Pueblo La Plata Cultural Site

Facility ·

Managed by the Bureau of Land Management

Agua Fria National Monument (BLM_MON) · Open Access

3,710 ft
Elevation
Pueblo la Plata Site

Pueblo la Plata is a prominent archaeological site in the Agua Fria National Monument. It was once a large village with 80–90 rooms set atop a mesa surrounded by desert grasslands and steep canyon walls. Visitors can walk among low-standing wall remnants and enjoy ridge-top views of the canyon and Silver Creek below.

Occupied between AD 1200 and 1450 by approximately 3,000 people, Pueblo la Plata showcases stone-walled architecture, agricultural terraces, and signs of long-distance trade with Puebloan communities and the Verde River Valley. The site reveals a complex society that managed water and land resources and used fortifications to monitor the surrounding landscape.

Hours and Seasons

Open year-round, 24 hours a day.  

Features and Services

  • Access and Parking: There is a gravel parking lot near a fence surrounding the area. Walk through the gate and follow a flat, 0.25-mile trail to the cultural site.
  • Cell Service: Limited; expect poor reception.
  • Toilets: None.
  • Drinking Water: None.
  • Pets: Allowed on leash; please pick up after your pet.
  • Camping: Primitive, dispersed camping is permitted on nearby BLM lands; check local regulations for fire and camping guidelines.
  • Nearby Amenities: Nearest services are in Black Canyon City and Cordes Lakes: food, fuel, lodging, and medical care.

Respect and Protect

Historic and archaeological sites are protected by law. Please leave artifacts where you find them and do not climb on walls or structures. By practicing responsible outdoor ethics, you help ensure future visitors can enjoy this remarkable site.

Getting there

From Interstate 17 (north of Phoenix), take Bloody Basin Road exit (Exit 259). Drive 8.3 miles on Bloody Basin Road, then turn north onto a dirt road and drive about one mile to the Pueblo la Plata parking area. You can identify this road by the earthen cow tanks a short distance down it.  A high-clearance vehicle is recommended beyond the first paved 5 miles of Bloody Basin Road.

34.25073, -112.02769 · 34°15'2.6"N 112°1'39.7"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 96°F in Jul, down to 58°F in Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F596167748393969489796758
Low °F343538425058666660493933
Precip in1.71.91.40.40.40.12.02.11.61.11.01.5

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 8.7 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Fees and stay limits

The Pueblo La Plata Cultural Site is free (no fee required) for general visits by the public.   However, commercial, competitive, and large organized group events require a special recreation permit. Contact the Hassayampa Field Office for more information about special recreation permits.

From Recreation.gov, which is not always current. The operator's own page is the authority on what you will be charged.

Member photos

Common questions about Pueblo La Plata Cultural Site

Can you reserve a site at Pueblo La Plata Cultural Site?
No. Pueblo La Plata Cultural Site is not reservable through Recreation.gov, so sites are first-come, first-served or booked elsewhere.

Camping near Pueblo La Plata Cultural Site

Comments

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-04-21.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.