I've searched but I can't seem to find any decent directions. Does anyone have turn by turn?

 

Here is what I found so far. Can someone fill in the gaps on how to Steven Springs? I'm new to the valley


"It's very hard to describe. It's one of those turn left on the decond dirt road. We took Cave creek east past Seven Springs about 30 miles ona dirt road. You'll come to a Y in the road with signs Left for Bloddy Basin Rd, turn right, go about another 10 miles down this dirt road, looking for FR18. Left on FR18 and it drops down into the river. Follow the river for 7.6 miles and your at the verde river. Awesome place. I hope this helps. It took us 2 hours to get to the mouth of Red Creek and then took us approx 2 hours to get to the Verde. Nice camping spots where red creek and the verde meet."

 

What you have described is pretty much the crux of it. IIRC from when I was out there last, FR18 does have a sign. It's been a while though and that stuff has a tendancy to change. Also, depending on where you are coming from, you can take Seven Springs or Bloody Basin Rd to get there. From the west side take the 17 north to Bloody Basin and take that east to FR 18. From the east valley take Cave Creek Rd north until it hits Bloody Basin. Turn right and shortly FR 18 will be a left turn. If you get to the Sheep Bridge, you went too far. Bloody Basin also shows up on maps as FR269 or NF 269. Cave Creek is also sometimes identified as Seven Springs or FR/NF 24. Check Google earth at 34 08 13 N, 111 46 49 W to see the FR18/Bloody Basin junction. At some point FR 18 no longer shows on the map but by then you are in the creekbed and you just continue to follow it downstream to the river. It's generally an easy trail manageable by a stock 4x4 but keep in mind it is a creekbed and subject to change after every rain. Good luck.

 

Thanks BLKNBLU!! I was confused w the whole Cave Creek/Stevens Springs thing. Hopefully I'll be able to get out there in the next week or so.

 

I would like to do this trail also

 

This weekend I have family heading into town. I might try to go the last weekend of the month. I'll make a new thread if that happens.