Tenmile Wash (Arizona) facts for kids
Tenmile Wash is a long, dry riverbed in the northern Sonoran Desert of south-central Arizona. It's about 85 miles (137 km) long. It's called an ephemeral wash because it only has water flowing in it after heavy rain. Tenmile Wash is one of two main dry river systems that flow into the Gila River Valley. Both of these washes flow towards the northwest. The other main wash is called the San Cristobal Wash, and it's about the same length.
What is Tenmile Wash?
Tenmile Wash starts its journey east of Ajo, Arizona. To its west, you'll find the Little Ajo Mountains and the Growler Mountains. On its eastern side, there's a chain of mountains, including the Pozo Redondo Mountains in the southeast.
How the Water Flows
Near its start, there's a "water divide." This is like a high point where water flows in different directions. South of this point, some water actually turns and flows northwest as part of the San Cristobal Wash. This happens through the Growler Valley, which is also the northern part of the Valley of the Ajo.
As Tenmile Wash continues, it flows northwest through the Childs Valley. It runs along the eastern edge of this valley. The western side of Childs Valley is drained by Daniels Wash, which also flows into the San Cristobal Wash further west.
Near its northern end, Tenmile Wash crosses the western Sentinel Plain. It then enters the Gila River Valley through a 5-mile (8 km) long area called Canyon Diablo. After this, the wash creates its own path, flowing southwest and running next to the Gila River to the north. Eventually, they join together about 20 miles (32 km) downstream.
Midway Wash
Midway Wash is a part of the Tenmile Wash system. It also drains northwest into the southern and central parts of the Sentinel Plain.
How to Visit Tenmile Wash
You can easily reach the northern part of Tenmile Wash by taking Interstate 8. It's about 11 miles (18 km) west of Sentinel, Arizona and 2 miles (3 km) east of Aztec, Arizona.
The southern part of Tenmile Wash is easy to get to from the Ajo area using Arizona State Route 85. There are also dirt roads that branch off west from State Route 85. These roads let you explore other parts of Tenmile Wash.
