Verde River Sheep Bridge

The Verde River Sheep Bridge spans 691 feet across the river with steel cables supporting wooden decking that sits 45 feet above the water. The crossing was specifically designed to move sheep between different grazing areas.

The structure was built in 1943 using salvaged materials from Bluebell Mine and Golden Turkey Mine to facilitate sheep movement across the Verde River. It served this transportation purpose until 1978 when it was no longer needed for grazing operations.

Workers from Basque, French Basque, Mexican, and Hispanic communities built this structure under the Flagstaff Sheep Company's direction. Their collaboration shaped how the local landscape was used for livestock management across generations.

The bridge sits within Tonto National Forest and provides free access to hiking trails leading into Mazatzal Wilderness. Visit during dry seasons when water levels are lower and conditions are safer for crossing.

Natural hot springs near the crossing maintain water around 99 degrees Fahrenheit and channel it into cattle watering basins on the western bank. This thermal resource remains one of the desert's hidden features that few visitors encounter.

Location: Carefree

GPS coordinates: 34.07750,-111.70722

Latest update: December 12, 2025 12:05