Safety

Enjoying the monument can be a rich and wonderful experience. We hope that all visitors can enjoy the monument in the safest possible way. A key to achieving that goal is for all visitors to be prepared for the potential dangers and challenges the monument can present. It is important that the monument is remote and a desert. If we aren’t prepared before exploring its landscapes, we can find ourselves in a dire situation faster than we’d expect. Below are helpful tips and links to consider before heading out to the Agua Fria National Monument.

●      Plan your visit

• Download or print a map of the Monument.
• Know your entrance and exit routes to the Monument.
• Know which trails or sites you’d like to visit before heading out.
• Understand the terrain that vehicles and visitors would need to traverse for your planned destination.
• Check weather reports at the Monument for the day of your visit.
• Travel with a group.
• Communicate with your group regarding any allergies, medical needs, or special accommodations.
• If visiting alone, let others know your intended route and the time you expect to arrive and leave.

 

●      Wear appropriate clothing.

• Hiking footwear
• Appropriate layering for the weather
• Hiking hat
• A pack that you can manage for the duration of your route and can carry your necessities
• Winter Hat
• Rain Jacket
• Warm Socks

●      Bring suitable gear for your trip.

• Map of the monument
• Extra water and food
• Water Treatment/Water Filter
• Hiking poll
• Whistle
• Headlamp & Extra Batteries
• First Aid Kit
• Medications
• Compass
• Pocket Knife
• GPS device
• Lighter
• Satellite Communication Device
• …and anything else that can keep you safe if things don’t go as planned

 

●      Be aware of the dangers and have a plan in the event that one is encountered

• Fires
• Floods
• Venomous snakes
• Venomous insects
• Bears or other large animals

 

●      Stay Hydrated

• Bring more than enough, carry what you can manage.
• Turn back before you get halfway through your water supply. 
• Don't hike beyond your ability.
• Know yourself and pay attention to what your body is telling you!
• If you run out of water and need a drink, have two means to treat any water found (chemical, mechanical, UV, etc.) to reduce risk of contamination.

 

●      Communications

• Understand that cell phone service is limited at best, and may be unavailable at many locations on the Monument.
• Keep your cell phone charge, and carry a portable charging device
• If you own one, bring a satellite phone.
• Let friends and family know where you are going and when you plan on returning.

 

●      Vehicle

• Be aware of other vehicles on the roads. There are many spots where only one vehicle can pass through at a time.
• Travel in a vehicle in good working order.
• Know your vehicle's abilities. 
• Have a spare tire and a way to change your tire.
• Keep your tank as full of fuel as possible.
• Keep track of your keys before exiting the vehicle.
• Never enter water you cannot cross on foot or water 6 inches or midway up your tires.
• Don’t park in a water feature, even if it’s dry.
• Don’t park over dry vegetation to reduce risk of starting a fire.

 

●      Pet safety

• Have pets on a leash. Rattlesnakes, cactus, and other dangers may be encountered that your pet is not familiar with enough to avoid.
• Understand your pet's abilities and pay attention to their behavior.
• Don't base their health level on how you're feeling.
• Provide plenty of water and shade for your pet.
• For signs and treatment of heat strokes, check out the Humane Society's guide to keeping pets safe in the heat.

 

●      Be fire safe

• Keep fires small and bring firewood purchased in the local area. Firewood brought from another area could also bring invasive pests.
• If you have to collect firewood at your campsite, collect dead and downed wood only.
• Check with the BLM Arizona Strip District for current fire restrictions, which can change on a daily, sometimes hourly, basis.
• Use existing fire rings. Scrape away litter and any other burnable material within a 10-foot-diameter surrounding the ring.
• Make sure all wood fits inside the fire ring. Do not feed a large log into the fire ring.
• Have a shovel, axe, and bucket of water available before lighting your campfire.
• Never leave a campfire unattended, even for a few minutes or even if there are no flames present. Many wildfires start because of abandoned fires or because someone thought a fire was out.
• Learn the proper way to put out a fire:  slowly pour water onto the fire and stir with a shovel. Continue adding and stirring until all material is cool to touch.
• Do not bury your fire. The coals can smolder and re-ignite.

 

Check out these helpful links for more information

• https://www.blm.gov/programs/recreation/know-before-you-go
• https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/r6/learning/safety-ethics
• https://azstateparks.com/hiking-safety

 

What to do

▪       primitive camping

▪       hiking

▪       mountain biking

▪       wildlife and plant viewing

▪       photography

▪       sightseeing

▪       hunting

▪       birdwatching

▪       historic and archaeological sites

▪       Astronomy viewing