Conservation and Outdoor Recreation Programs title bar with the National Park Service arrowhead Parknet and arrowhead

Arizona Segments, H-Z

Attila Bality
National Park Service
Rivers, Trails & Conservation Assistance
1220 St. Francis Drive
PO Box 728
Santa Fe, NM 87504-0728
(505) 988-6092

Click for segments A-G

Photo of river in Arizona
River
County
Reach
Length (miles)
Year Listed/ Updated
Potential Classification
ORVs
Description
Other States
Hassayampa River Yavapai, Maricopa Headwaters to railroad trestle NW of Morristown Nature Conservancy Preserve
60
1993
  S, R, W Broad river valley. Cottonwood/willow riparian area. Perennial with some intermittent reaches.  
Havasu Creek Coconino Entire segment within Grand Canyon National Park
3
1993
W
S, G, O Renowned for its blue-green waters cascading over numerous travertine falls and through quiet pools. Velvet Ash and Arizona Ash, uncommon in other areas, thrive in this riparian zone.  
Hermit Creek Coconino Entire segment within Grand Canyon National Park
2
1993
W
S, R, G, F Free-flowing stream in Vishnu Schist, and other older precambrian rocks, creating a series of waterfalls, pools and habitat for variety of aquatic wildlife. Extensively hiked.  
Home Creek Apache Headwaters to W. Fork Black River
10
1993
S
F, H, O Perennial. Riparian vegetation. Narrow canyon.  
Hot Springs Canyon Cochise Confluence of Bass Canyon to Sec. 5, T.13 S., R.20 E.
6
1993
W
F, W Broad canyon with narrow sections. Cottonwood/willow with some sycamore and mesquite bosque. Perennial with short intermittent reaches.  
Kanab Creek Mohave Entire segment within Grand Canyon National Park
12
1993
W
F Second largest tributary drainage entering Grand Canyon National Park. Native fish species use for spawning.  
Kanab Creek Mohave/Coconino Boundary FS/BLM Boundary line to NPS/FS Boundary line
20
1993
W
S, R, G, F, W Intermittent, isolated reaches of perennial flow. Riparian vegetation. Broad canyon.  
KP Creek Greenlee KP Trailhead/Cienega to Private Land
11
1993
W
S Perennial. Waterfalls and narrow canyon. Riparian vegetation.  
Kwagunt Creek Coconino Entire segment within Grand Canyon National Park
3
1993
W
G Crosses younger precambrian rocks, exposed by Butte Fault.  
Leonard Canyon Coconino Knoll Lake Dam to confluence of E. Clear Creek
17
1993
R
F Areas of riparian vegetation. Canyon environment.  
Little Colorado River Coconino Colorado River confluence to Sunrise
115
1982
  S, F River channel varies from steep, multi-colored canyon walls in Lower Colorado River Gorge to tablelands of moderate relief in the scenic Painted Desert region; extreme lower portion flows through world famous Grand Canyon National Park, important habitat for the endangered humpback chub.  
Little Colorado River Coconino Entire segment within Grand Canyon National Park
2
1982/ 1993
W
S, G, C Travertine terraces and dams, milky-blue water, and cliffs create spectacular geologic and scenic arena. Contains religiously significant routes and sites by Hopi people.  
Little Colorado River, East Fork Apache Headwaters to confluence with West Fork Little Colorado River
12
1993
S
S, R, F, W, O Perennial. Mixed conifer and Alder/Willow riparian area.  
Little Colorado River, South Fork Apache Forest Road to Little Colorado River
10
1993
S
C Mixed conifer, Ponderosa pine and Pinon/Juniper and Alder. Willow/Cottonwood riparian areas.  
Little Colorado River, West Fork Apache Headwaters to Wilderness boundary
5
1993
W
S, R, W Perennial. Spruce/Fir and mixed conifer and Alder/Willow riparian area. Alpine meadows and narrow canyons.  
Little Colorado River, West Fork Apache Wilderness boundary to Powerline Crossing
2
1993
R
S, R, W See initial comments  
Little Colorado River, West Fork Apache Powerline Crossing to Greer
4
1993
W
S, R, W See initial comments  
Marijilda Creek Graham Headwaters to Forest Boundary
7
1993
R
C Riparian vegetation. Variable, rugged canyon.  
