Agua Fria River Canyon (2BIII)
A+ A- Main ContentLocation: Agua Fria National Monument managed by BLM
Rating: Basic Canyoneering 2B III
Length: 6-10 hours
Mileage: ~7 miles from Shuttle to Shuttle or 12.9 miles from Trailhead to Canyons end
Longest Rappel: None
Start: Exit 256 (Badger Spring Exit)
End: There and Back
Permits: Permits are required for visiting groups of 25 or more. See BLM regulations
Wet Suit: Not needed
Shuttle: Optional
Overview:The Agua Fria River starts in the Prescott National Forest and crosses miles of desert. A small section of the river lies just the east of I-17 and is a fun little hike for canyoneering adventurers. The canyon is open and offers some scrambling and wading/swimming.
Water is typically found in this canyon, but droughts may dry up the river. Headwaters for this section of the canyon stem from the Bradshaw Mountains. Signs of flash flooding may be seen as you scramble over driftwood down the canyon. If there are any weather patterns in the Bradshaws Mountains, take extreme caution as clear skies overhead are no indicator that a flash flood may be heading to this section of the Agua Fria River Canyon.
Approach: From I-17, south of Spring Valley and north of Black Canyon City, take exit 256 and drive east along the Badger Spring Rd about .78 miles. You will run into a parking lot where the road branches to the left. Park here and walk the trail south along the Badger Creek Trail.
Completing the Canyon: Once you enter the Agua Fria River, continue down the river as long as desired and head back when finished. Expect at least one swim or wadding in water. The halfway mark is the Perry Tank Creek which enters the left and heads east. You can park a shuttle at the Sunset Point exit further south of Badger Spring Rd along I-17 and hike out the dry wash from Agua Fria River. Alternatively, you could set up a shuttle in Black Canyon City. Use a topographical map to avoid getting lost or print the map blow and bring it with you. To print the map select the "View Larger" icon and then select the 3 dots icon to "Print Map".
