiasts looking for an unforgettable adventure.

Arizona paddle report

152 runs
River run Streamflow Status Runnable range Class
The Border Of Np Land And Navajo & Hopi Tribal Lands. To Confluence With The Colorado River 804 cfs Runnable 67–888 cfstypical III-IV
Park Boundary To Confluence With The Colorado River 7 cfs Runnable 6–93 cfstypical III-IV
Begins Just Over 1 Mile Beyond Where The Nankoweap Trails Leaves The Creek And Heads Off To The North. To Confluence With The Colorado River 804 cfs Runnable 112–1,577 cfstypical ·
Eastern Edge Of Kwagunt Valley (Past The Butte Fault) To Confluence With The Colorado River 804 cfs Runnable 112–1,577 cfstypical III
Begins 2.3 Miles Upstream From Confluence With Colorado River To Confluence With The Colorado River 6,170 cfs Too low 8,454–13,077 cfstypical III-IV
Begins 1 Mile Below The Redwall In Both Of The Main Arms To Confluence With The Colorado River 6,170 cfs Too low 8,454–13,077 cfstypical III-IV
Hermit Spring (Dripping Spring) To Confluence With The Colorado River 6,170 cfs Too low 8,454–13,077 cfstypical III-IV
Begins 1.5 Miles Upstream From Confluence With Topaz Canyon Creek To Confluence With The Colorado River 6,170 cfs Too low 8,454–13,077 cfstypical IV-III
Begins 0.5 Miles Upstream From The Confluence With The Colorado River To Confluence With The Colorado River 1 cfs Runnable 0–6 cfstypical III
Eastern Boundary Of Park (Original Park Boundary) To Western Boundary Of Park (Original Park Boundary) 4 cfs Too low 14–536 cfstypical III-IV
The Base Of The Redwall To Confluence With The Colorado River · No reading 59–74 cfstypical II-IV
Headwaters To Confluence With The Colorado River 5 cfs Runnable 3–69 cfstypical III-IV
The Redwall To Confluence With The Colorado River 6,170 cfs Too low 8,454–13,077 cfstypical III-V
Begins 1 Mile Upstream From Confluence With Dragon Creek To Confluence With The Colorado River 804 cfs Runnable 112–1,577 cfstypical III-IV
Cheyava Falls To Confluence With The Colorado River 804 cfs Runnable 112–1,577 cfstypical III-IV
Lee's Ferry To Confluence With Nankoweap Creek 804 cfs Runnable 112–1,577 cfstypical III-IV
Western Boundary Of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area To Confluence With Willow Creek 6,150 cfs Runnable 2,000–48,000 cfs III-V
Tapeats Spring To Confluence With The Colorado River 5 cfs Runnable 3–69 cfstypical III-IV
Thunder Spring To Confluence With Tapeats Creek 5 cfs Runnable 3–69 cfstypical III-IV
Deer Spring To Confluence With The Colorado River 5 cfs Runnable 3–69 cfstypical III-IV
Confluence With Kanab Creek To Spencer Canyon 5 cfs Runnable 3–69 cfstypical ·
Begins 1.5 Miles Upstream From Confluence With The Colorado River To Confluence With The Colorado River 5 cfs Runnable 3–69 cfstypical ·
Greenland Spring (Elev. 8000') To Confluence With The Colorado River 804 cfs Runnable 112–1,577 cfstypical III-IV
Headwaters To Confluence With Bright Angel Creek 804 cfs Runnable 112–1,577 cfstypical III-V
Headwaters At South Canyon Spring To Confluence With The Colorado River 804 cfs Runnable 112–1,577 cfstypical III-V
Begins Just Downstream From South Canyon Creek Confluence To Ends 0.25 Miles Downstream From Beginning 804 cfs Runnable 112–1,577 cfstypical III
Begins 2 Miles Upstream From Confluence With The Colorado River To Confluence With The Colorado River 66 cfs Runnable 14–217 cfstypical III-IV
Southern Boundary Of Grand Canyon National Park To Confluence With The Colorado River 66 cfs Runnable 14–217 cfstypical III-V
The Base Of The Redwall To Confluence With Bright Angel Creek 804 cfs Runnable 112–1,577 cfstypical III-IV
Confluence With White Creek To Confluence With The Colorado River · No reading 59–74 cfstypical III-IV
