Why is it called Bloody Basin Road?
Usa, north-america
67.59 km
1,522 m
extreme
Year-round
Bloody Basin Road! Just the name conjures up images of the Wild West, doesn't it? This epic Arizona adventure begins near Black Canyon City, winding right through the Agua Fria National Monument and Tonto National Forest.
About that name... legend has it, Bloody Basin Road got its moniker from a fierce battle back in 1873 – the Battle of Turret Peak. History says the army surprised an Apache camp, and during the chaos, some tribal members tragically fell to their deaths from the cliffs. A somber origin story for sure.
This isn’t a quick jaunt, folks. We're talking about 42 miles (67.59km) of pure, unadulterated, unpaved road! It’s FR 269, if you're looking for it on a map. The road descends all the way down to the Verde River, where you’ll be greeted by the iconic Sheep Bridge. This 476-foot suspension footbridge has some history itself, originally built in 1943 and then rebuilt in 1989.
Located north of Phoenix, it's usually in pretty good shape, but things can change quickly out here. A vehicle with decent clearance is recommended, but you probably won't need 4WD unless it's been raining or you want to explore some of the rockier side trails. Expect a bit of a bumpy ride, especially the last quarter as you drop down to the bridge. Passenger cars can manage, but expect a SLOW and jiggly journey.
Keep your eyes peeled for semi-blind curves! It gets brutally hot in the summer, and flash floods can definitely happen after heavy rains, so be prepared. Plan on around 6 hours to soak it all in.
You’ll be cruising through some seriously stunning, remote landscapes east of the Agua Fria River and within the Agua Fria National Monument. This drive is all about stopping to soak up the scenery, grabbing lunch in the middle of nowhere, or even setting up camp under the stars. And don't forget to check out the archaeological sites and petroglyphs along the way!
The road tops out at 4,993 feet (1,522m) above sea level, offering expansive views on a clear day.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 67.59 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,522 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
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