Saturday, February 9, 2013

Off Trail Hike, Agua Fria River

Agua Fri River between Bloody Basin Rd & Badger Springs
Photos by Mark

Do Not Attempt this Hike During High Water Periods. 

This is a short 1/2 day hike within a beautiful and secluded section of the Agua Fria River, between Bloody Basin Rd and Badger Springs. We recommend walking downstream as the following shows.


  • Miles... 5 miles
  • Time... 3 to 5 hours
  • Difficulty... Easy
  • Elevation drop... 405'
  • Not recommended for horseback travel or small dogs

This walk is an example of a "off trail hike" that follows a river within the Agua Fria National Monument. 
Drainage's make awesome off trail hikes in and around the Bradshaws.

 This hike requires two vehicles, with one being left at the Badger Springs Trail Head and the other at Bloody Basin Road. Recently I walked this part of the Agua Fria River again, as it had been many years since I had been in this location.  I was curious to see if anything had changed. My hiking partner was a photographer, Tom, that also lives in the Bradshaws.


    Spring, where the water typically begins during dry periods.


What I like about this hike.
  • Its beautiful and we recommend the fall.
  • Wildlife Viewing
  • Indian ruins, rock art side hikes
  • Solitude
  • Photographic opportunities

   Large pools contain small fish.

We think the best place to leave a vehicle on the Bloody Basin Road is at the small bathroom parking lot along the road.  This is located 1  1/2 miles after crossing the Agua Fria. See  the Google Track below. Passenger cars are fine at both dirt road locations, except after heavy rains.

Begin your hike by following this side drainage about 1/2 mile until it intersects the Agua Fria. After you enter the Agua Fria on river right, you will find a miners shack, that is still standing.

Simply follow the river down stream until you come to Badger Spring Canyon, about 4 miles. There is no trail to follow, instead pick the easiest route among the rocks and pools of water. None will need to be swam.




Cattails. 

For the first 1/2 mile walking is easy in the normally dry river. Suddenly you come upon a grassy area where strong springs fill the river with water until you leave it at Badger Creek. 



Great Blue Heron tracks in water.




Middle section, my favorite area.

Lower section.



Watch for rock art sites along the way.

Large boulders become more numerous as you near the exit point, Badger Springs Canyon.


A way to tell when you are getting close to Badger Canyon, is the river becomes filled with rocks and trees disappear. At this point a good trail will appear on river right. It is easier walking on this short portion of trail. 


Badger Springs Rock Art site.


Badger Springs Trail head.

After hiking this section again I found it mostly unchanged and free from litter. Each year the river will change after spring or summer flooding. 

Tom and I did not take the time for the many side hike opportunities, where other rock art sites and ruins exist. Plan a day if you intend to do this.

I recommend this hike to those wanting a secluded, scenic, different kind of hike. Another one of my favorites! 

Most of these images were created using a Panasonic point and shoot camera.

Visit our website for more information on the Bradshaw Mountains

Google Track


Please forgive errors in grammar or spelling as we type from our phones.