Confluence With Nankoweap Creek To Red Canyon And The Beginning Of Upper Granite Gorge 804 cfs Runnable 112–1,577 cfstypical III-IV
First Major North Arm Of Lava Creek At The Base Of Chiavria Point To Confluence With The Colorado River 804 cfs Runnable 112–1,577 cfstypical III
Red Canyon To Confluence With Kanab Creek 6,170 cfs Too low 8,454–13,077 cfstypical II-III
Headwaters Of The Northern Most Upper Drainage To Confluence With The Colorado River 5 cfs Runnable 3–69 cfstypical III-IV
Begins 0.5 Miles Upstream From The Confluence With The Colorado River C To Confluence With The Colorado River · No reading 59–74 cfstypical III-IV
The Headwaters Of The West Arm To Confluence With The Colorado River 6,170 cfs Too low 8,454–13,077 cfstypical III-IV
Southern Border Of The Kaibab Paiute Indian Reservation To Confluence With The Colorado River 5 cfs Runnable 3–69 cfstypical III-IV
1/4 Mile South Of Forest Road 736 To Coronado National Forest Boundary 0 cfs Too low 0–0 cfstypical ·
Canyon Creek Springs To Fort Apache Indian Reservation Boundary 3 cfs Too low 200–10,000 cfs III-III
Crossing Of Forest Road 96 To Coconino National Forest Boundary 5 cfs Too high 0–0 cfstypical III-IV
Kaibab Nf/Blm Boundary Line To Kaibab Nf/Grand Canyon Np Boundary Line 5 cfs Runnable 3–69 cfstypical ·
Kp Trailhead To Private Land Boundary In Scetion 11, T2n,R30e,Gila And Salt River Meridian 49 cfs Too low 200–2,000 cfs III-III
Below The Dam At Knoll Lake To Confluence With East Clear Creek 5 cfs Too high 0–0 cfstypical III-IV
Headwaters To Confluence With Blue River · No reading 150–10,000 cfs II-III
Forest Road 329 To Billy Lawrence Creek 4 cfs Too low 5–86 cfstypical III-IV
Billy Lawrence Creek To North Property Boundary Of Ellison Ranch 4 cfs Too low 5–86 cfstypical II-III
Headwaters To Coronado National Forest Boundary 0 cfs Too low 0–0 cfstypical III
Confluence With Turkey Creek To Forest Road 60 Just Above Tin Hat Ranch 0 cfs Runnable 0–1 cfstypical II-IV
Headwaters In Sec 14, T13n, R9e To Clear Creek Wilderness Boundary 5 cfs Too high 0–0 cfstypical III-IV
0.1 Miles Above Fish Barrier To Confluence With Black River 30 cfs Runnable 7–85 cfstypical III-IV
Headwaters In Mount Baldy Wilderness To Wilderness Boundary · No reading 2–20 cfstypical IV-III
West Fork Little Colorado River · No reading 2–20 cfstypical II-III
Clear Creek Wilderness Boundary To Dispersed Camping Area At Clear Creek Campground 16 cfs Too low 34–911 cfstypical III-V
0.1 Miles Below Lower Fish Barrier To 1/2 Mile Above West Fork Dispersed Campground · No reading 200–2,000 cfs ·
Forest Boundary To 0.15 Miles Below Forest Road 116 · No reading 200–2,000 cfs III
Headwaters In Sec 14, T19n, R5e To Confluence With Oak Creek 35 cfs Too low 200–800 cfs III-IV
Confluence Of East/West Forks To 1/4 Mile Above Wildcat Crssing Bridge 30 cfs Too low 200–2,000 cfs ·
1/4 Mile Above Wildcat Crossing Bridge To 1/4 Mile Below Wildcat Crossing Bridge 30 cfs Too low 200–2,000 cfs ·
Headwaters Within Wilderness To Wilderness Boundary 0 cfs Too low 0–1 cfstypical III-IV
Wilderness Boundary To Coronado National Forest Boundary 1 cfs Too low 2–37 cfstypical III/IV
Marshall Gulch Recreation Area To Wilderness Boundary 1 cfs Too low 2–37 cfstypical II-IV
1/4 Mile Downstream Of Wildcat Crossing Bridge To Nf Boundary 49 cfs Too low 200–2,000 cfs ·
1/2 Mile Below Forest Road 475 To 0.76 Miles Above Confluence With San Francisco River · No reading 150–10,000 cfs ·
Confluence With Bear Creek To 1/4 Mile Above Blue Creek Trailhead · No reading 150–10,000 cfs ·
1/4 Mile Above Blue Creek Trailhead To 1/2 Mile Below Forest Road 475 · No reading 150–10,000 cfs ·
Arnett Creek Forest Road #4 To Middle Of Sec 7,T2s, R12e 2 cfs Runnable 1–22 cfstypical III
