.......... .. .. ........... "Once In A While You Get Shown The Light In The Strangest Of Places If You Look At It Right" :Robert Hunter

All of the music recordings on this site are recordings of independent origin (ROIOs) Music that has not been officially released. If you are an artist or a legal representative of an artist and you do not want your ROIO shared on my site for free among your fans (and creating new fans), just tell me in the comment area and I will remove them. By the way these recordings exist. They won't go away. All of them can be found at various places on line. Sharing just keeps the fans that support the artists from having to get ripped off by purchasing them on auction sites, and it also introduces music to people who would never have known the artist, creating a stronger fan base.

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

West Clear Creek Wilderness, AZ

This is one of the most visited pages on my blog.  I originally posted it back in November of 2010 and it is still popular today.  So I thought I would give it a bump so whoever has not seen it could check it out.  This Canyon is a favorite place of mine and big part of what Arizona Jones is all about.

I started this blog with a small piece about a backpack trip into West Clear Creek Wilderness in Arizona. But that is just a small part of what there is to see in this remarkable place. West Clear Creek Wilderness Area is a deep entrenched canyon with a year round stream flowing through it. This canyon runs east to west from near Happy Jack up on the Mogollon Rim down to near Camp Verde. It is very remote and wild with deep pools of water and red sandstone cliffs. The traveling in this canyon is rugged and difficult with few trails and much of the time you are in the water wading or swimming and the rest of the time boulder hopping. Travel in this canyon should be done with care because there is no easy way to get help. The monsoon season should be avoided due to flash flood danger and the winter it is too cold to swim. The Canyon is more than thirty miles long and some sources say as much as forty.
The canyon has four parts divided by upper, bottom half of the upper, middle and lower.
Upper: The upper part of West Clear Creek is a wide canyon, and very beautiful. There are not the significant narrow parts, but the upper part has large Coconino Sandstone cliffs with a nice forest of large trees.
The pools are often large but not as deep as in the middle section and you can navigate with just getting your feet wet in most cases. Expect to do a little wading in this part of the canyon, but no real swimming is required. There are several access points to the upper section.
You can access from the north side of the canyon at both Maxwell Trail and Tramway Trail that are the ends of FR 81E that forks near the end. These trails switch back down into the canyon from the rim and are steep but are well maintained Forest Service trails. You can also enter from the south at FR 142E which is a little steeper and more rugged trail. There are some pictographs on the north side of the canyon just downstream from the Maxwell trail that are interesting to visit.
This upper part of the canyon is a great day hike destination to get a feel for what this place is like. The travel in this upper section is much easier than the the middle section of the canyon
The bottom half of the upper canyon: This part is accessed by two trails from the south side of the canyon. One is the Calloway Trail at the end of FR 142B and the other is an unnamed trail at the end of FR 142A. the Calloway Trail is a steep switch back decent from the rim down into the canyon but the trail is maintained and well built. The trail at the end of FR 142A is more of a scramble in places and pretty steep. This bottom half of the upper canyon is more difficult to travel. In the canyon between these two entrances are some places you will have to swim to get past. In one place there are two large deep pools right under some power lines that cross over the canyon. These pools have steep white cliffs on both sides.
This is a great place to go for a day hike and swim on a hot day to get a feel for what West Clear Creek is all about.

If you go farther down stream toward FR 142 A there is a place that was hard to get past with another large pool where I just jumped into the water instead of trying to climb around it. Some people make a long loop by going down Calloway trail at FR 142B and then go down the canyon and come out at FR 142A. this could be an overnight trip or a very very long day.
The middle: this part of the canyon is from FR 142A down to where trail #17 comes down off the rim. To my knowledge there are no access point in this whole section (unless you rock climb). For me this is what West Clear Creek is all about. Remote solitude, with deep still pools reflecting canyon walls. This part of the canyon the travel is rugged and difficult and will test even the most fit outdoor enthusiast.

To travel into this part of the canyon it is pretty much an overnight affair. It took me three long days to get from FR 142A down to Bull Pen Ranch. And in this middle section you are going to get wet. There are many places where you have to swim to get past the large pools where sandstone cliffs come directly out of the water on both sides.