Nankoweap Creek Coconino Entire segment within Grand Canyon National Park
39
1993
W
G Crosses younger precambrian rocks, exposed by Butte Fault.  
Oak Creek Coconino Sterling Springs Fish Hatchery to private land Sec. 5, T.17 N., R.6 E.
14
1993
R
S, R, G, F, H, O Adjacent to major state highway full length. Numerous developed residence, campgrounds, and lodges.  
Oak Creek, West Fork Coconino Headwaters, Sec. 14, T.19 N., R.5 E. to confluence of Oak Creek
8
1993
W
S, R, G, W, H, O Canyon environment. Boundary between two Geologic Zones.  
Paria River Coconino Colorado River to source
92
1982
  S, R, G, F, C See Paria River, UT comments.
UT
Paria River Coconino UT/AZ state line to confluence with Colorado River
28
1982/ 1993
W
S, R, G, F, C Deep narrow sheer-walled canyon. Riparian vegetation. Hiking, backpacking, and some horseback riding.  
Paria River Kane Entire segment within Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
3
1982/ 1993
W
S, R, G, W, C Scenic, recreational, geological, cultural, and wildlife values.  
Parker Creek Gila Rock Spring to confluence with Cottonwood Creek
8
1993
S
S, W, O Perennial stream dropping from mixed conifer down into Sonoran Desert.  
Pigeon Creek Greenlee Headwaters to Turkey Creek
12
1993
R
C Perennial. Steep canyon and waterfalls.  
Pigeon Creek Greenlee Turkey Creek to confluence with Blue River
4
1993
W
C Perennial. Steep canyon.  
Pinto Creek Gila North of private land (Layton Ranch) to Lower end of Pinto Box
9
1993
S
S, O Scenic perennial stream in low country with good riparian habitat.  
Post Creek Graham Headwaters to confluence with Grant Creek
2
1993
S
S Riparian vegetation within mixed conifer series. Variable, rugged, steep canyon.  
Redfield Canyon Graham Headwaters to Forest Boundary
9
1993
S
S Broadleaf riparian vegetation mostly within the woodland series. Rugged canyon.  
Romero Canyon Pima (Lower) Wilderness Boundary to Canada del Oro confluence
2
1993
R
S, R, W See initial comments  
Romero Canyon Pima (Upper) Headwaters to Wilderness Boundary
6
1993
W
S, R, W Scattered riparian vegetation along entire length. Variable, rugged canyon.  
Rucker Canyon Cochise (Upper) Headwaters to Wilderness Boundary
6
1993
W
S, R, G Riparian vegetation. Spectacular scenery/beauty, deep and rugged canyon.  
Sabino Creek Pima (Upper) Marshall Gulch recreation site to Sabino Canyon recreation area
8
1993
W
S, R, W, H Mixed broadleaf riparian vegetation. Variable, rugged canyon.  
Sabino Creek Pima (Lower) Wilderness Boundary to Forest Boundary
3
1993
R
S, R, W, H See initial comments  
Salome Creek Gila Confluence of Salome/Turkey Creek to F.R. 60
19
1993
W
S, W Major canyon with perennial stream dropping into Sonoran Desert. Deep canyon.  
Salt River Gila East boundary of Salt Wilderness to west boundary of Fort Apache Reservation
9
1982/ 1993
W
S, R, G, W, O See initial comments  
Salt River Gila Fort Apache Indian Reservation to confluence of White and Black River
61
1982
  S, R, G, F, W Pristine river channel; upper portion of Salt River canyon contains extremely varied geologic formations--area often called a mini-Grand Canyon; three federally listed endangered species are present--bald eagle, Mexican duck, Colorado River Squawfish; riparian vegetation supports both high populations and diverse species of wildlife; one of the best whitewater streams in Southwest.  
Salt River Gila San Carlos Reservation boundary to east boundary of Salt Wilderness
15
1982/ 1993
S
S, R, G, W, O Nationally known white water river flowing through spectacular canyons.  
