The Old Verde River Sheep Bridge

Vic drove thirty two miles on dirt and two and one half hours for this first view of the  Sheep Bridge.  The original suspension bridge was replaced with this more modern structure on the historic site.

Sheepherders drove their herds across the river several times a year, especially in the spring and fall.  At least a few head were lost each time due to the swift current.  To solve the problem ranchers built temporary bridges - one a pontoon-type, another a temporary small suspension bridge.  That suspension bridge could only be used when the water was low and then had to be dismantled to prevent it being washed away when the water rose.

Another bridge built high above the water level eliminated that problem.

The concrete abutments are all that remain.

The photo on this sign below shows a herd of sheep funneling across the bridge built in the 1930s.

The original Verde River Sheep Bridge was built in 1943 and demolished in 1988.

The walkway was 476 ft. and 3 ft. wide.  It was erected with a few mules and hand tools during World War II

The new bridge recalls the ingenuity of the pioneer sheepmen and a way of ranching that has virtually disappeared.

The hole in the grasses is the only sign of a warm spring.

A mile before reaching the bridge we came upon a couple walking.  They had spent the previous 6 days rafting on the Verde River with a friend and had put in at the Sheep Bridge the previous evening.  Tom's dad was supposed to pick them up that day and had not appeared.  We agreed that if they were still walking when we returned from viewing the bridge we would give Tom a ride back to the entrance. There he could reach his dad by cell phone, rent a car or do whatever became necessary. 

Sure enough they were walking when we left.  Melanie returned to the bridge to wait with their friend (we don't have a backseat or room for more than one person with all our gear in the rear of the Jeep).  Atop a hill at a higher elevation Vic stopped and Tom was able to reach his dad who had his days confused. 

Several miles before we reached the entrance Tom's dad came along and the two men went on together.  They would not arrive to the river until well after dark and would still have the trip out. 

We sure hope they made it safely.  Likely it was well after 10pm before they reached the pavement once again.

The cottonwoods are leafing out.  How pretty!