So to do this you must have all your stuff in dry bags and float your pack. From the trail at FR 142A you head down stream and right away you encounter a deep slot with large white cliffs on both sides with the water going from cliff to cliff. This is called The White Box. You must swim this to get further and its a good swim of 40 yards or more. When I did it there were large tree trunks stuck between the cliffs 15 to 20 feet above the water. This tells you of the danger of flash floods in this canyon.
After you negotiate the White Box the canyon opens up again and travel is boulder hopping along the creek. The next major landmark in the middle section is a hanging spring. This is one of the most beautiful spots in the canyon. A spring coming out of the south wall of the canyon drops water like a shower right into the middle of the stream. Often this spring is covered with yellow columbine flowers to add to the effect. There are some good camping sites that can be found near this spring.
Farther down stream the canyon narrows again and this time the cliffs are red and there is a series of tight slots with big pools of water you must swim. This is called the Red Box.
The Red box has more pools than the White Box and is a longer section but none of it's pools are as big or as long as the one big one in the White Box.
This red Box section has beautiful red cliffs and pool after pool of still water. There are pretty much no safe camp sites in this area where you can get up above the creek in case of floods
So camp before this section if you get to it late in the day or you will have to rush through one of the best parts of the canyon in order to set up a safe camp while there is still day light. After the Red Box again the canyon opens up and you are back to boulder hopping and fighting through brush. By now you will be a pro at this type of travel. Then again the canyon closes back in for some more swimming. You will find hopping from boulder to boulder with wet feet and a water logged pack (heavy) will wear you out. and you will sleep well each night from sheer exhaustion.
The next major feature or landmark is the water fall. This is my favorite spot in the whole canyon. It has a big pool at the base of the falls to swim in and it is a great place to stay the night. We camped here on our second night coming down the canyon from FR 142A.
To get past this obstacle (waterfall) you need to climb up and around on the south side. This place has some flat rock benches or ledges up above the creek that are good campsites. I have come in from the rim on trail #17 and stayed here overnight several times now. Often staying two nights just to enjoy this spot and explore and swim for the day without the weight of a pack. Oh and did I tell you this creek is full of trout and many of the pools in the middle section are rarely fished. After a day of fun and rest at the falls I then head back out. Once you are at the falls you can get out in one day. Down stream from the falls there are at least two or three more swims and then the canyon opens back up the rest of the way down to Bull Pen Ranch.
The Lower: This part of the canyon is a wide canyon with a well traveled trail (Trail #17) coming up from Bull Pen Ranch. This is the most visited part of the canyon and also the hottest and most uninteresting in my view. In many cases the trail takes you away from the creek and it only crosses four or five times in five miles.
Items that I feel are essential for completing a backpack of the middle section:
Walking stick - for keeping balance during the frequent stream crossings over slippery rocks
Air mattress or pool float toy - for ferrying your pack through the many deep pools that require swimming. Dry bags - to keep your sleeping bag and other things dry. Very sturdy shoes - don't think some water sandals will cut it. If you bring a tent a free standing type is a must because often you will camp on flat rock.
Some use a wet suit because the water is cool. I never have. I usually go when it's hot so the cold water feels good. Oh yea, you need to be able to swim. And bring some endurance and a high tolerance for pain.
Camp sites are just here and there through this backpack trip, in some places there just aren't any. The two areas with very few spots to pitch a tent are: directly below the entrance point at FR 142A and the section below the first stretch of red sandstone narrows. don't start looking for a camp sight as it gets dark, give yourself time. Oh, and try to camp up away from the creek. A flash flood in this canyon can raise the water level 15 to 20 feet.
To find trail heads I recommend the National Forest Service map of the Coconino National Forest. This map has served me well.
Here is some more on this great canyon if this was not enough for you.

http://arizjones.blogspot.com/2011/08/return-to-west-clear-creek.html


 

 

30 comments:

  1. By reading your great blog and looking at all these beautiful pictures I can only say:YOU MUST LIVE IN A GREAT PLACE !!
    If I can make it to the States again(after being in NY in 1978) I HAVE to visit all those great places in AZ.
    All the best from Germany
    Eberhard

