Spring is the perfect time to check out this super family friendly trail that is right off the 17 Freeway north of Phoenix.
If you have ever headed towards Cottonwood, Sedona, or Flagstaff, you have driven within a stone’s throw of the trailhead. Did you know you were passing by something special? Couple this enjoyable hike with a visit to Rock Springs Cafe for a meal and pie and you’ve got yourself a very nice day out with the family!
4 Reasons This Hike Is A Great One For Families:
- It’s not too much of a drive. Getting there from the West Valley takes about an hour.
- The hike to the river is easy and short enough for kids, even young ones, to do. No steep climbs so you probably won’t need to carry anyone, even on the way back!
- In the springtime there will be plenty of plants, flowers, and butterflies to enjoy along the way, not to mention lots of water when you reach the Agua Fria River. (Despite the name of this trail, don’t let the kids think they will see badgers!)
- At the river there are rocks to scramble on, trees providing shade, places where the water is not too strong so you can splash around, and some sandy spots to dig and play in. In short, the river makes a great place to hang out for a while and enjoy a snack before heading back to the car and the drive home.
Interested? Great! Here’s everything you will want to know so you can have a great outing.
Packing List: The usual suspects - water, snacks, sunscreen, hats and backpack for the car and the hike. Have good sneakers for the walk and rock climbing but maybe you want to also bring water shoes and a few little sand toys for when you are by the river. In the springtime the river is pretty full so mosquitoes are not much of a problem but bug spray is also potentially useful.
Getting There: Go north on the 17, up past Black Canyon City and Bumble Bee to where the land levels out and there is that big rest area on the left side of the freeway. Go ahead and make a pit stop there because the trail head only has pit toilets. Jump back on the freeway for another 10 minutes or so and take exit 256, Badger Springs. Turn Right, go across the big gravel lot, and follow the dirt road about 1 mile to the trailhead. You will be on land that is part of the Agua Fria National Monument. Another thing that is nice about this place is that there is no entry fee so it’s budget friendly!
While On the Trail: Enjoy the slightly cooler temperatures and the pretty spring flowers as you head to the river. When you get to the river, look to your left and you will see an impressive wall of petroglyphs left by the people of the Perry Mesa Tradition.
Having arrived at the river, just follow your nose to where you want to hang out. There is no more “trail” to follow. You can head upstream, downstream, or across the stream to the bank on the other side, depending upon what looks interesting, safe, and enjoyable for you and your family. Dogs are allowed as long as they are on leash and you pick up after them so Fido can come too!
On The Way Home: Plan your trip so that you can include a stop at the Rock Springs Cafe on the way home. It’s about 20 minutes down the freeway as you head back home. The pies they sell at the Pie Box are huge and delicious so you can grab one and keep heading home if time is short. If everyone is starving and you have time, the restaurant is homey and good with plenty of all American offerings and friendly service. Their little shop is fun to browse too! If you sign up for their email list before you head over, they will probably send over a "Welcome" coupon you can take advantage of on your visit. https://rockspringscafe.com/
Have a great outing!
Information: Aqua Fria National Monument, 623-580-5500 or blm.gov/arizona
