| The 71,000-acre Agua Fria National Monument is adjacent to rapidly expanding communities, approximately 40 miles north of central Phoenix. The monument encompasses two mesas and the canyon of the Agua Fria River. Elevations range from 2,150 feet above sea level along the Agua Fria Canyon to about 4,600 feet in the northern hills. This expansive mosaic of semi-desert area, cut by ribbons of valuable riparian forest, offers one of the most significant systems of prehistoric sites in the American Southwest. In addition to the rich record of human history, the monument contains outstanding biological resources.The Agua Fria National Monument contains over 400 archaeological sites spanning some 2,000 years of human history. The first Indian settlers were Archaic people, moving seasonally to hunt game and gather wild plant foods. At about A.D. 700, Hohokam farmers established small villages on the mesa tops and along the Agua Fria River. After A.D. 1100, many families left their lowland settlements in central Arizona to establish new villages in upland areas.This large open area is popular for hunting, hiking, biking, and bird watching. Backcountry camping is permitted. There is also a 4x4 road that leads through the National Monument, into the Tonto National Forest, and to the towns of Carefree and Cave Creek. The Pueblo la Plata showcases a major settlement of stone masonry pueblos. This is located 8.3 miles on Bloody Basin Road from the entrance of the National Monument. |
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| | | Facilities: There are no facilities provided at the Agua Fria National Monument. Best Time To Visit: The Agua Fria National Monument is open to visitors year-round. Fees: There are no fees charged to enter the Agua Fria National Monument. Accessibility: This area is not handicapped-accessible. Rules: Pets must be on a leash or under voice command. Directions: To reach the Agua Fria National Monument from Prescott: Take State Highway 69 to Interstate 17. Once on Interstate 17, exit at either the Badger Springs Exit #256, or the Bloody Basin Road Exit #259. From Phoenix:Travel north on Interstate 17, exit at either the Badger Springs Exit #256, or the Bloody Basin Road Exit #259.Map: Click here for a map to Agua Fria National Monument Reservations: Reservations are not needed or accepted to enter the Agua Fria National Monument. | | |
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| | | | | | Address | | Bureau of Land Management - Phoenix Field Office | | 21605 North 7th Avenue | | Phoenix, Arizona 85027 |
| | | Phone | | General: (623) 580-5500 | |
| | | | | Website | | Email |
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