About this spot
Childs Power Plant sits on the Verde River in Coconino National Forest, roughly 30 miles southeast of Camp Verde, Arizona (not reachable only by a 25-mile canoe trip, as sometimes described). Reach it via Highway 260 east to Forest Road 708 (Fossil Creek Road), then south on FR 502 for six rough, high-clearance miles to the river. The site is a popular free dispersed camping and swimming area beside the ruins of the historic 1909 Childs-Irving hydroelectric plant, decommissioned in 2005. A short upstream hike and wade leads to the Verde Hot Springs ruins. Water levels and current vary seasonally; no facilities or potable water on site, and no permits are required, but pack out all trash.
Safety first. Cliff jumping is inherently dangerous and can cause serious injury or death. Conditions — water depth, submerged hazards, and access — change constantly. CliffScout is community-sourced reference information, not a guarantee a spot is safe. Always assess the conditions yourself before jumping, and never jump where you're unsure. You assume all risk.
Watch & read
- ▶ Watch — Cliff jumping abandon power plant dangerous - YouTube
- ♪ TikTok — Exploring the Heights of Cliff Jumping | TikTok