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By: Dave Helgeson
Places to Ride: Agua Fria National Monument,
Arizona
 Opportunities to ride in a national monument
are few and far between, so be sure and visit
this national treasure on your next visit to
Arizona. ATV riding is allowed on existing roads
throughout the Agua Fria National Monument. The
primitive roads of the monument lend themselves
well to ATV travel. Most are single lane or
narrower with some receiving regular maintenance
while others appear to have been left to the
elements.
In other words, there is riding for all skill
levels, but the main reason to ride the monument
is the scenery which changes at every turn.
Elevations range from 2,150 feet along the Agua
Fria drainage to about 4,600 feet in the hills
to the north. This expansive mosaic of
semi-desert and desert area is cut by ribbons of
riparian areas. The southern portion of the
monument is classical southwestern desert with
saguaro cacti dotting the landscape. If you miss
a turn and run into one of these, you’ll become
a human pin cushion!
The monument is home to bobcats, coyotes,
antelope, deer, javelina (wild pigs with bad
eyesight), and a variety of other small mammals
and birds. Raptors, including eagles, may also
be seen.
Remember you are riding in the desert. Go
prepared with plenty of drinking water, sun
protection, and don’t forget a small tool kit
which should include a tire patch kit, spare
spark plug, and master link for your ATV. Avoid
riding alone and let someone know where you are
going and when you plan to return. Summer
temperatures regularly exceed 100 degrees. Be on
the lookout for rattlesnakes as well.
Camping:
There are no developed camping facilities within
the monument. Undeveloped areas are available
for camping with a 14-day limit. Visitors can
pick their own campsite, but please protect
riparian areas by camping at least 200 feet from
water sources and use biodegradable soap. Local
campgrounds and motels are located in the nearby
communities of Black Canyon City and Cordes
Junction.
Getting There:
The Agua Fria National Monument is located about
40 miles north of Phoenix, AZ. It is easily
accessed by traveling via Interstate 17 to the
Badger Springs Exit (Exit #256) or the Bloody
Basin Road Exit (Exit #259). A map of the area
can be obtained at:
http://www.blm.gov/pgdata/etc/medialib/ ...
riamap.pdf
Note: There are many primitive
roads open to riding not shown on this map.
Services:
Grocery, restaurants, fuel, and lodging are
located in the adjacent communities of Black
Canyon City and Cordes Junction. The nearest
major cities are Phoenix and Flagstaff.
Rules and Regulations:
- Off-road travel is not allowed
- No permits or fees are required
- All ATVs are required to be titled, and
the owner shall receive one numbered plate valid
for the life of the vehicle.
- All riders (operator and passenger)
under 18 must wear a helmet at all times.
(Applies to ATVs that are operated on public
highways as allowed by law.)
- No passengers are allowed on the ATV
unless it is designed to carry more than one
person. (Applies to ATVs that are operated on
public highways as allowed by law.)
For Additional Information:
Hassayampa Field Office
Rem Hawes, Monument Manager
21605 N. 7th Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85027-2929
(623) 580-5500
http://www.blm.gov/az/st/en/prog/blm_sp ...
afria.html
Be safe, enjoy, and I hope to see you on the
trails.
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