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Sheep Crossing is the name given to a sheep
bridge across the Verde River that was constructed by Basque sheepherders
in the 1940’s to enable them to graze their flocks on the east
and west sides of the river. This is one of the most beautiful riparian
areas in the state, and a beautiful place to visit, fish, or just cool
off after a long day of wheeling in the Tonto National Forest.
Sheep Crossing Trail, following
Forest Service Roads 24 & 269, is rated as a 3.0 trail (Moderate
Difficulty). FR 24 is very hard and washboard for a long while, but
tends to smooth out after Seven Springs. FR269, past Tangle Creek, is
a VERY hard and bumpy trail, with only some minor holes or rocks to
navigate over. It is not a particularly challenging trail or and enjoyable
ride (depending upon your suspension), but the views are gorgeous through
Seven Springs, through Tangle Creek, and coming into the Verde River
valley.
Remember to Tread
lightly!
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How to Get There:
Sheep Crossing / Sheep Bridge can
be reached in three different directions: (1) from Interstate 17, south
of Cordes Junction (Bloody Basin Exit - FR 269), following FR269 to
the Verde River; (2) from Cave Creek Road, following Forest Service
Road 24 (FR24) north of the Seven Springs Campground and following FR269,
East; and by following the Horseshoe Dam Road (FR205) to Horseshoe Dam,
fording the Verde just below the Dam, or at the K.A. Ranch, and Forest
Road 269 (FR479) north to Sheep Bridge.
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