Lower Tapco
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.
Those who choose to walk from the Boat Launch area down to Sandy Beach can choose a
variety of paths through the 9 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 river bank 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).
Site Information
Region: North Central
County: Yavapai
Directions: Lower TAPCO is located at 3400 Sycamore Canyon Road in Clarkdale, AZ. After passing through Old Town Cottonwood, continue on and watch for the right turn off of 89A North, signed for Tuzigoot National Monument. Sycamore Canyon Road is a left turn off that main road, after you cross the bridge over the Verde River.
Latitude: 34.792789
Longitude: -112.057539
Operational Hours:
Admission or Fees: $5 per vehicle at the self-pay station
Best time to visit: Spring & summer is an exciting time to visit as the river and forest supports many species. This is a good waterfowl viewing site.
Habitats: Lake or Pond
Know Before You Go
This is a Day Use area and is open year round (excluding Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day). 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.
Safety First! Arizona has many beautiful places to explore and we’d like to help you make it a safe and enjoyable experience. Check out our recommendations for hiking precautions.
Species Highlights
Speciality: Bridled Titmouse, Lucy’s Warbler, Yellow-billed Cuckoo
Charismatic: Anna’s Hummingbird, Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Contact Information
Town of Clarkdale
39 N. 9th Street
Clarkdale, AZ 86324
Phone: 928-639-2415
Website: https://www.clarkdale.az.gov/
Additional Resources
Learn more about birds reported at this location at eBird:
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L10829007
