Home Explore FAQ About Us Contact Us Links

Agua Fria National Monument

  The Agua Fria National Monument encompasses 70,900-acres (111 square miles). It is located on the east side of the Bradshaws about 40 miles north of Phoenix. The Agua Fria River cuts through this plateau exposing a deep mini Grand Canyon of Precambrian rock along the canyon walls. Monument elevations range from 2,150 feet at the bottom of the Agua Fria Canyon to about 4,600 feet in the northern hills. The area is located on high mesa, semi-desert grassland. The Agua Fria River offers ribbons of valuable riparian forest, attracting a variety of wildlife. Coyotes, bobcats, antelope, mule deer, white tail deer, javelina, a variety of small mammals and songbirds utilize this area. Eagles and other raptors are also present. Native fish such as the longfin dace, the Gila mountain suckers, the Gila chub, and the speckled dace, live in the river and several tributary streams.
The monument offers some of the most amazing well-kept prehistoric sites in the American Southwest. More than 450 archaeological sites are spread out around the Monument. Petroglyphs (rock art) and matate's are also present. Numerous pueblo ruins, which were built between 1250 and 1450 A.D, supported a population of several thousand Native Americans, known as the Perry Mesa Tradition. Hundreds of petroglyphs depict wildlife, geometric figures, humans and other abstract symbols.
When you find an archaeological site please observe, enjoy and photograph them while leaving all artifacts as you found them for others to discover and appreciate. Do not touch rock art symbols or take pottery shards. Defacing archaeological sites is vandalism and is punishable by law. Remember, hidden cameras watch over many of these sensitive sites.
The best access to the monument is from the Bloody Basin Road exit. Turn east and here you will find information kiosks with maps and information.

Click here to see our Agua Fria River Page
 


   

   


 

   



   

   

   

   

   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

 

© Copyright 2011 Bradshaw Mountains.com
Images may not be reproduced. Contact us for use.
Please provide us credit when referencing our material.

Disclaimer

Home | Explore | Blog/Newsletter | About Us | Contact Us | Links
Created by Frank Turben Computer Help