Located just west the town of Payson in the Mogollon Rim area, the East Verde River is a scenic and extreme run through rock-wall canyons and scenic desert landscape. There are many challenging rapids along this stretch including some class V rapids (possible V+ depending on current water levels) that will test even the most advanced paddlers. There are also tree obstructions, slots, strainers, and a few large drops and falls that require portaging. Pink Gorge and Tepeats Gorge both have sections that are typically portaged due to unsafe paddling conditions. The run is extremely challenging and can be very dangerous and should studied and scouted before running and only attempted by advanced paddlers.