Agua Fria National Monument

The mouth of Lousy Cyn in the Bradshaw Mountains.

Hidden Bird petroglyphs.

A panoramic view of the canyon.

The 71,000-acre Agua Fria National Monument dominates a high mesa semi-desert grassland, cut by the canyon of the Agua Fria River and other ribbons of valuable riparian forest, contributing to a diverse biological resource.

The unique vegetation, topographic features, and a dormant volcano make up this basaltic plateau.

The Agua Fria river canyon cuts through this plateau exposing precambrian rock along the canyon walls. Elevations range from 2,150 feet along the Agua Fria Canyon to about 4,600 feet in the northern hills. This expansive mosaic of semi-desert area, interwoven with valuable riparian forest, offers one of the most significant systems of prehistoric sites in the American Southwest.

The area is the home to coyotes, bobcats, antelope, mule deer, javelina, a variety of small mammals and songbirds. Eagles and other raptors may also be seen. Native fish such as the longfin dace, the Gila mountain sucker, the Gila chub, and the speckled dace are found in the Agua Fria River and its tributaries.

Hiking, viewing cultural sites, wildlife viewing, bird-watching, hunting, scenic drives, and four-wheel driving on designated roadways are just a sampling of recreational activities within the monument.

Pueblo la Plata showcases a major settlement of stone masonry pueblos. To visit la Plata, travel 8.3 miles on Bloody Basin Road from the entrance of the national monument. Turn north and follow the dirt road for approximately one mile. A high clearance vehicle is recommended. Limited parking is available. Walk to the site by following the rocky and uneven trail.

There are no camping or lodging facilities within the monument. Undeveloped areas are available for camping with a 14-day limit. Local campgrounds and motels are located in the adjacent communities of Black Canyon City and Cordes Lakes.

The elevation of the monument ranges from 2,000 to 4,000 feet. Summer visitors must take extra precaution to drink plenty of water as temperatures may exceed 110 degrees F. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a large brimmed hat are recommended. Make sure your gasoline tank is full, carry additional water in your vehicle, and make sure your vehicle is in good condition.

The hot desert sun stirs up rattlesnakes and other reptiles as early as February. Summer is extremely hot and visitors must drink plenty of water. Flash floods caused by sudden storms can be dangerous in washes, so it is best to have a survival plan to prevent emergency situations.

The Agua Fria National Monument is located 40 miles north of Phoenix. It is easily accessed by traveling on Interstate 17 to the Badger Springs Exit (Exit #256) or the Bloody Basin Road Exit (Exit #259).