Location: Seven Springs Recreation Area
Rating: 1.5-2.0
Vehicle Requirements: High clearance 2wd or stock Xterra's
A bumpy road that takes you through some beautiful Central Arizona landscape and ends at the historic sight. This part of the Verde River has been historically used by sheep herders to seasonally move their flocks between the high country and desert. The suspension bridge you can now cross was constructed in 1989 to replace the old bridge (built in 1943, remnants of which are visible nearby) which fell into disrepair. Access to the Verde River is available with a sandy beach and swimming area. Also accessable are the Sheeps Bridge Hot Springs, if you can find them.
The road is accessible from two different main thoroughfairs. FR-24 is an improved dirt road which runs through the Seven Springs recreation area. This road starts at the end of the Carefree Highway and is easily passable by passenger vehicles with 2 wheel drive. The intersection with FR-269 will be evident as they are the only two main thoroughfairs in the area.
FR-269 can also be accessed off of I-17 at the Bloody Basin Rd East exit. As you pull off the highway you will come to a dirt staging area with a description of the area. From here just continue heading East through some ranching country and you will eventually come out at Sheeps Bridge.
Shortly after the intersection of FR-269 and FR-24 the road becomes somewhat more bumpy and it would be wise to slow your vehicle down to a near crawl to avoid breaking loose any of your fillings. A passenger vehicle MAY make it down to the bridge, but it would be advisable to at least have some clearence between yourself and the ground.
Sheeps Bridge is located near 34° 5'18.24"N, 111°42'28.04"W.
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