AGUA FRIA CANYON

AGUA FRIA CANYON Agua Fria National Monument North of Black Canyon City You never know what you’ll encounter when visiting this amazing canyon. Sometimes, running water makes the way treacherous and/or impassible, gushing over boulders and floodplains and collecting in 10-foot-deep pools at the base of vertical basalt cliffs. During dry times, however, the canyon transforms into a rugged wash. Either way, this is not an easy hike. Here are a few photos from our November 2009 visit. ALSO SEE MY PRIOR ENTRY FOR A MORE DETAILED TRIP REPORT FROM APRIL 2005 LENGTH: 8-12 miles (optional) RATING: easy then DIFFICULT ELEVATION GAIN: 560 feet GETTING THERE: Take I-17 north past the Sunset Point rest area and then take exit 256 (Badger Springs Road). Turn right at the exit (east) and drive about a quarter of a mile to the signed Agua Fria National Monument kiosk. There are free maps and an interpretive sign there. Once you have your maps, continue down Badger Springs Road for about a mile to the obvious parking area where there is also a “Badger Springs Wash” sign. The hike starts there. No fees, no facilities, no water, no mercy…come prepared!