The 'Gap run' of the Verde is a river resource that Arizona is lucky to have. In this section, the river leaves its wide, populated valley behind and enters a wilderness environment with scenic canyon walls. It features roughly five class III rapids, a handful of easier ones, and a chunky IV at Verde Falls. At low to moderate water levels, this run is suitable for developing boaters who have practiced some basic boat handling and safety skills and are looking to engage with more interesting river features. There are a few surf waves and plenty of good eddies to catch. The named rapids in the first half of the run can be portaged with ease, but the second half would have a bit more bushwacking. So, don't let the IV rating deter you from venturing into this section, but be ready to recognize hazards like fallen trees and approaching rapids. Boaters commonly clear wood hazards from this run and keep the channels wide and open, making it somewhat safer than other nearby sections rater class I.
It is enjoyable down to 150cfs in small boats like packrafts and kayaks. These flows occur consistently during the cool season November-March due to groundwater springs. The water is clear and cold, so dress for the swim! In the remaining months, water is diverted for agriculture making this section borderline unrunnable unless there is a heavy snowpack (April) or extreme precipitation event (May-October).
Any increase in flows from rain or snowmelt is welcome. By 300cfs the rapids become noticeably more cushioned, at 500cfs rocks begin to disappear and waves get sizeable. The channels are still open and navigable at 1000cfs and beyond, but make sure you know the lines and don't end up paddling into a dead-end forest!
Shuttle: The dirt road to Gap Creek is usually passable by a skilled Honda Fit driver, but it is not 'just gravel', i.e. it has some rocky sections, so it is better in a crossover at least. It makes a nice ride on a mountain bike, and could definitely be hiked by a packrafter looking to avoid dirt road driving
Video for visuals:
Packrafting the Gap run at 170cfs
Packrafting the Gap run at 700cfs
Packrafting the Gap run at 1200cfs
Packrafting the Gap run at 1500cfs with rapids labeled
Also see the other segments:
Perkinsville to Clarkdale (classic float below Tapco RAP)
Clarkdale to Camp Verde (woody, infrequently traveled class I)
Camp Verde to Beasley Flats (classic class II)
Childs to Horseshoe Reservoir (full wilderness section)
Horseshoe Reservoir to Bartlett Reservoir
Bartlett Reservoir to confluence with Salt River