GETTING HERE

The Agua Fria National Monument is located about 40 miles north of Phoenix along the eastern side of Interstate 17. There are two exits to the Monument from I-17. The southernmost exit is the Badger Springs exit. Go east from the freeway and follow the road past the kiosk toward the south. You will pass restrooms and find a parking area a little further along the road. It is a short hike to the Badger Springs Wash trail head. A hike down the wash to the confluence river will bring you to a wonderful place for a picnic lunch. On the left just a short climb up a slope will take you to a wall with over 100 examples of rock art.  Please look, take photographs, but don’t tough or damage these precious treasures in any way.

The Bloody Basin Road exit will offer you access to several unique sites in this amazing National Monument. At the exit, go east to the kiosk. You will find more information about the Monument there. Follow the road about five miles and where Bloody Basin crosses the Agua Fria River you will find an Important Bird Area designated by Arizona Audubon. If you are a bird watcher, this area is rich in bird watching opportunities.  Before you go you can pick up a list of birds you may be able to sight at any time of the year from the BLM Phoenix District office or they may be available at the kiosk.