    ReplyDelete
  2. Eberhard. Thanks for visiting my blog. Arizona is a fantasic place. I'm sure that Germany has some great wild places too. Go out where ever you are and connect with Gods creation. It's good for you.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I have been to Clear Creek Canyon before, once when I was about 18. I still remember it like it was yesterday. I love it very much, and would love to go back. I did once with a cousin of mine, but he could only make it one night, so it wasnt a huge thing like I did for 4 nights when I was 18. I remember we ran into a mountain lion, which was kind of freaky! Have you ever encountered a mountain lion in Clear Creek?
    If you have some time to talk in depth about this subject, I would love to talk with you about it over the phone, or in person if I can take you out for a coffee or a drink! I want to pick your mind a little!! :)
    Trent
    godisel@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hey Trent love the fact that you have experienced West Clear Creek. The mountain Lion thing is a bit strange. Seeing one is rare they don't show themselves and are rarely taken by suprise. I'm certain there are mountain lions in the Clear Creek Wilderness as there are in most wild places in the western U.S. But contact with people is rare.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Yes, I agree... My brother was supposedly its prey. It was up in a tree, and was about to pounce when he turned and saw him, the Mountain Lion jumped down from the tree and ran straight up the side of the cliff. Pretty amazing! So, if you would be willing... I would love to take the time to ask you some questions about the place sometime. I would like to make the Canyon one of my staple places to go visit. Would you be willing to talk with me someitme?
    Trent

    ReplyDelete
  6. I like your post. I'm from Colorado and my girlfriend and I have been looking for places to go to help me get my fix of adventure. You're pictures make it look amazing. I was hoping you could answer a few questions about it if you didn't mind...How many miles/mph were you hiking for the 3 day time frame? Is there a way to shuttle/park cars at both points? Also do you think November would be a good time to go or would it be to late in the season? Do you think we would run into anybody in the middle? And did you just filter and drink the pool water or did you pack in water?
    Thanks in advance,
    Tyler

    ReplyDelete
  7. Tyler. November is too cold for the swimming parts. Hypothermia for sure. I filter the water from the creek. MPH? don't know. But They were all long hard days of hiking, wading, swimming, boulder hopping, and fighting through brush. Car shuttle? Well My friend left his car and then we drove mine up to the top. There are no services (like at Paria Canyon in Utah)that supply car shuttle if you are asking that. Hope that helps.

    ReplyDelete
  8. When we lived off clear creak near the original happy jack logging camp back when there was still logging, we drank water directly from the creak. Last time we went back 25 years ago it was still crisp and clean, best water I ever had. City water is poison!! Would love to go back. Very unforgettable!!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hows the beginning of March to go in this area?

    ReplyDelete
  10. The water will be very cold in March. Hypothermia could be a problem. Wait till late April, May, June.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Great site...I am from NC but have done canyoneering trips from upper to Bull Pen 6 years running...It has to be my favorite destination so far in this life...As to best time- we often vary- In early June you can expect water temps in the 50's and nighttime lows in the 40's.... Bring your toasties!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Thanks so much for posting this info and the great pics! I am planning a three day/two night trip through Clear Creek Canyon in the near future. I was planning to drop down Calloway and come out through Bullpen, but reading your post, that sounds too ambitious. I would like to use the trail at the end of 142a but need better directions to find this road and trailhead. Any chance you could help? Thanks so much!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Still ambitious. Hope you are in good shape. Take FR 144 east from highway 260. After a short while you will turn left at FR 149. Then at a major intersection turn left on FR 142. The side roads off this are 142c 142B and finally 142A. The road is good until just before 142B. If there has been wet weather it can be muddy past there. 142A is a real rocky road. 4X4 only I would say. I have never driven the whole way. As I recall at the end of the road, and it has been a while, there is no real trail but sort of a track with loose scree in places. Be careful and make sure you are not in that canyon during a monsoon storm. You could die. Flash floods can happen fast in that canyon and often there will be no escape if you are in the narrow areas. Also it can take a full day for the water to calm down.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Thanks again for the info and the quick reply. I moved to Cottonwood two years ago and have been eying this hike for awhile. Perhaps I'll see you on a trail sometime!

    -Jason

    ReplyDelete
  15. Hey, this is an awesome blog! I spent time in Upper (perhaps lower-upper) and lower (Bull Pen) last year and lost my notes on how to get in so your thorough account is going to be very helpful. Perhaps you might know something about Wet Beaver Creek as well? I moved to the midwest but am coming back for a week or so soon and would love to revisit some of these spots!

    ReplyDelete
  16. just got back from a three day trip over there thanks to this blog. thanks!
    - archie

    ReplyDelete
  17. This is the first Blog page that I have ever read and all I have to say is: Awesome! I was reading the book Eiger Dreams and Rick Fisher's name came up in the chapter Cayoneering so I Googled his name and found your blog somehow. Again-really cool!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Is there a way to get to that waterfall not camping, or is it a trek?

