AGUA FRIA CONSERVATION AREA
Lake Pleasant Regional Park
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| A bend in the Agua Fria River |
Closed to motorized vehicles since 2007, this 2,405-acre
riparian corridor is recovering from years of abuse. Until recently, this mesa-flanked swath of the Agua Fria
River which flows into the north end of Lake Pleasant was full of trash and
off-road vehicles were destroying the waterway and its native wildlife
habitats. Although it’s located
just 4 miles from busy Interstate 17, and motorized traffic is allowed in the
surrounding Table Mesa Recreation Area, there’s a pronounced wilderness feel
here. Water levels fluctuate with
the seasons, but even in the driest months, tiny pools and rivulets feed
emerald bands of cottonwoods, willows and mesquite bosques that host swarms of
birds including swifts, doves, raptors and even elusive Vermilion
Flycatchers. Along the sandy
riverbanks, colorful tufts of wildflowers and two species of native wild
tobacco embellish the homes of egrets, herons and killdeer while framing the
footprints of myriad forest critters.
From the trailhead, it’s a 2-mile hike to the northern shore of the
lake. Follow the closed roads or faint footpaths to explore and appreciate how
restoration efforts are giving this hauntingly beautiful site a second chance
at life.
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| Critter footprints with Indian Mesa in the distance |
LENGTH: 4 miles round trip
RATING: easy
ELEVATION: 1983’ – 1640’
FEE: $6 daily fee per vehicle (bring exact amount for self-serve pay station)
SEASONAL CLOSURES: Area may be closed during Bald Eagles are nesting. Check Lake Pleasant Regional Park website before visiting.
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| Thistle at the base of Wild Burro Mesa |
GETTING THERE:
From Phoenix, go north on I17 to Table Mesa Road exit
236.
Turn left, cross the freeway,
make a right and then a left onto Frontage Road. Continue 1.1 mile to a fork
near a rock quarry and veer right.
At 1.6 miles, go left at a second fork and left again at a 3
rd
fork at 3.8 miles. At the 4.2-mile point, cross a cattle guard (corral area on
left) and continue another 0.4 mile to the signed parking area. Dirt roads are
sedan-friendly.
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| Tree tobacco plants can grow to 20' in height |
INFO & MAPS: Lake Pleasant Regional Park
MORE PHOTOS:
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