Needle Rock Recreation Area

At the intersection of Rio Verde Drive and Forest Road north of Fountain Hills lies the Needle Rock Recreation Area. The area is best known for a towering rock outcropping located on the banks of the lower Verde River. Visitors to Needle Rock are drawn to the shade of Mesquite along the banks of the river. A perfect place to frolic in the cool water and engage in an afternoon picnic.

Until only a few years ago, the area was unprotected and therefore free. At the time, the roads were unpaved and the area had seen extensive wear. Maricopa County now maintains Needle Rock as a fee area with paved roads and picnic areas.

Drive north on Fountain Hills Boulevard which turns into McDowell Mountain Road. Follow McDowell Mountain Road to Forest Road. Turn left at Forest Road. Proceed through Rio Verde and then Tonto Verde. At the intersection with Rio Verde Drive, continue straight. This is the entrance.

Needle Rock Recreation Area is a fee area. The entrance is not staffed so payment is on the honor system. However, be sure to pay, the area is frequently patrolled and violators will be penalized.

For further information about Needle Rock Recreation Area contact the Tonto National Forest offices.

Tonto National Forest
2324 E. McDowell Road
Phoenix, Arizona 85006
Tel. (602) 225-5200
Online: http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/tonto