The Past
Early settlers, farmers and ranchers forded Oak Creek at several locations. One of these places is now known as Red Rock Crossing.
In 1938, the Civilian Conservation Corps reportedly built a water-level concrete slab at this site. It was subsequently washed out and rebuilt several times.
This served the needs of local residents until the extraordinary floods of 1978 wiped out everything, leaving the route impassable.
In 1983, Yavapai County asked for and received an easement from the U. S. Forest Service to allow them to replace the crossing. This easement was 370 feet downstream from the original crossing's location.
From 1983 through 1994, the easement remained in effect. During this period, the County did nothing. Although the Forest Service could have rescinded the easement after five years of "nonuse," it continued to stay in force.
In 1994, the County passed a 1/2 cent sales tax and proposed using this revenue to build a bridge at Red Rock Crossing. And this time it was not going to be just another "low-water crossing."
On February 12, 1996, the full extent of the plan was finally revealed. Instead of another informal, low-water crossing, a truly imposing structure is now contemplated. Heavy vehicular traffic would invade an area of exceptional natural beauty, replacing the peaceful ambiance with congestion, noise and pollution.
For future visitors, the Red Rock Crossing experience could never be the same.
Red Rock Crossing The Bridge The
Site