San Francisco River Apache (AZ), Catron (NM) Southern Arizona - New Mexico boundary to Luna Lake, AZ
104
1982
  S, R, F, C, O Located entirely within Gila National Forest; white sand and gravel floodplain traverses juniper-pinon forests and grassy meadows; scenic limestone gorges and rock outcroppings; S.F. River box Canyon, Hot Spring and Natural Bridge are identified as significant natural areas; hot springs in lower reaches are popular recreation spots; hiking and fishing are dominant recreation activities; evidence of prehistoric remains and rock art on cliffs, canyon walls and in caves; Arizona trout habitat (federally listed threatened species). Southwest Regional Office has additional data.
NM
San Francisco River, Lower Greenlee Sec. 7, T.5 S., R.30 E. to Sec. 14, T.5 S., R.29 E.
5
1993
R
S, R, G, F, W Perennial; Incised river canyon.  
San Francisco River, Lower Greenlee Sec. 14, T.5 S., R.29 E. to confluence with Gila River
3
1993
W
S, R, G, F, W See initial comments  
San Pedro River Cochise U.S./Mexico border to Sec. 21, T.18 S., R.21 E.
46
1993
R
S, R, F, W, C, O Perennial with intermittent reaches. Cottonwood/willow riparian area with mesquite. Broad river valley.  
Santa Maria River Boundary between Mohave and La Paz Counties Highway 93 to Alamo Lake
21
1993
W
S, G, F, W Extensive riparian complex-habitat for bald eagles and breeding peregrine falcon. Surrounding mountains and cliff features.  
Santa Maria River Mohave/La Paz Boundary, Yavapai Public land boundary to Highway 93
18
1993
S
S, G, F, W See initial comments  
Sardine Creek Greenlee Headwaters to San Francisco River
9
1993
S
S Has falls and pools up during the summer.  
Shinumo Creek Coconino Entire segment within Grand Canyon National Park
2
1993
W
F, H Retains its native fishery without the influence of trout and other aquatic non-natives entering from mainstream; due to waterfall at mouth. Historic winter tourist camp.  
Spring Creek Gila F.R. 416 to Wilderness boundary
12
1993
R
F, O Little-known perennial stream with good riparian habitat.  
Spring Creek Gila Wilderness boundary to confluence with Tonto Creek
6
1993
W
F, O See initial comments  
Stone Creek Coconino Entire segment within Grand Canyon National Park
2
1993
W
S, G Consists of series of waterfalls, including one of the most spectacular in Grand Canyon.  
Swamp Springs Canyon Graham Sec. 34, T.11 S., R.20 E. to confluence with Redfield Canyon
2
1993
W
F, W Perennial with standing pools during drier periods. Mixed broadleaf riparian area. Narrow, variable canyon.  
Sycamore Canyon Santa Cruz Ruby Road F.R. 39 to Mexico/U.S. Border
5
1993
S
R, F, W, O Riparian vegetation scattered along entire segment. Rugged, rough, deep and incised in places.  
Sycamore Creek Yavapai Parson Springs to confluence of Verde River
4
1993
W
R, F, O Mouth of large well developed canyon.  
Tapeats Creek and Thunder River Coconino Entire segment within Grand Canyon National Park
3
1993
W
S, G Tapeats Creek is dependent on groundwater from Kaibab Plateau. Thunder Falls is one of the better known wilderness waterfalls within Grand Canyon.  
Originates on extreme slopes below Mogollon Rim, a distinct geologic feature; descending rapidly, water cascades through boulder strewn canyons characterized by steep ridges, interesting rock formations, deep pools and numerous side canyons; wide ranges in elevation contribute to large floral diversity varying from ponderosa pine, mixed evergreen forests in upper reaches to chaparral woodlands further downstream; Hells Canyon area displays outstanding scenic qualities; popular mountain retreat area for out-of-state tourists and Phoenix metropolitan area with campgrounds in upper reaches receiving heavy use. Gila, Coconino Theodore Roosevelt Lake to source
60
1982
  S, R    
Tonto Creek Gila Hells Gate Wilderness boundary (north) to Hells Gate Wilderness boundary (south)
21
1982/ 1993
W
S, G,F ,W, O Significant perennial stream in deep canyon. Many bluffs and good riparian habitat.  
Tonto Creek Gila Mouth of Cocomunga Creek to mouth of Gun Creek
9
1982/ 1993
S
W, O See initial comments  
Turkey Creek Graham Sec. 32, T.6 S., R.19 E. to Aravaipa Creek confluence
3
1993
R
S, R, C Perennial with intermittent reaches. Mixed broadleaf riparian area. Incised canyon.  
