| when | Trip Report : March 2, 2014 | ||
| 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 hike to the mine, 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, 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, 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 hiking poles are recommended, in addition to the usual hiking gear. |
||
| distance | 6-8 miles | ||
| time | 7-10 hours | ||
| EC | +-1000' elevation change | ||
| elevations | 3400' (Black Mesa) to 2906' (Agua Fria river bed) | ||
| starting at |
|
||
| on trail | 50% — Badger Springs Wash trail, then 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 | Black Canyon City | ||
| meet |
8:00 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 8:15 AM. |
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