ATV Riding and Kayaking in Sedona: UTV to Verde River

Ride a UTV through red rock terrain, then paddle rapids on the Verde River.

A two-hour activity in Sedona combining private UTV off-roading and kayaking on the Verde River, with pickup and return transport included. You ride a side-by-side UTV through Cottonwood backcountry to reach a private launch spot, then paddle through tame rapids and scenic water holes where you can swim and cool off. All kayaks, paddles, life vests and a live English-speaking guide are provided.

Step-by-step itinerary

River kayaking and 4x4 UTV ride

• Pickup by UTV side by side
• Off-roading ride to launch spot
• Kayak on private Verde River stretch
• Enjoy views and tame rapids
• Swim in water holes
• Transportation back to vehicle

The experience

The day starts with pickup at your vehicle in a UTV side-by-side that takes you off-road through the backcountry around Cottonwood. The ride itself is the first half of the experience. You're navigating terrain with views the whole way to the Verde River launch spot. Once there, you switch to kayaks on a private stretch of river with small rapids and several water holes deep enough for swimming, so if anyone in your group wants to cool off or take a break from paddling, that option is built in.

You paddle with all the gear included: kayaks, paddles and life vests are waiting at the launch. A live guide in English leads the way and handles the logistics. The rapids are tame enough that the activity works for mixed fitness levels, though everyone needs to be able to walk a kayak through shallow water at some points. After you're done on the river, the UTV brings you back to where you started.

What’s included

• UTV pickup and return transport to your vehicle.
• kayaks, paddles and life vests.
• water to drink during the activity.
• live guide in English.
• access to water holes for swimming.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 10:00, 11:00 and 14:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (10 and older) · Under 10: can't be included in the booking

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 10 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by AZ Legend Adventures Kayak Fishing Tours /Private Kayak Only Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if your group wants to combine two different ways of moving through the landscape in one outing: the speed and views of off-road riding followed by the pace of paddling. The fixed two-hour window works for a half-day slot in your Sedona itinerary.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the Verde River like for kayaking if I've never paddled before?

The Verde River on this route has small, tame rapids and calm sections, so it's manageable for beginners. The guide leads the way and you paddle at your own pace through scenic water holes where you can stop and swim if you want.

Do I need to bring anything, or is all the kayaking gear provided?

Kayaks, paddles and life vests are all included. Bring water and wear clothes you don't mind getting wet. The operator provides water to drink during the activity.

Can kids come on this activity?

Yes, kids are welcome. The activity includes several water holes for swimming, and the rapids are small, making it suitable for families. Everyone must be able to walk a kayak through shallow water.

How does the UTV ride work? Do I drive it, or does someone else?

You ride as a passenger in a UTV side-by-side driven by the guide. The ride takes you through Cottonwood backcountry to the river launch spot, and the same UTV brings you back to your vehicle afterward.

What happens if someone in my group doesn't want to kayak?

The activity combines both the UTV ride and kayaking as one experience. If someone prefers not to paddle, they would need to arrange alternative plans, as the return transport is part of the full activity.