Sheep Bridge

On the banks high above the river stands a replica of the Verde River Sheep Bridge. The Flagstaff Sheep Company and the Howard Sheep Company constructed the original bridge to minimize the loss of sheep when crossing the river. The bridge was started in 1943 and finished in 1944 at a cost of $7,277. The material used came from an Arizona mine and from a railroad line. On November 21, 1978, Sheep Bridge was entered into the National Register of Historic places. Sheep Bridge is the gateway to the west side of the Mazatzal Wilderness.

General Information

Open Season: Year round

The route to Sheeps Bridge is rocky and technical, 4X4 and off-roading experience advised. FR 269 is rarely maintained. A high-clearance vehicle is required. When muddy or rainy, four-wheel drive is often required, as well.

Restrictions

Stay limit 14 days
Motorized boats prohibited.
Pack it in pack it out!
Practice minimum impact by bringing a portable potty and disposing of the wastes properly.
Caution: Water levels fluctuate seasonally and the river can run with great velocity. Do not cross flooded roadways.
Sheep Bridge itself is narrow and not suitable for 4-wheeled vehicles to cross the river. Only pedestrians or bikes should cross the bridge.

No fees are required for this site

Front view of the Cave Creek Ranger Station building with a clear sky in the background.

Address: 40202 North Cave Creek Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85262
Phone: (480) 595-3300
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (closed noon to 1 pm) Closed Saturday and Sunday (Closed on federal holidays)

Getting There

Latitude / Longitude

Latitude: 34.08

Longitude: -111.71

Elevation

2,100 Feet

Directions

This site is 45 miles north of Carefree. From Carefree, take Cave Creek Road/Forest Road (FR) 24 for approximately 33 miles to the Bloody Basin-Tangle Creek area. At this junction of FR 24 and FR 269, turn right. Follow FR 269 for approximately 12 miles to the Sheep Bridge at the Verde River. Both FR 24 and FR 269 are narrow, unpaved roads with blind curves. A portion of FR 24 is maintained, but FR 269 is rarely maintained. A high-clearance vehicle is required. When muddy or rainy, four-wheel drive is often required, as well.

View and download a map.