03. Lower Oak Creek/ Red Rock Crossing

This is a scenic run and a good introduction to Oak Creek Canyon and should be pounced on when elusive water levels are available by boaters with advanced to expert skills. Use a variety of high elevation put-ins for additional mank value. In this run there are at least four named rapid features with many relatively long wave trains and little drops amongs relatively short pools. This creek has a narrow and braided channel and is woody along its entire length. The potential for strainers and log jams to develop as a result of higher flows and falling trees is ever present. Always scout when in doubt. Private concrete driveways with culverts present lowhead dam and entrapment hazards at a range of flows. The 80 FPM gradient makes this run an exhilerating hoot for a solid Class III boater at 500 CFS or less. Class IV and V boaters have run this section at over 10,000 CFS with various results. Heavily treed rock and boulder bar pour-overs acting as giant combs await boaters unable to see or make the tight turns into the main channel. When Oak Creek gets over 500 CFS, treat it like a Class IV run and scout frequently. This run also has plenty of surf potential along the sandstone chutes. Take out in Sedona at the 179 bridge or go further about five miles downstream on river left to take out at Red Rock Crossing. Use Verde Valley School Rd parking. From the 179 in Village of Oak Creek turn West on Verde Valley School Rd and drive 5 miles to the end of the road. There is a short walk down to the creek. There is also another option to takeout one mile south in Red Rock State Park on river right. off of highway 89A. For additional information refer to "Paddling Arizona" by Tyler Williams.