Scottsdale: Needle Rock Recreation Site

Scottsdale, Arizona. The Needle Rock Recreation Site is a wonderful place to dip your toes into the cool waters of the Verde River on a hot summer day.

The site sits within the boundaries of the Tonto National Forest. Therefore, if you plan to get out of your car and explore, you will need a Tonto Pass which is available to purchase at the entrance.

I would describe this destination as rustic.

The road to the site is paved for three miles. Then, the pavement ends for a quarter of a mile before reaching a fairly large gravel parking lot. There are porta-potties available.

Just prior to the end of the road, there are two fairly new picnic areas with ramadas, bathroom facilities, and short paths down to the river.

You should also know that this is a very popular destination on hot summer weekends.  Therefore, we recommend a visit during the week to avoid crowds.

Further, if you plan to take a dip in the river, we recommend that you bring along water shoes to keep from slipping on the slippery rocks in the river. Further still, if you plan to stay a bit, bring a folding chair along.

To see the Needle Rocks, park in the large gravel parking lot at the end of the road. Then, head to the river, turn left and walk for maybe a quarter of a mile. Note: this is a rustic area, so shoes with good ankle support are recommended.

Another plus for visiting this site is perhaps a sighting of the wild mustangs and bald eagles that frequent this area.

If we’re looking for a quiet place to visit for a few hours, this is a favorite destination of ours.  Have fun! 🙂

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