Longest…
TRIP so far…
but SO WORTH IT!!

We first stopped at the Agua Fria National Monument
To see the Indian ruins at…
From the jeep to the ruins…
about 1/2 mile walk.
Look at that view!
Right after this picture was taken… the jackets started to come off. It warmed up real quick.
The winter weather here, just north of Phoenix, has been quite warm.

The Hohokam Indian Culture lived here and all through the Bradshaw Mountains.
After the ruins we were back on Bloody Basin Road.

The trail is long and very bumpy.
4 wheel drive is needed.
There are many photo ops along the way. Going with other people makes this trip fun!
I can’t tell you how many times we said …
“where’s the bridge???”
THEN…
As I was looking out the window…
🙂
I saw it!
This picture was taken up on top of the trail coming down!

Breathtaking!
During WWII sheepherders built a walking bridge to herd their sheep across the Verde River.
It was torn down in 1988. The new bridge is 598 feet between towers. The walkway itself is 476 feet long and about 3 foot wide. It crosses high above the Verde River. We all walked across it and felt quite safe!
Below is a shot taken from standing on the bridge. We were all amazed of how clear the water was. Lots of hot springs surround the area!

As I was walking across the bridge …
I noticed this cactus on the rocks.
Doesn’t he look like he is trying to climb up the rocks…
Love this shot!
We all gathered to get our last glimpse of the bridge.
It was a L-O-N-G trip…
but well worth it!

Start out early and make the trip!
it is a great trip. I loved the climbing cactus. I guess we will have to go back to search. lol. Safe travels as return to warmer days. Donna
We went back a year or two ago. And said we will never go back again. It’s just too long and too bumpy. But I hear if the Verde River is down and you are able to cross it… then it takes a lot less time coming in from the other side. THE BRIDGE IS GORGEOUS!