A Run Out to Sheeps Bridge

Recently I took the Jeep out for a run to Sheep Bridge, just north of Cave Creek, Arizona. It’s a spot tucked away along the Verde River that’s been on my list for a while. The route in is part of what makes it interesting — not extreme four-wheeling, but enough rough road to remind you why you brought a proper 4x4 instead of a crossover.

Getting There: Accessing the Sheep Bridge Trail

The drive out of Cave Creek quickly trades pavement for dirt, and once you’re out there, it’s all high desert: juniper, scrub, and long views toward the Mazatzal Mountains. The trail runs about 30 miles each way. Most of it is graded dirt, but there are stretches of ruts, rock shelves, and sandy washes. It’s not technical, but it is remote. The Forest Service rates it as moderate — which mostly translates to “don’t take a rental sedan” and “carry a real spare tire.” You definetly will want to air down for the rocky areas which are the last 8 miles or so towards the river.

Sheep Bridge Trail over the Verde River in Arizona

I made it out to the river by late morning, and it was quiet. Only a couple of other vehicles had made the drive in, and I ended up parked near a family that had already set up camp. Within minutes we were swapping stories and carne asada tacos they had grilled on the spot. Hard to beat a hot taco with that backdrop.

Friends enjoying a sunny day by the Verde River, sharing laughter and good times under a canopy.

Trail History: Ranching & Remote Crossings

Sheep Bridge itself is a steel suspension bridge originally built in the 1940s for ranchers moving sheep across the Verde. The original structure is long gone, but the replacement still gives you a feel for the effort it took to span this stretch of river. From the middle you can see how wide the Verde is here, cutting through otherwise dry country.

We cooled off with a swim, which was refreshing but not something to take lightly. The Verde can look calm, but the depth and current change quickly. You can find yourself out of your depth in just a few steps, so it pays to treat it with caution.

Enjoying a leisurely lunch break by the Verde River, amidst verdant reeds and picturesque hills, with a meal arranged in the back of a vehicle beneath the clear blue sky.

The trail back was uneventful — dust, ruts, and the sun dropping low behind the ridges. Nothing broke, nothing got stuck, which is just how you want it.

Wrap Up: Why Sheep Bridge Is a Classic Arizona Overland Route

Sheep Bridge is worth the trip if you want a solid off-road drive close to Phoenix that ends with a unique landmark, real solitude, and the chance to cool off in the Verde.

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Trail Notes

• Length: About 30 miles each way (60 round trip) from Cave Creek to the bridge. Take Cave Creek Trail to Bloody Basin Road

• TrailsOffroad 'Discount Code'

• Difficulty: Moderate. Mostly graded, but with rocky sections and washes. Best for high-clearance 4x4s.

• Best Season: Late fall through spring. Summer is brutally hot, and flash floods can be a risk during monsoon.

• Time Needed: A full day for the drive and time at the river.