Explore exciting river activities on BLM Arizona-managed public lands

Explore exciting river activities on BLM Arizona-managed public lands

Sep 20, 2024

On World Rivers Day, we are celebrating by the water.

Rivers offer some of the most exciting recreational opportunities on Bureau of Land Management (BLM)-managed public lands in Arizona. Fishing, boating, hiking - there is something for everyone!

And remember - before you visit these impressive rivers, make sure you are prepared: pack with plenty of food and water, supplies, and proper equipment. Don't forget to do plenty of research about weather and road conditions to ensure an exciting and safe time.

Here are just some of our favorite activities across the state in honor of World Rivers Day, which is on Sunday, September 22 this year. When you visit, you can help us keep rivers healthy and beautiful by leaving no trace and recreating responsibly.

Explore history near the Agua Fria River

A sign points to the 1891 School House found in the Agua Fria National Monument.

Managed by the Hassayampa Field Office, the 71,000-acre Agua Fria National Monument is about 40 miles north of central Phoenix and encompasses two mesas and the canyon of the Agua Fria River.

Step back in time at the following the path from Badger Springs trailhead or by exploring former locations of the Teskey Home Site or the 1891 Schoolhouse. Explore these sites but leave artifacts as they are - please help protect these prehistoric and historic sites as an important part of the nation's heritage.

In addition to the rich record of human history, the monument has outstanding wildlife. The area is the home to coyotes, bobcats, antelope, mule deer, javelina, a variety of small mammals and songbirds. Eagles and other raptors may also be seen. Native fish exist in the Agua Fria River and its tributaries.

There are currently no fees within the Agua Fria National Monument.

Enjoy a picnic at the Virgin River Recreation Area

The Virgin River flows near the lower loop of the Virgin River Canyon Recreation Area.

Dreaming of grilling hot dogs over a fire? The Virgin River Canyon Recreation Area, which is managed by the Arizona Strip Field Office, offers grills and picnic tables galore. These prime picnic spots are also just a short distance away from the Virgin River.

Follow scenic trails to the river, taking in the stunning and colorful mountain desert setting.

Aside from a great picnic area, the Virgin River Canyon Recreation Area also provides many other recreational opportunities, including overnight camping (with some sites available for reservation), hiking, wildlife viewing, water play, and more.

The day use fee is currently $2 per vehicle. Day use is free when you display in your car's dash any America the Beautiful - The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass. Overnight use is $8 per night (for up to two vehicles), and there is a discount of 50% with a Senior or Access America the Beautiful - The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass.

Attend a guided walk in the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area

The San Pedro House is a historic ranch house that was restored by the Friends of the San Pedro River.

Managed by the Safford Field Office, the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area contains almost 57,000 acres of public land in Cochise County between the international border and St. David, Arizona. 

Some 40 miles of the upper San Pedro River meanders through the area. More than 80 species of mammals, two native species and several introduced species of fish, more than 40 species of amphibians and reptiles, and 100 species of breeding birds call the river home.

The Friends of the San Pedro River lead guided walks through the area, starting at the San Pedro House:

• Every Saturday at 8 a.m. - Guided nature walks and history walks starting at San Pedro House

• Second Wednesdays and fourth Saturdays at 7 a.m. - Bird Walks starting at San Pedro House

Please call ahead for the schedule of guided walks, hikes and children's programs. 

The San Pedro House, a historic ranch house restored by the Friends of the San Pedro River, is a bookstore and gift shop run by volunteers. The San Pedro gift shop and bookstore is open daily from 9:30 a.m. till 4:30 p.m. The area around the San Pedro House features interpretive signs which inform visitors about various native plants, riparian areas, watersheds and aquifers, and wildlife.

Currently, you must have a permit for overnight backcountry camping. Permit fees are $2 per person per night. Day use throughout the national conservation area is free; you don't need a permit.

Enjoy fast- and slow-paced boating near the Oxbow Recreation and Wildlife Area

Picnic tables can be found at Oxbow Recreation and Wildlife Area.

Managed by the Yuma Field Office, the Oxbow Recreation and Wildlife Area is located approximately 68 miles northwest of Yuma and 23 miles south of Blythe, California.

The recreation area provides RV and tent camping sites, a boat launch, and a day use area on an old river channel (Oxbow) of the Colorado River. It has two accessible restrooms, grills, picnic tables, as well as boat trailer parking. Jet skiing, water skiing, and other fast paced boating activities are popular on the Colorado River, while slower paced boating activities, such as fishing, kayaking, and canoeing are more common within Oxbow Lake.

The site is heavily used on summer and holiday weekends and is popular with winter visitors.

The day use fee is currently $10 per vehicle. The fee for camping is $15 per vehicle. The annual pass for Yuma Field Office-managed sites is currently $75.

Looking for more river activities in Arizona? Check out our website.