If you launch at Granite Reef you can paddle about a mile upstream and then float back. But there really are not any good options to launch upstream, float down the river and then kayak back upstream. The Granite Reef option actually works really well.

Great to hear! Have fun out there!

It was a while ago that I did this trip but I don’t recall the wind being too bad. I find that if I hug the shoreline when paddling against the wind it helps. I’ve had much worse winds at Canyon and Blue Ridge.

At the time I went there was only a parking permit required at Willow Beach, which we paid at the toll booth at the entrance. I can’t remember how much it was.

Have fun! Feel free to let me know if you have any more questions

@@copperstarkayak8072 Thanks so much for that quick and helpful response have a great day!

Sorry for the delay! Somehow I missed your comment. We launched at Phon D Sutton and exited at Granite Reef.

You’re so awesome! Thank you so much! It makes me happy to see people finding these videos helpful. I hope to create some more soon!

@copperstarkayak8072 You're welcome!

I don’t remember but I wouldn’t count on it.

Thank for watching and subscribing! There is a boat dock at Willow Beach so I think you’re good with the outboard. As far as inflatables - I’m always a little nervous with them just because of pops and punctures. But, if you’re experienced with them and are confident in your repair skills then I’d say go for it! The river is deep so you should be able to avoid scraps and bottoming out very easily. If you go let me know how it goes!

I have not! But I’m planning to give it a go this winter.

@copperstarkayak8072 Nice! I'd like to try it out sometime too if its not really low. Id hate to have to carry my kayak and gear through the river bed. Be safe brother!

Thank you for watching and for your kind comments! I do need to get out to Woods Canyon soon. I’ll surely make a video about my visit. Thank you for the recommendation!

Haha! Me too! I think it was a little too cold for them at the time.

Hello, sorry for the delay. I really want to head down the Verde, never done it! It’s a little more complicated logistically speaking, but it’s on my list. I’ll try to get out there as soon as I can.

That’s amazing!

Good to know! Thank you!

I just did it on sunday in a 2006 corolla after some rain, not really an issue! Just slowed down for some parts

Hmmm, I don’t know about Uber but I wouldn’t count on it. I’ve never actually looked into this before but there is a company that rents inner tubes along the river and they might have a shuttle service. Sorry, I don’t have a solid recommendation!

You’re very welcome! Glad you found them helpful!

Yes! Very small lake and super easy to paddle board.

You will need someone to drive you back to your car. Or, launch from Granite Reef and paddle upstream then float back to your car.

Thanks for watching! Glad you enjoyed it!

Awesome! Thanks for watching!

Oh that’s cool! Thanks for sharing

I’ve taken a canoe down it before as well and had a great time. Just need to make sure the water level is high enough.

Awesome! I need to get out there soon. Been too long!

You must be a newbie at the lake. The lake was never busy with the old road open also. People were scared to drive it lol. They need to open it. Absurd to have to drive around.

@@CS-wp5dz You miss my point. They were talking about improving it to the point where it would become an easy drive and then the crowds would show up and make a mess of it.

@@CS-wp5dz I drove that road hundreds of times before it got wiped out.

Sorry for the delay! If you’re an experienced backpacker all there are at your skill level, even as a beginner. But if I had to pick one I would suggest Marble. It’s my favorite and honestly not technically challenging. You’re paddling with the current of the river so it’s pretty easy. The most challenging parts are the logistics (hiring the shuttle) and staying put of the very cold water. But those two things are completely doable for a beginner.

About 2 hours

Great question! Many people camp using canoes as well. I never have camped with one but I have used one many times. I think there are advantages to each but kayaks are lighter and can be considered easier to paddle and maneuver. But ultimately what it really comes down is personal preference. I’m partial to the sit on top kayaks because they’re impossible to sink and I do like jumping out of mine when the water temps are nice. It’s a lot harder to do that with a canoe or sit inside kayak. Regarding space, honestly you really don’t want to overload your kayak or canoe more than you need to. I’ve done that a couple times and regretted it. You really feel 100 pounds of deadweight when you’re paddled for miles against the wind! So even though a canoe provides extra space I still wouldn’t max it out. But again, pros and cons to both but I do prefer the sit on tops. Have fun out there!

@@copperstarkayak8072 thank you so much for your input. I really appreciate your channel and appreciate you getting back to me. It gives me a lot of fuel for thought. I have a canoe that needs to be fixed but I can find a kayak that is priced right… you never know I might see you somewhere in Arizona lol thank you again

Thank you!

We went in late October. Kind of a perfect time to go. Cool nights, warm long days. Have fun and thanks for watching!

Very cool! It’s so pretty through that canyon. Any idea what the eyes were? I wonder if they were mountain lions! I had a mountain lion inspect our camp at night along the Colorado in Glen Canyon - scary but exciting!

So happy to hear that! Have fun out there!

Any locations I’m missing you would like to see a video on?

Hey there! Jumping in- (because I love your videos). I would love to see a video on Lake Pleasant & Lake Havasu if possible! Thanks for making your awesome videos :)@@copperstarkayak8072

Thanks for the compliment! Have fun out there!

I’ve seen rental fees usually around $75 for a tandem for one day. But it’s been a long time since I had to rent one so not sure on what shops are charging.

No. There’s isn’t any actually. You need to haul in your own. Thanks for watching!

It’s been a little while since I was out there but I think it was around 30 bucks. Thanks for watching!