Bloody Basin Road down to Sheeps Bridge

Bloody Basin Road runs 36 miles from Interstate 17 all the way down to the Verde River where you will meet up with the Sheeps Bridge. But before you get to the river there is a lot to experience along the way. One of the big attractions is the Aqua Fria National Monument where you will get to experience the Pueblo La Plata. Ruins of an ancient settlement from over 750 years ago.
There are multiple dispersed campsites after you cross into the Tonto National Forest. Side trails are abundant for the overlanders who want to explore for days on end.
While most of this trail is a grated dirt road, the final 11 miles is ROUGH down to the river. Once at the end of the trail, take in the views of the Verde River from the Sheeps Bridge. The current bridge is a replica of the original built in the early 1940s. It was used to allow local sheep ranchers access to grazing land on the east side of the Verde.
Plenty of room for dispersed camping at the river. If you search hard enough, you may also find the hot spring!

[@elainefarr3155]

My granddad had a ranch just north, of bloody basin. We tookCordesJunction to get to the ranch, but it went east & south into that area. I have ridden many of those mountains horseback, working cattle. So nice to see it again after all these years.

[@Trail89Adventures]

Oh that is awesome!

[@alexpain1768]

When the river gets lower you should do a video of the trip from horseshoe lake up to sheeps bridge the back way.

[@Trail89Adventures]

I have been looking at that back way from Horseshoe. Definitely need to wait until the water is low since I am running stock Rubicon lift and 33s. On my list for sure. Have you run the backway?

[@alexpain1768]

@@Trail89Adventures Yeah I cross it to go up to sheep's bridge since its a whole lot faster then the normal way. I got a 2nd gen with a 4 inch lift on 35s with a snorkel and I was barely able to cross last weekend but the water has come down a bunch in the past month. After you cross the river though its a 2wd road for most of it.

[@alexpain1768]

It takes about 30-40 minutes to get to sheep's bridge from horseshoe

[@Trail89Adventures]

@@alexpain1768 Thanks for letting me know. I would imagine late summer, or the fall would be the best time. If you could barely cross with that setup, not a chance I would even think about it.

[@MetroCollectablesandvlogs]

Another great vid Todd!

[@Trail89Adventures]

Thanks Mike, I have a few more to edit and post.

[@MetroCollectablesandvlogs]

@@Trail89Adventures LMK when you go on a shorter one. something with cool views and rivers or creeks. maybe do lunch while we are out.

[@MetroCollectablesandvlogs]

@@Trail89Adventures Really love the editing you put into the videos and the drone footage. 🙌

[@Trail89Adventures]

@@MetroCollectablesandvlogs Thanks. It does take time for sure. The drone was actually flying pretty good that day. Unfortunately, it no longer hovers very well after flying it into multiple bushes...lol

[@MetroCollectablesandvlogs]

@@Trail89Adventures LOL

[@Raydawg]

Nice video. I hear it takes alot of time to get there, I've not gone so It was AWESOME watching you go. Thanks for sharing the fun

[@Trail89Adventures]

Thanks for watching. Glad you enjoyed. Definitely an all day run if you stop and explore at all.

[@athoutdoors9921]

I’m surprised the Forest Service hasn’t removed that car. Great video!

[@Trail89Adventures]

Thanks for watching. I ran this in April. Took me a while to get to editing. It could be gone by now but it was pretty far in.

[@jeep4dirt]

Thx for another excellent and entertaining video. I appreciate how much time it takes to shoot and edit your videos. Do u off-road during the week or on the weekends?

[@Trail89Adventures]

Thanks! Yeah does take some time to due but is all for the fun of it. I have a few move to edit that I shot a while back. This was on a week day. I was off that week so hit some trails.

[@outbackwack368]

Been on my list, but I'll get this done this winter when we're back in town. I knew you didn't do this route now that it's near 115°! Thanks!

[@Trail89Adventures]

No not now. Did it back in beginning of April. Just got it edited and posted. Some cool things to check out in this area.

[@mikecarey5225]

Hey Todd, have you done the backway to Sheeps Bridge?

[@Trail89Adventures]

I have not. I have contemplated doing it but the water crossings I thought were a bit much with the high water flow earlier in the year and being a stock vehicle. Have you done it?

[@mikecarey5225]

I have not. Only the bloody basin route a couple times. I am gonna do it in a couple weeks and camp under the bridge for a couple nights.

[@njbinkers]

Another great video Todd! I need to get down there soon. One of these days we need to hook up and get out

[@ebx2323]

Love the video! I had a trip booked for Fossil Creek cancelled on me tomorrow and im looking for another adventure similar to fossil creek and rememebered this place! The drive there is long but fun. Any other recommendations similar to this trail with a shorter drive?

[@Trail89Adventures]

Four Peaks is a pretty scenic run and easy trail.

[@johngowey8996]

Agua fria not aqua. Pronounced awa fria.

[@man-on-the-brink]

Another great video! How much time should one figure to allow to make it to the bridge and back to I-17?

[@Trail89Adventures]

Well, it took me pretty much all day out and back. It is around 36 miles one way. Trails Offroad rates it at 5 hours one way. If you don't stop maybe faster but if you are going on this run, it is not a quick out and back by any means. Thanks for watching and glad you enjoyed it.

[@ECgod77]

How long did it take you to get to the bridge from I17? And how bad was the last 12 miles or so? Looks like it’s rocky but not any obstacles really?

[@Trail89Adventures]

No real obstacles to speak of. I had no issues getting there, just slow going. Out and back took me all day but keep in mind I stopped a lot to film and check out things. I want to say it is like 35 miles one way.