Verde River Yavapai End of Horseshoe Reservoir to vicinity of Table Mountain
14
1982
  W, H Wide flood plain dotted with Saguaro cacti and riparian vegetation; some rocky bluffs and talus slopes present; identified as essential habitat for both nesting and wintering bald eagles (federally endangered species); outstanding historic and cultural values with many sites significant to the development of the southwest.

THE SEGMENT FROM THE BOUNDARY BETWEEN NATIONAL FOREST AND PRIVATE LAND IN SECTION 26 AND 27, T.13N., R.5E. DOWNSTREAM TO CONFLUENCE WITH RED CREEK WAS ADDED AS A COMPONENT OF THE NATIONAL WILD AND SCENIC rivers SYSTEM ON 8/28/84.

 
Verde River, East Gila Verde River confluence to source
56
1982
  S Headwaters at Mogollon rim; narrow rockstrewn stream channel winds through Mazatzal Wilderness and Tonto National Forest. This highly scenic river canyon possesses notable recreational, fish and wildlife, and historic and cultural values.  
Verde River, East Gila West boundary of "East Verde Park" to West boundary of L.F. Ranch
20
1982/ 1993
R
W, O Major stream with large areas of riparian habitat.  
Verde River, East Gila West boundary of L.F. Ranch to Verde Wild River Area boundary
13
1982/ 1993
S
W, O See initial comments  
Verde River, Lower Yavapai Mouth of Red Creek to south boundary of Mazatzal Wilderness
9
1982/ 1993
W
R, O Major desert river with significant riparian habitat and excellent (but brief) river-running opportunities.  
Verde River, Lower Yavapai South boundary of Mazatzal Wilderness to Sheep Bridge
1
1982/ 1993
W
R, O See initial comments  
Verde River, Upper Yavapai AZ/PNF Forest Boundary near Paulden to Clarkdale
33
1993
R
S, F, W, C Perennial. Riparian vegetation. Narrow canyon.  
Virgin River Mohave UT/AZ stateline to first I-15 bridge
3
1982/ 1993
W
S, G, O Cuts through area of extreme geologic faulting and folding, exposing numerous layers of earth's crust and providing spectacular scenery. Unique riparian corridor.  
Virgin River Mohave Virgin River Recreation Area to mouth of Virgin River Gorge
7
1982/ 1993
R
O See initial comments  
Virgin River Mohave Lake Mead to Highway 17 near Hurricane, UT
76
1982
  S, F, W, O See Virgin River, UT comments.
NV,UT
Virgin River Mohave Mouth of Virgin River Gorge to AZ/NV stateline
17
1982/ 1993
R
O See initial comments  
Wet Beaver Creek Coconino, Yavapai Headwaters, Sec. 16, T.15 N., R.8 E. to Wilderness boundary
13
1993
W
S, R, G, C, O Narrow canyon.  
Wet Beaver Creek Yavapai Wilderness boundary to private land Sec. 32, T.15 N., R.6 E.
5
1993
R
S, R, G, C, O Broad river valley.  
Willow Creek Coconino From 1/4 mile north of Wiggins Crossing to confluence with Clear Creek
14
1993
W
S, G, W, O Ephemeral - will pool during wet years. Deep, narrow canyon. Riparian vegetation.  
Willow Springs Canyon Coconino Willow Springs Dam to Woods Canyon Creek
3
1993
W
S Perennial.  
Woods Canyon Coconino Woods Canyon 1 mile below Woods Canyon Lake Dam to confluence with Chevelon Canyon
4
1993
W
S, W, O Largely perennial; will pool during very dry summers. Riparian vegetation. Deep, narrow canyon.  
Workman Creek Gila Workman Falls to Salome Wilderness boundary
6
1993
R
S, W, O Begins in mixed conifer forest, dropping rapidly into lower country. Special plant and animal species present.  
Workman Creek Gila Salome Wilderness boundary to confluence with Salome Creek
3
1993
W
S, W, O See initial comments.  
Wright Creek Mohave East Fork of Wright Canyon downstream to Sec. 36, T.24 N., R.13 W.
13
1993
S
F, W, C Narrow canyon. Cottonwood/willow riparian area. 1000 year old Indian trail became first wagon road across Arizona.