Bloody Basin GP

Bloody Basin is an area along the Verde River that supposedly got its name from numerous fights between Indians and settlers in the region.

Sheep Bridge crosses the Verde River in this area.  The original bridge was used to get a herd of 11,000 sheep across the river from 1943 to 1979.  It was torn down in 1988 and replaced by a newer footbridge seen in this photo.

This Jeep trail is almost 40 miles on a so-so graded road.  The section from Cave Creek Road to Bloody Basin is the rockiest, although it is not difficult.  Allow plenty of time.

A very enjoyable trip as there are open views along almost the entire length.  There is high ground in the middle of the route, and the photos below are taken from that area.

There is a GPS - gpx track at the bottom of the page.
Picture
Sheep Bridge
We did this trip after doing New River Road.  It is certainly doable, but it makes a long day.  
Picture
Looking back toward I 17
Picture
Headed for the Verde River
Updated 2013.
bloody_basin_gp.gpx
File Size: 93 kb
File Type: gpx
Download File