The 71,100-acre Agua Fria National Monument contains one of the most significant systems of prehistoric sites in the American Southwest. At least 450 prehistoric sites and four major settlement areas are known to exist within the monument. The area contains two mesas – Perry and Black Mesa – and the Agua Fria River Canyon. In addition to its rich record of human history, the monument contains a diversity of vegetative communities, pristine riparian habitat, topographical features and a wide array of wildlife. Elevations range from 2,150 to 4,600 feet.
Total size: 71,100 acres

Location:
Approximately 40 miles north of Phoenix.


Historical Facts:
Between 1250 and 1450 A.D., several thousand people lived in the Agua Fria area in pueblo communities. The four major settlement areas are Pueblo La Plata, Pueblo Pato, the Baby Canyon Ruin group and the Lousy Canyon group. Consisting of clusters of stone-masonry pueblos with as many as 100 rooms, most of the settlements are located at the edges of steep canyons that provide panoramic vistas. Petroglyphs and distinctive rock art can be seen on boulder surfaces and cliff faces. The Agua Fria area also contains historic sites representing early Anglo-American history, historic mining features and evidence of military activities.
Designation date: January 11, 2000, by President William J. Clinton

 

Watch the Clip Agua Fria, or cold water, contains one of the most significant systems of prehistoric sites in the American Southwest with over 450 documented ruins. Windows Media file: PC compatible Low 141 KB | High 863 KB QuickTime movie: Macintosh/PC compatible 1.30 MB >>Free software downloads: Windows Media - Quicktime

 

Learn more:

BLM Homepage (Arizona)

Agua Fria Fact Sheet

Agua Fria Photo Gallery

Agua Fria Background Information

Agua Fria Maps

 

Managing Agency:

Bureau of Land Management
BLM Phoenix Field Office
21605 North 7 th Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85027
(623) 580-5500

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