| when | Trip Report : December 10, 2011 | ||
| 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, 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.
Then 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 was mostly dry during the pre-hike). 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. 5 miles roundtrip, with an option to extend to 7 miles if enough interest. A very pretty area such a short distance from I-17 and the Phoenix metro area. A camera and 2 hiking poles are highly recommended, in addition to the usual hiking gear. |
||
| distance | 5-7 miles | ||
| time | 5-6 hours | ||
| EC | +-300' elevation change | ||
| elevations | 3144' (trailhead) to 2906' (Agua Fria river bed) | ||
| starting at |
|
||
| on trail | 50% — Badger Springs wash trail, then follow the Agua Fria river bed | ||
| rating | "C+" Rate yourself as a hiker. | ||
| dogs? | no | ||
| cost | Sharing gas expenses with the driver. The club also allows voluntary contributions of $5 per 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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