    ReplyDelete
  19. To 12yaan. It takes a full day to get to the waterfall, so it is an overnighter, and in places you must swim to get there. This not easy, you must be in shape. All overnight gear must be in dry bags when you make water crossings. Only try this in warm weather and avoid this during monsoon season due to flash floods.

    ReplyDelete
  20. HI AZ -
    Any worries about fires in the area, trail washouts, etc., now, on June 2nd?
    Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  21. There is a fire restriction in place, so no camp fires, or smoking. Don't know about trail washouts. But most of the trails were never good in the first place. And along the stream bed there really is no trail just boulder hopping and fighting through the dense brush and swimming and wading through water. Nothing is easy in this wilderness. Check the national forest for further information. I know that Bull Pen access had some restrictions in place last year.

    ReplyDelete
  22. dennisg11348@gmail.comOctober 19, 2014 at 7:28 PM

    When I lived in Flagstaff during the 70's I used to fish West Clear creek several times each summer. I only traveled the stream as long as it took me to limit out on those rainbows and bigger german browns, many times it didn't take too long. While my practice was to always carry everthing I carried in I did leave hidden an old iron skilette to cook on each time I visited. Those trout tasted mighty good before I bedded down not far from the creek's bank. You didn't happen to run accross it near the creek off tramway? Some great tasting trout and fried potatoes were cooked on it. Last, I didn't have any encounters with mountain lions but I did have a bear cross the creek upstream of me as I stood in some tall vegetation creek side while fishing. Other then that I routinely watched beavers swim in various pools as I slowly waded the creek. It was a wonderful experience each time I went, plus I never failed to have trout for supper on those trips.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Thanks for your awesome blog. Last night I finally finished the entire hike from Maxwell to bullpens. It took me 3 years! Well,lets say it took me 3 trips over 3 summers to complete. Your description is right on target. It is absolutely one of the most beautiful place I've seen. My advice to anyone is to take extra time. It really is slow hiking. You really do not want to twist or break an ankle down there. This last trip we did not see anyone for 2 days and finally saw a lone camper when we were about 2 miles from bullpens.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Good advice. Have a friend that broke his leg in there. Was stuck for days before rescue. Had to have his leg amputated. So yes take it slow and be careful.

      Delete
  24. Thanks so much for this blog... it's the most detailed I've seen of the hike I plan to do next summer (2018)I I'm hoping you could help me with a few questions. Could I make it from the top of Calloway trail to the camping area near Hanging Gardens in a day? I'm only going as far as the waterfall so I'm thinking one day to Hanging Gardens (camp), one day to waterfall (camp), one day back to Hanging Gardens (camp), one day back out. Is that reasonable distance to cover? Also, how much (time) difference would it make if I took the non-maintained trail at 142A as opposed to Calloway at 142B? Is there anyplace to hang a hammock at the Hanging Gardens area? How about the waterfall? If we decided to base camp at Hanging Gardens, could we make it to the waterfall and back in a day (considering no heavy packs)? Any info you could provide would be greatly appreciated. Thanks again for the great descriptions!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Can't say that I would try what you are talking about. I would leave a car at Bull Pen Ranch then go up to 142A and go down. That alone will take two to three days. Adding Calloway to 142A would be a stretch. This stuff is very slow going and wears you out. By the way the road into 142A is complete garbage and you will need a very capable high clearance 4 wheel drive that can really go over rough rocky stuff. 142B is not as bad yet still need a high clearance 4 wheel drive.

      Delete
  25. Thanks so much for all of the info. I guess I need to reconsider the number of days I allow for the trip. I'm still curious... can you give me an idea of how long to plan for a hike from the top of 142B to hanging gardens? What about the top of 142A to hanging gardens? Lastly, is hammock camping a reasonable option in the canyon (around hanging gardens, in particular)? Thanks so much for your assistance!!

    ReplyDelete
  26. How far is the falls from whitebox and red box? Could you drop in at #17 and get to the slot canyon pools and back in one overnighter?

    THanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. to get to the waterfall up trail 17 will take all day (long difficult day) and then stay over night, and then come back the next day. From white box down to the falls took me two days. This can only be done in warm weather, and never go in the canyon when it is monsoon season and possible rain for fear of flash flood and possible death.

      Delete