Respectful Visiting

The public lands of the Agua Fria National Monument are ours to enjoy. That same enjoyment of the Monument should be afforded to future generations. It’s up to all of us to care for the natural and cultural resources by responsibly and respectfully visiting.

●      Reduce your noise levels so that you do not disturb wildlife and other visitors.

●      Don’t take, move, or deface archeological items of any type or size. Doing so violates federal and state laws, and can result in hefty fines and incarceration.

●      Leave no trace. Pick up after yourself.

●      Don’t feed wildlife.

●      Don’t disturb the wildlife by approaching, touching, harassing, or taking individuals.

●      Keep vehicles on the trails.

●      Follow the BLM rules on dispersed camping time allowances.

●      Follow hunting and firearms laws.

Be considerate of others

●      Public lands are for everyone. Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their outdoor experience.

●      Be courteous. Yield to other users on the trail.

●      Step to the downhill side of the trail when encountering pack stock.

●      Camp away from trails and other visitors.

●      Let nature's sounds prevail. Avoid loud voices and noises (this includes playing music loudly on your mobile device or speaker!)

Camp responsibly

●      Creating new campsites kills vegetation and leads to soil erosion. If possible, use an existing site, or pick a site where vegetation is absent.

●      Keep campsites small.

●      Never dig a trench or build a tent platform.

●      Respect living trees. By carving or chopping into the trunks of trees, people unknowingly damage the tree by slitting veins right below the bark. These veins transport nutrients and water throughout the tree. If the damage becomes severe, it will deprive the tree of nutrients and food, and the tree will slowly starve to death.

●      Choose your campsite, park your car at least 200 feet from bodies of water. 

●      Use biodegradable soap or plain water when washing.

Answering nature’s call

The Monument has public restrooms. Check maps for their locations. Bacteria and viruses found in human feces are known to cause hepatitis, salmonella, giardia, and other gastro-intestinal diseases. Remember, the water in the rivers and creeks you visit may flow into your own drinking water supply. Please follow these simple steps if you can’t make it to a public restroom:

●      Find a spot at least 200 feet from any water source.

●      Dig a hole 6-8 inches deep and bury human waste.

●      Pack out used toilet paper and feminine products. Animals will dig up those products and scatter them around the area.

●      Several types of waste-disposal products are on the market that come with enzymes that immediately begin breaking down solid waste.

●      A leak-proof portable toilet or other self-contained receptacle is another option.

Respecting the wildlife

●      Do not approach or follow wildlife—observe from a distance.

●      Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating, nesting, raising young, or during winter.

●      Leash your dog to keep them and wildlife safe.

●      Do not feed wildlife—let them feed themselves. Store your rations and trash safely, securely, and out of reach.

Do not spread invasive weeds

Invasive weeds can rapidly displace native plant species that provide habitat for wildlife and food for people and livestock. Here’s how you can help reduce their spread:

●      Learn to recognize common weed species.

●      Don’t camp or drive in weed infested areas.

●      Don’t pick the flowers of noxious weeds and take them home — you’ll spread seeds.

●      When using pack animals, carry only feed that is certified weed-free. Within 96 hours before entering backcountry areas, feed them only weed-free food.

●      Wash your vehicle, including the undercarriage, to remove any weed seed before driving to the forest.

Don't erase the traces of America's past

●      Archaeological, historic and sacred sites hold clues to America’s past. If disturbed, a part of our heritage may be lost forever.

●      Disturbing such sites on federal lands is illegal and can result in substantial penalties.

●      Help us protect these sites and contact your nearest district ranger to report illegal activity.