Sterling Springs Fish Hatchery To Private Land In Sec 5, T17n,R6e 35 cfs Too low 200–800 cfs III-V
Rock Springs To Confluence With Cottonwood Wash 0 cfs Runnable 0–1 cfstypical III-IV
Headwaters To 1/4 Mile Below Forest Road 587 49 cfs Too low 200–2,000 cfs ·
Below Flow Structure In Sec 16, T12n,R11e To Confluence With Clear Creek 5 cfs Too high 0–0 cfstypical III
Headwaters To Confluence With Turkey Creek · No reading 150–10,000 cfs III-IV
Confluence With Turkey Creek To Confluence With Blue River · No reading 150–10,000 cfs III-V
Boundary Of The Primary Jurisdiction Below Stewart Mountain Dam To Salt River Indian Reservation Boundary 676 cfs Runnable 400–2,500 cfs III-IV
Salt River Indian Reservation Boundary To Immediately Above Granite Reef Dam Impoundment 105 cfs Too low 400–2,500 cfs III-IV
Headwaters To 1/4 Mile South Of Forest Road 736 1 cfs Too low 2–37 cfstypical ·
Pinto Creek 1 cfs Too low 2–51 cfstypical III-IV
1/4 Mile Below Forest Road 587 To Sawmill Cabin 49 cfs Too low 200–2,000 cfs ·
Sawmill Cabin To Confluence With Eagle River 49 cfs Too low 200–2,000 cfs III-IV
Confluence Of The North And South Forks Bear Wallow Creek To 0.1 Mile Above Fish Barrier 49 cfs Too low 200–2,000 cfs II-III
0.1 Mile Above Fish Barrier To Forest Boundary 49 cfs Too low 200–2,000 cfs III-IV
Confluence With Boneyard Creek To Confluence With Coyote Creek · No reading 200–2,000 cfs IV-V
Confluence With Coyote Creek To 1/4 Mile Above Diamond Rock Campground · No reading 200–2,000 cfs ·
Headwaters In Mount Baldy Wilderness To 0.1 Miles Above Upper Fish Barrier · No reading 2–20 cfstypical III-V
Approximately 9 Miles Below The Headwaters At The West Boundary Of East Verde Park Estates To West Boundary Of L.F. Ranch 5 cfs Too low 200–20,000 cfs III
West Boundary Of L.F. Ranch To Verde Wild And Scenic River 12 cfs Too low 200–20,000 cfs II-IV
Forest Road 24 To 0.1 Miles Above Fish Barrier 49 cfs Too low 200–2,000 cfs III-IV
State Highway 261 To 1/2 Mile Above Crosby Crossing · No reading 200–2,000 cfs ·
1/2 Mile Below Crosby Crossing To Confluence With Boneyard Creek · No reading 200–2,000 cfs ·
1/2 Mile Above Crosby Crossing To 1/2 Mile Below Crosby Crossing · No reading 200–2,000 cfs ·
Wet Beaver Creek Wilderness Boundary To Private Land In Sec 32, T15n, R6e 8 cfs Too low 100–5,000 cfs III
1/4 Mile Below Wiggins Crossing To Confluence With Clear Creek 5 cfs Too high 0–0 cfstypical ·
Red Creek To Southern Border Of Mazatzal Wilderness 209 cfs Runnable 200–20,000 cfs III-IV+
Southern Border Of Mazatzal Wilderness To Sheep Creek Bridge 209 cfs Too low 616–17,602 cfstypical ·
Forest Road 486 To Hellsgate Wilderness Boundary 8 cfs Too low 100–1,000 cfs III-IV
Confluence With Cocomunga Creek To Confluence With Gun Creek 8 cfs Too low 100–1,000 cfs III-IV
Headwaters To Western Private Land Boundary In Section 4, T02s, R30e, Gila And Salt Meridian · No reading 150–10,000 cfs III-V
Eastern Private Land Boundary In Section 4, T02s, R30e, Gila And Salt Meridian To Confluence With Pigeon Creek · No reading 150–10,000 cfs ·
Xx To Confluence With East Eagle Creek 49 cfs Too low 200–2,000 cfs III-IV
Hellsgate Wilderness Boundary To Confluence With Tonto Creek 8 cfs Too low 100–1,000 cfs III-V
1 Mile Below Az Highway 78 To 1/4 Mile Above The Powerlines 44 cfs Runnable 9–106 cfstypical ·
Headwaters To Confluence With West Fork Black River · No reading 2–20 cfstypical III-IV
1/4 Mile Below Forest Road 504 Crossing To Forest Boundary In Section 1, T14n, R15e, Gila And Salt River Meridian 3 cfs Too low 200–10,000 cfs ·
One Mile Below Woods Canyon Lake Dam (Woods Canyon) To Confluence With Chevelon Canyon 5 cfs Too low 200–10,000 cfs III-IV
