Needle Rock Recreation Site Scottsdale

Edit: They have fixed most of the places vehicles had access. It looks like 2 places have been cut, but I'm sure they will fix those quick. It's been mostly quiet at the river and trash is not so much of an issue anymore. There are always dirty people unfortunately, but now that vehicle access has been stopped again, it's minimal, and easily picked up by us who care to keep it clean. If you see trash here pick it up please, it's easy to throw out on your way out. If you come here and pack anything in, please pack it out. It's just courtesy people. You come for the nature, leave it natural, then your kids get to do the same thing. Always treat people respectful no matter the situation. I may report people if needed, but I give them the opportunity to clean up and leave first. It's gorgeous here, but has been overrun by people illegally driving to the river where they know they shouldn't. I have put in a call to step up enforcement, and will be actively reporting violators myself. If you are wanting to do offroad trails, there are plenty on the other side of the road, please stay off, and out of the river. I'm tired of picking up the trash, and seeing the damage being done by jerks that want to bulldoze through more, and more landscape. Respect the wild places we have left.

Always a gorgeous spot to hang out by the water. The fastest way to the water is to take the path in the middle. When you get to the start of the trail from the parking lot, there is a handful of yellow and black metal signs meant to stop vehicle travel, from there you can go-between the signs and it splits off into two paths. The path on the left is usually very over grown and difficult to get to the water, the path on the right (middle path overall) is a long Sandy wash type trail that takes you straight to a nice shaded beach. The middle trail looks the least promising from the start of the hike but the easiest and most rewarding if you're looking to get to the water. It only takes about 1-2 minutes to walk from the yellow striped signs to the water, the first half of it is Sandy and sunny, and then once you get around the curve, it's shaded and very easy to walk through, definitely worth it! The third option is to take the farthest path to the right (this one is not behind the metal signs) which is the longest trail that takes you between two parking lots, (very scenic during spring when it's over grown with green clover) but there are not a lot of trails that take you to the river from this path but there are picnic tables. From this path you can find places to get off and walk towards the river, but there are not a lot of actual trails or paths so pay attention to where you came in so you can later find your way out. Overall we love exploring this section of the Verde river, it feels like a place that hasn't been touched by time! The water is so clear and clean, there's very rarely trash floating or scattered about, it is a stunning spot to visit, but please if you do choose to visit, clean up after yourselves, don't turn the Verde river into another dirty tourist spot like the Salt River.

Closed (even though the USDAFS shows open). Google navigated our minivan down a dirt forest road through some sweet 4x4 trails bypassing the main road closure (that we didn't know included this area) and when we got to needle rock recreation area it looked like the Walking Dead with everything overgrown and no one around. It was kinda cool if I'm being honest but didn't want to get towed so I let the kids catch some butterflies and caterpillars then we left.

Very interesting place. River underneath you..nice seating areas.. great outdoor option.

OK swimming hole or hang spot. Scattered trash here and there, but an ok place. Something to do.

Haven't been there since I was a teenager, Good times

Beautiful area along the Verde River. Many points to pull out, hike, camp, picnic, kayak.... Don't forget to buy a Tonto Pass (they have a kiosk at the main entrance, now). Needle Rock itself is great, but try the Great Wilderness Trail right near the entrance. Plenty of public facilities like restrooms and tables, but potable water is hard to find. Great place to try out kayaking or canoeing, too. Wide river with mild rapids/current, but always check the weather first.

I love this place I had a really great time here's some great pictures really recommend going out there and having some time alone with my fiance

Nice to find a little river access not too terribly far from home! Nice spot to hang out for a bit.

Awesome place to fish and play.