Pueblo La Plata is the largest ancient Indian ruin in Agua Fria that dates back to before 1200 A.D. The ruin at one time had 80 to 90 rooms for living quarters of the people. Now the sight seems like just a pile of rubble. However there is significant research continuing on the mesa of Agua Fria which has about 400 sites. The community was quite large.

Today, few people visit the site because of the difficulty to get here. A high clearance 4×4 is required to get to the trailhead or you can walk the 2 mile road from Bloody Basin Road. There are many artifacts remaining in the area. Please practice “Leave No Trace” principles and do not take anything from the site. By the way, it is illegal to remove artifacts from an archeological site on federal land.

Directions: Exit 259 off Route 17 from Phoenix. Turn right on Bloody Basin road and follow for 8.5 miles. Pueblo La Plata is on the left and a sign marks the way.

Badger Spring Wash is a dry stream bed most of the year. This trail starts from the Badger Spring Trailhead just off Route 17 north of Phoenix. The trail follows the stream bed, sometimes in or along side for 1.5 miles. At about one mile, you reach the spring and a good amount of water which is surprising to find in the desert. The main trail is to the left along a rock outcropping.

Continue along the trail on the left and avoid the open boulder field. Many people miss the trail on the left. Watch for small cairns showing the way. Return the way you came. Be sure to explore the right side of the trail split. There is more water on that side and several places to camp.

After about hiking for 1 mile on the Badger Spring Trail you arrive at a confluence. Water on the right and a wash to the left. On the left side of the trail is a large rock outcropping. At the middle and near the top is very good examples of early American Indian petroglyphs. I think the ones near the top are best. You can easily walk right by them but just watch for that rock cliff right on the left side of the trail. The rock art may have been done by early Yavapai or the Perry Mesa Tradition Indian who settle the area in 1250 A.D.

The fork on the left is the main trail up the canyon. To the right is a lower wash that had a good amount of water, even in late May. To explore the lower wash, cross over the wash and hike along the bank of the water. The wash turns a corner and opens to a lush plant area. It is a beautiful relaxing spot that offers some shade. There are a few dispersed camping spots. A nice side trip to explore.

One of the best times to hike the Badger Spring Trail in late May or early June. During this time, desert flowers are in bloom, especially the Prickly Pear Cactus. The Prickly Pear can bloom in either yellow, red or purple flower. All the Prickly Pear in Badger Spring seem to bloom in yellow. Another flower in abundance along Badger Spring is the Smooth Threadleaf Ragwort.