Sheeps Bridge

The Verde River Sheep Bridge (also known as Sheep Bridge or Red Point Sheep Bridge) is a pedestrian suspension bridge spanning the Verde River in a remote section of Tonto National Forest, Arizona. It serves as a key access point to the west side of the Mazatzal Wilderness.

The original bridge was constructed by the Flagstaff Sheep Company and the Howard Sheep Company to safely move sheep between winter and summer grazing ranges, reducing losses from hazardous river crossings. Road access to the site was prepared in early 1943, with main construction occurring primarily from March to June 1943 and concrete work on the towers completed in January 1944. The bridge cost $7,277 and incorporated salvaged materials from an Arizona mine and a railroad line, built largely with hand tools and limited resources during World War II under the engineering design of Cyril O. Gilliam and supervision of Frank Auza and George W. Smith.

Sheep drives across the bridge continued until 1978. The structure was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on November 21, 1978, recognizing its significance to Arizona's sheep-raising industry and as the last remaining suspension-type sheep bridge in the state.

The original bridge was closed in 1987 due to deterioration from age, use, and flooding. It was largely demolished in 1988. The U.S. Forest Service constructed a replica pedestrian bridge in 1989, designed primarily for hikers and recreational users. The original west concrete tower from 1944 remains standing nearby.

Get more unusual and extraordinary places each week with the Atlas Obscura Places newsletter.

Your newsletter subscriptions with us are subject to Atlas Obscura's Privacy Policy and Terms of Use .