| when? | Trip Report : March 31, 2012 |
| where? | Agua Fria National Monument |
| the hike |
Just north of Sunset Point and Black Canyon City lies the Agua Fria
National Monument, established about 10 years ago. Although the hike is
essentially flat until the last mile, after the first section in the
soft, sandy Badger Springs wash, we meet up with the Agua Fria river,
where the real fun begins. First, we check out the rock art on the
walls above the wash, as well as an example of the Metates and Manos
that were used for grinding seeds and other foods by the Native
Americans. If the river is running we may back track and take the canyon
top route to Richinbar Mine. Then, we continue in the Agua Fria river bed
for an adventurous, hopping good time – boulder hopping, that is!
This will be a good chance to practice your balancing skills – take your time if you are not very sure footed, but the uneven surfaces should not be too difficult as there are not too many loose rocks. The river bed alternates between sandy and rocky terrain, and we’ll pass by many small pools of water, some quite colorful. The rocks are polished smooth from the river and consist of mostly granite boulders and slickrock areas, with some occasional lava rocks. We then go off trail to the Richinbar Mine, which is 900 feet above us, following an old pipeline up to the mine and some more rock art. 7 miles roundtrip in a very pretty area such a short distance from I-17 and the Phoenix metro area. We will return to the cars via the canyon top. There may be many wildflowers, depend on how the rains work out. A camera and 2 hiking poles are highly recommended, in addition to the usual hiking gear. |
| distance | 7-8 miles |
| time | 5-7 hours |
| EC | +-1000' elevation change |
| elevations | 3400' (Black Mesa) to 2906' (Agua Fria river bed) |
| on trail | 50% — Badger Springs wash trail, then follows Agua Fria river bed |
| rating | "C+" Rate yourself as a hiker. |
| dogs? | no |
| cost | When car-pooling, pay your share the cost of gas. The club also allows voluntary contributions of $1/member or $3/non-member. |
| weather | Crown King |
| meet |
7:00 AM in the
Fry’s parking lot on the SW corner of I-17 & Bell Road. Park
behind Denny’s, near the entrance to the Deer Valley Park & Ride. We will leave promptly at 7:15 AM. |
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| updated February 8, 2012 | © Copyright 2012, Arizona Trailblazers. All rights reserved. |