About

The Lower TAPCO River Access Point (RAP) is located on approximately 110 acres of private property owned by Freeport McMoRan Copper and Gold, Inc. The site is managed by, and subject to the jurisdiction of, the Town of Clarkdale under an Access License Agreement. The Access License is revocable, so it is up to all of us to work together to make sure the area is used responsibly. For those wishing to float down the river, please read all public safety information here before accessing the three miles of river between Lower TAPCO RAP and Tuzigoot RAP.

What You'll See

This is a Day Use area and is open year-round. The entrance gate is locked on a nightly basis and the time of the gate closure varies by season, which will be posted online and at the gate. Sycamore Canyon Road is paved to the Lower TAPCO River Access Point.

The Lower TAPCO RAP has approximately nine acres of designated parking/roads and has a small half acre area designated for public and commercial boat launching. Portable toilets are located in the parking lot directly above the boat launch site.

The east bank of the Verde River at the Lower TAPCO RAP includes approximately 3,500 feet of shoreline that is perfect for picnicking, bird watching, photography or just enjoying the sights and sounds of the river.

From the boat launch site down to Sandy Beach, the river offers alternating pools of slow-moving water connected by short chutes of fast moving water. There are four distinct "pond" areas, ranging in size from 4/10ths of an acre to two acres, and the rapids in the chutes between offer an exciting change from the relaxing float on the ponds.

Those who choose to walk from the Boat Launch area down to Sandy Beach will cover about 0.45 miles and can choose a variety of paths through the nine-acre floodplain that spreads out between the two sites. During normal river flows, this area is dry, and you'll be walking along the grassy riverbank or through areas of alternating sand and river cobble left by past flood events. No public vehicle access is allowed in this area, which is bordered on the west by the River and its riparian vegetation, and on the east by a mesquite grove that transitions up to the upper bench of the park (outside the floodplain).

Getting There

The Lower TAPCO RAP is located just east of Clarkdale, Arizona. From the intersection of Main Street and South 9th Street in Clarkdale, travel east on Main Street for 0.2 miles and continue onto South Broadway. Continue on South Broadway for 0.6 miles and then take a left onto Tuzigoot Road. Follow Tuzigoot Road for 0.5 miles and take a left onto Sycamore Canyon Road. Continue down Sycamore Canyon Road 2.3 miles and turn left into the Lower TAPCO RAP parking area. The address is 3400 Sycamore Canyon Road, Clarkdale, AZ 86324.

Helpful Tips

Amenities 

Parking.

entrance requirements

None. 

Contact 

Clarkdale Parks and Recreation

(928) 639-2460