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Anyone have any information on the crossing of the Verde river that must be accomplished to get to the Sears Trail Head? Below is the info. from the FS write up. I'm wondering if the ford is easy to find and if there's any issues (safety) crossing it this weekend? Any input would be greatly appreciated.
"Forest Road 477 requires fording the Verde River."

I've never been all the way to the TH, but I've never found a crossing on what the topo maps show to be FR 477.

Most people I know who have hiked this route park at the dam and just take the walkway below the spillway and hike from there.

You can access what is marked as the TH on the topo maps (TH location may have changed due to recent trail maintenance though?) by following the route I've sketched here:
http://hikearizona.com/map.php?QX=2370

Note that the first crossing that I call a shallow crossing is doesn't even show water in the satellite photo. Though I was there about 6 weeks ago and it did have water. This is a still-water crossing and not very deep, but it is a rugged river rock surface and will require high-clearance.

The second crossing is more dicey and will require you to scope it before crossing depending on current depth and water flow. It is deeper and there is current, so if you don't have a 4x4 with good clearance, it's a guaranteed no-go. But if you do have those, it could be possible in the right conditions. If you're not sure, plan on parking here and wading across the river to begin your hike (or head back to the dam and start from there).

I have personally towed dumb drivers in big trucks out of the river at this crossing before. If you aren't sure, don't try it.

chumley,
On Saturday we ended up parking at the dam and traversing the catwalk, underneath the spillway. It was dark when we arrived at Horsehoe lake and finding the ford was inpossible. However, when I got home I read your response, thanks. I plan to return in the near future and will use your directions and heed your warning, to get across the river.