Confluence Of Woods Canyon And Chevelon Creek To South End Of Chevelon Lake 3 cfs Too low 200–10,000 cfs II-III
Prescott National Forest Boundary To North Edge Of Private Land In Sec 33, T17n, R3e, Near Clarkdale 118 cfs Too low 150–30,000 cfs III-IV
Parsons Spring To Confluence Of The Verde River 67 cfs Too low 200–10,000 cfs III-V
Cower Cave Creek Wilderness Boundary To Coronado National Forest Boundary (Near Portal) 0 cfs Too low 0–1 cfstypical III-V
Cima Creek Headwaters To Wilderness Boundary 0 cfs Too low 0–1 cfstypical III-IV
Ruby Road (Forest Road 39) To Us/Mexico Border 7 cfs Runnable 1–8 cfstypical ·
1/4 Mile Below Chevelon Lake Dam To 0.1 Miles Above Diversion At Durfee Crossing 3 cfs Too low 200–10,000 cfs ·
0.1 Miles Above Diversion At Durfee Crossing To 1/4 Mile Below Forest Road 504 Crossing 3 cfs Too low 200–10,000 cfs ·
Headwaters To Pusch Ridge Wilderness Boundary 1 cfs Too low 2–37 cfstypical III-IV
West Boundary Of Fort Apache Indian Reservation To Southwest Boundary Of Salt River Canyon Wilderness 367 cfs Too low 400–10,000 cfs III-IV
Southwest Boundary Of Salt River Canyon Wilderness To State Highway 288 Bridge 367 cfs Runnable 338–7,100 cfstypical III-IV
Northeast Boundary Of Salt River Canyon Wildernes To West Boundary Of Fort Apache Indian Reservation 33 cfs Too low 400–10,000 cfs III-IV
West Boundary Of San Carlos Indian Reservation To Northeast Boundary Of Salt River Canyon Wilderness 285 cfs Too low 400–10,000 cfs IV
South Fork Little Colorado River · No reading 2–20 cfstypical III-IV
Telegraph Creek Forest Road #4 To Confluence With Arnett Creek 2 cfs Runnable 1–22 cfstypical III-IV
Pusch Ridge Wilderness Boundary To Confluence With Cañada Del Oro 1 cfs Too low 2–37 cfstypical III-IV
Workman Falls To Salome Wilderness Boundary 0 cfs Runnable 0–1 cfstypical III-IV
Northern Boundary Of Hellsgate Wilderness To Southern Boundary Of Hellsgate Wilderness 5 cfs Runnable 3–21 cfstypical III-V
Headwaters To Wilderness Boundary 0 cfs Too low 0–1 cfstypical III-IV
Wilderness Boundary To Confluence With Cave Creek 0 cfs Too low 0–1 cfstypical III-IV
Headwaters In Sec 16, T15n, R8e To Wet Beaver Creek Wilderness Boundary 8 cfs Too low 100–5,000 cfs III-IV
Headwaters To 1/4 Mile Above Az Highway 78 228 cfs Runnable 51–730 cfstypical ·
1/4 Mile Below Az Highway 78 To 1 Mile Below Az Highway 78 44 cfs Runnable 9–106 cfstypical ·
Salome Wilderness Boundary To Confluence With Salome Creek 0 cfs Runnable 0–1 cfstypical III-IV
Virgin River 90 cfs Too low 250–5,000 cfs III-IV
Aravaipa Creek 2 cfs Too low 6–17 cfstypical III-IV
Bill Williams River 12 cfs Too low 200–5,000 cfs II-III
Gila River (Gila Box) 23 cfs Too low 200–1,800 cfs III-IV
Lousy Canyon 44 cfs Too low 100–1,000 cfs ·
Santa Maria River 0 cfs Too low 7–123 cfstypical ·
Little Ash Creek 44 cfs Too low 100–1,000 cfs IV
Agua Fria River 44 cfs Too low 100–1,000 cfs II-III
Cienega Creek 0 cfs Too low 1–2 cfstypical III
Big Sandy River 3 cfs Too low 162–5,643 cfstypical III-IV
Larry Creek 0 cfs Too low 57–1,785 cfstypical III
Burro Creek 0 cfs Too low 300–2,800 cfs III-IV
Bishop Creek 44 cfs Too low 100–1,000 cfs III
Ash Creek 44 cfs Too low 100–1,000 cfs ·
Lousy Canyon Tributary 44 cfs Too low 100–1,000 cfs IV-V
Paria River 7 cfs Runnable 6–93 cfstypical II-III
San Pedro River 0 cfs Too low 1–28 cfstypical II-III
Lower San Francisco River 51 cfs Too low 200–1,800 cfs III-IV
Silver Creek 44 cfs Too low 100–1,000 cfs SILVER-III
Tank Creek 44 cfs Too low 100–1,000 cfs III+
Sycamore Creek 44 cfs Too low 100–1,000 cfs III-IV
Gila River (Middle) 30 cfs Too low 200–20,000 cfs III
Indian Creek 44 cfs Too low 100–1,000 cfs IV-V
Bonita Creek 51 cfs Too low 200–1,800 cfs II-III
Babocomari River 0 cfs Too low 0–1 cfstypical II-III
River runs FAQ

