Indian Gardens
Arizona – US
- Class
- IV- to IV+
- Length
- 4.26 Mile(s)
- Gradient
- 78.35 FPM
- Put-in elevation
- 4,564 Feet
- Take-out elevation
- 4,202 Feet
- Typical season
- March to April
Current Flow
31 CFS
Gauge height: 2.21 FT
Reading from Jul 10, 2026 9:45 PM
▼ -0.07/hr (12h) ▼ -0.03/hr (24h)
Don't bother
- Primary gauge
- OAK CREEK NEAR SEDONA, AZ Gauge detail & alternatives Live gauge ↗ NOAA river forecast ↗
Recommended levels
| Minimum | 400 |
| Average | 700 |
| Maximum | 1,000 |
Recommended use
- Kayaking
- Rafting
- Canoeing
- SUP
- Packrafting
- Fishing
Struck-through craft are not recommended for this run.
Flow history — last 6 days
No gauge history recorded in the last 6 days.
Photos
No photos added for this run yet.
Description
When there is enough water flowing here, this run offers a rowdy stomp down Oak Creek Canyon ending in Sedona, AZ. Sedona on it's own is worth a trip but if there is a decent runoff you may want to bring your kayak and get some action in the very scenic and visually impressive Oak Creek Canyon.
If you do decide to run this keep the following in mind.
- This water is fed by snowmelt and possibly a refrigerator as it is some of the coldest, body numbing, water anywhere. I know it's surprising for Arizona but Wet/Dry suits are highly recommended.
- This is a fairly steep run (gradient wise). Be aware of wood and other hazards. Many may be man made hazards as lower down you will be passing through resort and residential areas.
- This run generally only happens after high rain or big spring runoff. This means that oak creek is pushy and often times without eddies at these water flows.
This run is a solid class IV. Many portions of it can be scouted from highway 89A.
Rapids
No rapids added yet.
Access
| Type | Name | Elevation | Camping | Water | Boat ramp | Vehicle access | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Put-In | Indian Gardens Bridge | 4,564 Feet | No | No | No | All Vehicles | Turn east on Old Indian Road off of Highway 89A across the street from the Indian Gardens Market. This small bridge is your put-in. Parking is limited in Oak Creek Canyon and traffic is often highly congested. Be considerate where you park and set shuttles. |
| Take-Out | Bike Path by HW 170 in Sedona | 4,202 Feet | No | No | No | All Vehicles | Right before the Schnebly Round-About (heading south) on Highway 179 in Sedona, you can take out at the bike path bridge/area. Parking is limited and lots of traffic here. You may find some parking on Schnebly road or one of the adjacent businesses. |
Camps
No river camps added yet.
Permit
No permit is required, or permit info hasn't been added yet.
Fishing
No fish species have been associated with this run yet.
External Links & Resources
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Community Run Notes
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