The Agua Fria River has its humble beginnings in Prescott Valley. All tributaries on the east and north side of the Bradshaws enter it. It continues for 120 miles before entering the Gila River. This river like most in Arizona has water that rises above ground and flows and disappears underground at other locations. Over the years I've hiked and rode all sections except those below Jomax Road in Phoenix to the Gila River. The Agua Fria is seldom visited by people except for Bloody Basin Road, Badger Creek and Table Mesa Road where it enters Lake Pleasant. My favorite sections are between Chauncey Ranch and Dewey, and Badger Creek to Black Canyon City. There are several side tributaries to explore like Lousy Creek and others that hold populations of native fish. If I had to recommend one section to visit it would be the Badger Springs exit off Interstate 17. A short mile long hike downstream within pretty Badger Creek will drop you into the River. In the summer there is a deep swimming hole here. One can hike downstream or up from this point. Our map shows sections of the Agua Fria that typically flow. Diverse wildlife inhabit this river system as well as many Indian petroglyphs. When you hike take a trash bag with and pick up any trash along the way.  Click here for a map
 

Between Dewy and I 17

Large cottonwood trees 

Between Bloody Basin Road and Badger Creek

At Badger Creek

Between Bloody Basin Road and I 17

In Dewy