About Arizona river runs

What does whitewater class mean?

The international whitewater scale (Class I–VI) rates a river's difficulty. I is moving water with riffles. II is straightforward rapids with clear channels. III requires complex maneuvers in fast water. IV is intense, powerful but predictable rapids requiring decisive boat handling. V is extremely long, obstructed, or violent rapids with significant hazard. VI is considered impossible to run.

Where does the Arizona streamflow data come from?

USGS streamgauges. Each Arizona paddle run is keyed to a specific gauge that paddlers and outfitters have agreed represents flow on that section. Gauges report every 15 minutes; we re-pull throughout the day.

What's a runnable level?

Run-specific. A creek that's classic at 200 cfs might be too low at 100 and dangerously flooded at 1,000. Always cross-reference with a guidebook or a Arizona paddling club for the run's accepted gauge ranges before launching.

Can I get an alert when a run hits prime flow?

Yes. Save any paddle run as a favorite in the Snoflo iOS app, set a flow window (e.g. "alert me between 800 and 1,500 cfs"), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses into range. Free with a Snoflo account.

Is this a substitute for local guidebooks and trip leaders?

No. Snoflo is informational. Always carry appropriate skills, gear, and a sober assessment of the day's flow. For high-consequence runs (Class IV+), paddle with people who know the run and never solo. American Whitewater is the authoritative source for U.S. river information.

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