DESCRIPTION:
This hike follows the Verde River Trail (trail #11) which covers approx. 28 miles between Sheep Bridge and Twin Buttes along the Wild River Area of the Verde River on the western margin of the Mazatzal Wilderness. We hiked the northern 10 miles of the trail from Twin Buttes to the Verde River near its confluence with the East Verde. The Twin Buttes trailhead is located outside of Strawberry at approx. 6000 ft. The Verde River Trail descends about 3500 ft. between the trailhead and the Verde River. The trail largely follows an abandoned jeep road and appears to receive infrequent use. The trail is highly erroded in places and the surface is composed of large, loose basaltic cobbles. A sturdy pair of boots is essential to making this trip enjoyable. Although there is a decent amount of elevation change along this section of the trail, the gradients were never exceptionally steep and the hike should qualify as moderately dificult for experienced hikers. Although infrequently traveled, this portion of the Verde River Trail is well marked with rock cairns and we never had any problems with route finding. As added insurance, I would encourage anyone undertaking this route to carry the Mazatzal Wilderness map or the appropriate USGS 7.5 min topo sheets. Except for a handfull of rafters and kayakers on the Verde, we saw no other people.
During our first day of hiking, we made the 10 mile trip from the trailhead to the Verde. The trail decends gradually across Hardscrabble Mesa with great views into the Verde Canyon. The final approx. 3 miles of the hike feature steeper grades as the trail decends off of Cedar Bench down to the river. Views along this section of the trail are outstanding.
There are a number of nice campsites available near the Verde / E. Verde confluence. We established camp on a high-flow sand bar and spent the second day exploring down river and up the E. Verde. Our initial plan was to hike out and back along trail #11 from camp but high water in the E. Verde made crossing a sketchy proposition that we decided not to undertake. A telemetered USGS stream gage on the E. Verde near its confluence with the Verde is useful for evaluating discharge in the drainage and making plans accordingly. The third day of the trip was devoted to hiking back to Twin Buttes.
WEATHER:
Our mid-March hike began with temps in the low 50s, low clouds and hail/freezing rain at the Twin Buttes Trailhead. Conditions improved steadily as we lost elevation and moved west away from the Mogollon Rim. Days two and three featured perfect weather with temps in the 70s during the day. In warmer weather, swiming in the Verde or E. Verde would be terrific.
OTHER NOTES:
There is no water available between the Twin Buttes trailhead and the river, therefore hikers should carry enough water for the 10 mile hike.
The hike across Hardscrabble Mesa features little shade so this hike could be very warm during the summer months.
The Verde River Trail could be through hiked from Twin Buttes to Sheep Bridge but this would require a monster shuttle as access to Sheep Bridge is difficult. To avoid the elevation change, the trail could be hiked as an out and back from Sheep Bridge but I can't speak to this route. I did find this trip summary while Googling for information for our hike.
TRAILHEAD DIRECTIONS:
From Payson follow 87 towards Pine/Winslow. A few miles beyond Pine turn left towards Strawberry onto Forest Sevice road 708. Beyond Strawberry, turn left onto FS rd. 428. Soon after, take a left onto FS rd. 194. The Twin Buttes Trailhead is at the end of 194 (approx. 5 miles from the turnoff). Note that you will encounter a fenced pasture area near the end of the road. At the fence bear right around the northwest side of the fenced area.
