Thanks to a Clarkdale resident, I found an access to the Verde River off FR 131. The good news is that it could be driven in my beat-up 4x4 pickup (mud and catclaw scratches) to within 1/4 mile of the river. The bad news is that the area is closed to humans from Dec. 1 to June 30 for eagle nesting. Bald eagles and golden eagles nest along the Verde, so I guess more exploring will have to wait until next summer. I was treated to a bald eagle sighting, a pair of orioles, and a golden eagle. My son had a great time catching small-mouth bass on lures (he released all). We found a Sinagua pit house on the point high above the river, but surprisingly, no pot sherds. There was interesting geology across the river.