Description: Twenty one air miles northeast of Cave Creek, Arizona, in the Bloody Basin area of the Tonto National Forest, the Verde River makes a Z-shaped bend between two prominent rock out croppings. There, in 1943, Flagstaff Sheep Company, which had been grazing sheep in the area since 1926, constructed a cable suspension bridge to provide safe passage for it's sheep across the river. In 1988, weakened by years of service and floods, the bridge was dismantled. A year later, a new structure of similar design was erected on the site, even though sheep ranching was no longer carried out in the area. It provides hikers, horseback riders, and hunters access into the Mazatzal Wilderness, located a few miles east of the Verde River.
This is a great trail for beginners not looking for too much challenge. The trail is very dusty but it is unlikely you will get scratches or damage to your Rover.
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To the trailhead: From the intersection of Pima and Dynamite in North Scottsdale drive north on Pima until you reach Cave Creek Road. Turn Right on Cave Creek Road. Where the road splits, you'll see a sign for Bartlett Lake & Rangers Station to the right; you'll want to stay left (this is Forest Road 24, zero your trip odometer here to follow along with my directions). Shortly afterwards you'll pass a sign for Seven Springs, Sears Kay Ruin, Camp Creek, Residential Area. After 2 miles you'll enter the Tonto National Forest. At the 4.5 mile point the pavement ends in a well graded dirt road. This is the air down spot.
The trail: