This trail provides the only marked and maintained access to the lower reaches of West Clear Creek Wilderness. Although there is sand in the state, along with venomous reptiles and eerie invertebrates, there’s more to the landscape than that. Drive about 9 miles on FR 618 to FR 215 and turn east about 3 miles to the Bullpen Ranch trailhead. Ways to get down to the water from near the top. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is accessible year-round. Backpacking gem for sure, coming back to stay another week and fish Trailhead Directions: From the "Y" (the intersection of State Route 89A and State Route 179), drive … Although Forest Road 215 is a little rough in places, the road offers terrific views of the canyon into which you’ll be hiking — as you look down, your Lewis and Clark impulses will shift into overdrive. West Clear Creek Day Hike; when: Trip Report: June 1, 2013 : where: West Clear Creek Canyon Wilderness east of Camp Verde: the hike Flowing for 30 miles east of Camp Verde through the spectacular West Clear Creek Wilderness area, West Clear Creek is … Several of the better hiking trails are nearby West Clear Creek Trail including Huckaby Trail, West Fork Trail, Hot Loop Trail, Cathedral Rock / Templeton Trail, Wilson Mountain Trail and Jim Thompson Trail. This trail provides the only marked and maintained access to the lower reaches of West Clear Creek Canyon Wilderness. West Clear Creek Wilderness’ measurements are kinda cool: 2-miles wide by 20-miles long by 1000′ feet high – making it one of the skinniest and most gorgeous primitive canyons in Arizona. Hi! West Clear is a easy hiking trail with some shaded areas. Resources Whatever might have been swimming in that water is long gone, but fossils remain. The Stats: Trail Name: Point Trail Distance: 4 miles Elevation Gain: -750 feet Difficulty: Difficult steep climb down to the canyon floor, then easy Dog Friendliness: Definitely dog … It’s one of the most beautiful places anywhere. Name: West Clear Creek Trail #17. Then, after about a mile, it cuts south for the first of four stream crossings. Jul 16, 2018. In fact, if you’re even somewhat agile — you don’t have to be one of the Flying Wallendas — you can maneuver over the rocks and logs without getting wet. Directions: From Interstate 17 near Camp Verde, go southeast on State Route 260 for 7.9 miles to Forest Road 618. This trail provides the only marked and maintained access to the lower reaches of West Clear Creek Canyon Wilderness. The views of the mountains, rivers, and forest are just breath taking and this was one of the best hikes I've done so far. West Clear Creek is a gorgeous walled-in stream within Verde Valley, some distance south of Flagstaff. West Clear Creek Trail Hike. Also careful with jumping on rocks in the water very slippery!! We decided to head back to the trailhead and hiked along the creek downstream instead. Went in about 7:30am May 18, from Bull Pen with my LabDood. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is accessible year-round. Lots of debris (leaves, dirt) in Sheridan underpass; otherwise clear: Jul 2, … and don't take a small car, the dirt road to get to the trailhead is rocky and awkward to maneuver. This hike uses Trail #17 to access the creek, then heads off trail up the stream bed. The hike is just as impressive in reverse. Or turn east off FR 618 on FR 214 about 8 miles from the highway and turn east 4.7 miles to the Bald Hill Road. Copying and downloading images from this site is strictly prohibited. Photo: West Clear Creek’s serene water mirrors surrounding red-rock buttes. USGS Maps: Walker Mountain, Buckhorn Mountain From the top of the rim to the bottom is 0.7 miles and about 750 ft of elevation loss. Keep an eye out for snakes and Gila monsters. Then, after 5.5 miles and a fourth creek crossing, you’ll come to a point where the trail veers north, away from the water. From there, you’ll follow FR 214A and Forest Road 214 for 1.3 miles to the upper end of the Blodgett Basin Trail, which was built to move cattle between seasonal pastures. The Civilian Conservation Corps built the trail to Clear Creek in 1933. Make sure you take a hat, WATER, and hiking boots they really saved my toes. We started the trail around 8a and finished by noon. But that is just a small part of what there is to see in this remarkable place. I started this blog with a small piece about a backpack trip into West Clear Creek Wilderness in Arizona. However, if you’re in excellent condition and you want to extend the hike, follow the trail north through a draw that climbs almost 2,000 feet in 2 miles. unfortunately the trail doesn't follow the creek but instead takes the upper ridge line ans the only way to the river is brushwacking and climbing down steep-ish topography. Throughout most of the year, other than the wet season, it’s a simple hop, skip and jump to the other side. The easiest route to explore its mysteries is from FR215 and the trailhead at Bull Pen ranch. you can keep going if you want! so much contrast on this hike. I went Memorial Day weekend and got there early. The first 1/4 mile will be mostly hike a bike. (Brush Creek trail will probably see some improvements in the near future) At the top you will come to a dirt road. Pretty easy going and I stopped at the 3rd crossing, hung out awhile, then the winds started kicking in (advisories). The wilderness area is located in the Coconino National Forest and is 12 miles east of Camp Verde, Arizona. All Star Lanes Trailhead. Overall, West Clear Creek Trail is the 3rd most popular hiking trail of all 49 hikes in Arizona. Lots of snakes. First time hiking and this was a beautiful place, we only did 5 miles 2.5 in and 2.5 back and we still got to see alot of nature's beautifulness!!! (34°33’28.7″N 111°25’13.7″W)Source: USDA.gov From here you have options to swim, river hike, and fish, although the best swimming holes are deeper into the canyon. It’s a 2.5-mile route that leads back to Bull Pen Ranch and completes a 15-mile loop. The east end of West Clear Creek is a 700ft deep sandstone walled canyon with near vertical walls throughout. I saw a Honda Civic make it but I would highly recommend a vehicle with some clearance. This trail provides the only marked and maintained access to the lower reaches of West Clear Creek Canyon Wilderness. What’s more, it’s a good way to shatter any lingering stereotypes. couldn’t believe how beautiful it was the entire hike. Fido can roam off leash on this trail that is faint yet hard to get lost on. I made the classic mistake of not bringing enough water and by 10a it was nearly 100deg. Turn left onto FR 618 and continue 2.2 miles to Forest Road 215. Just retrace your steps and enjoy the views. This trail is phenomenal! There are 4 hard trails in West Clear Creek Wilderness ranging from 3.5 to 12.4 miles and from 5,692 to 6,863 feet above sea level. status date description; Jul 16, 2018 @ 5:15pm. The trail is nice and the water crossings are fun. Keep in mind, if you do find an ancient relic, it’s a federal offense to remove it or disturb it. All rights reserved. Don’t touch. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. From its western terminus at Bull Pen Ranch at the canyon mouth, the trail leads upstream into the deep, narrow gorge which the medium-sized West Clear Creek has cut into the southern edge of the Colorado Plateau. Most times of the year, Cheyava Falls is a mere trickle, but after a wet winter it gushes from the cliff face in a series of cascades. Those looking to follow the creek beyond the maintain trail should prepare for more than a dozen pools, which sits between both canyon wall sides and can be up to a quarter mile long, requiring wading or swimming. 2 things- the way in is a ROUGH up and down dirt road not built for small cars, and bring water shoes/bathing suits! update trails status or condition Clear Creek (West) Trail Reports. I slid and fell a few times on the way down. Is located in the northeast corner of All Star Lanes Bowling Alley. Directions: From Phoenix take I-17 north to Camp Verde to exit 285. Hiking the Point Trail along West Clear Creek on the Mogollon Rim in the Coconino National Forest of Arizona. The West Clear Creek Trail is a must hike for breathtaking views of this awesome landscape. So please hike Sedona, help others, and rate a trail today! From its western terminus at Bull Pen Ranch at the canyon mouth, the trail leads upstream into the deep, narrow gorge which the medium-sized West Clear Creek has cut into the southern edge of the Colorado Plateau. Obviously, you’ll get a bigger notch in your belt for taking the long way, but there’s no shame in staying down by the water. Will definitely be going back soon and doing the full 8 miles (with proper water shoes), This is one of my favorite places in the entire world! Trailhead GPS: N 34˚32.338', W 111˚41.510' Lots of pretty scenery in the valley and along the creek. This is a well-maintained easy to follow trail. Clear Creek Trail . We took our Jeep, I would be scared to take a small car, just make sure you have some heavy duty tires for all them rocks!!! during the last 2.4miles of the trail it is very exposed and you can get caught off guard in the sun with little water so do NOT bring dogs. The place is difficult to get to, but absolutely worth it. 17. It was not crowded on a Thursday mid-morning. Summary: An interesting hike that takes you to a nice creek. © Copyright 2020 Arizona Department of Transportation, State of Arizona. The cairns will guide you down but look for orange tape when the brush thickens. West Clear Creek Wilderness Area is a deep entrenched canyon with a year round stream flowing through it. Reproduction in part or whole without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. Does anyone know who has been there recently if there is water? West Clear Creek Trail is a 8.8 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Sedona, Arizona that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. Pick up your trash ppl. Heading east on the south side of the perennial creek, the trail meanders through a lush riparian forest and quickly comes to the second creek crossing, followed by the official boundary of the West Clear Creek Wilderness. Hike up West Clear Creek using the Bull Pen Ranch trail on the Mogollon Rim in Arizona. You have to take a dirt road about 10 miles to get to the trail head, I have a Subaru Crosstrek and felt VERY safe but think you can manage with a smaller vehicle (I wouldn't personally but it's doable). Your trail feedback and ratings are an important resource for fellow hikers and provide a personal account of your trail experience from which others may learn. Sand dunes, snakes, scorpions ... there’s a long list of stereotypes about Arizona. There is parking available on the west side of the creek behind the businesses even during business hours. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Remember to help out someone in need maybe it could be you next time!! Although it’s less than 2 miles wide, the canyon winds for nearly 40 miles through some of the most scenic and least visited terrain in Arizona, making it the longest of the many canyons that cut through the Mogollon Rim. There arent any waterfall or slot-canyon type features at this location. Information: Red Rock Ranger District, 928-282-4119 or www.fs.usda.gov/coconino, Arizona Highways 2039 W Lewis Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85009 602.712.2200. Bathrooms were locked (7/23/2020), sadly saw lots of trash left behind. GO EARLY!! The views of the canyon are impressive. There are a few trails in the canyon, but the one bearing the name West Clear Creek Trail is the most popular and most accessible. Dogs Allowed: Yes (on a leash) This is a trail that is HARD! The first mile, or so, of the trail is exposed with no shade, but when you start hiking along the creek it is all shades with tons of options to stop and swim to cool off for about the next mile. not too hard either. Bob Bear Trail (Formerly Fossil Springs Trail), Indian Maiden Falls via West Clear Creek Trail. Well-marked trail, pretty exposed to the sun at first. The West Clear Creek Trail (the longest and most-used trail within the wilderness) has four crossings that range from knee-height to impassable depending on time of year, weather, and flooding. This is one of the few trailheads allowing access to this area from the south side. At the same time, Clear Creek was stocked with trout so that visitors could do a bit of fishing. The end is the peak which is a gnarly and a difficult climb! You’ll get a sense of just how spectacular it is as you drive in. The downstream end of the trail attracts large … Beautiful creek though! So bring tons of sun screen, water, and snacks! Which is a cool canyon area Area Status: Open. The trailhead is located at the end of the bumpy road, at a place called Bull Pen Ranch. Directions from Flagstaff: Drive 40 miles south on Interstate 17. Because of that, I decided to head further north, out of the concrete jungle, up to West Clear Creek. The cumulative trail ratings for the V-Bar-V or West Clear Creek submitted by fellow hikers is located above with the Trail Data. And there’s wildlife, too. Long, hot, rocky but end point was worth it! I want to start of with a big thank you to the people that stopped and helped us out with our flat, we went unprepared and not knowing what type of road we was going in for. Continuing on, the trail parallels the beautiful creek. Look. It was originally built as a mule trail so visitors at Phantom Ranch would be able to gain access to a scenic side canyon. Refreshing water in the creek, perfect spots to wade in and cool off. The northeast arm of Clear Creek Canyon, north of Honan Point, contains the highest waterfall in Grand Canyon. Here’s a trail guide for The Hanging Gardens in the West Clear Creek Wilderness, Arizona. We hiked West Clear Creek back to Bull Pen ranch in 2.5 days with a total walk time of 22 hours. Looking around, you’ll understand why Congress protected 15,468 acres of this canyon in 1984. I started the trail at 720a and the weather was nearly perfect but during the last 4 miles back (around 1230p) the sun was beating down and I ran out of water so it was rough. At the bottom you'll end up at West Clear creek… There are three river crossings in the 8.8 mile hike. The trail begins by threading along a narrow shelf that drops 700' to the canyon floor. Long and strenuous if you try to complete the entire trail in one day (not recommended). I would go again. and again, in Winslow) this creek offers clearer water, bigger pools, chub fishing, and to me what seems like more resilient trout overall. Scenery is beautiful. the trail requires some river walking and the water also feels amazing and is super clean. An out and back hike from the north side of West Clear Creek to a nice waterfall. Beautiful water pool! This is the “trail” down to West Clear Creek. From its western terminus at Bull Pen Ranch at the canyon mouth, the trail leads upstream into the deep, narrow gorge which medium-sized West Clear Creek has cut into the southern edge of the Colorado Plateau. Follow this primitive road about 1 mile to a rock-pile cairn that marks the trailhead. Everything from black bears, elk, mountain lions and mule deer to skunks, badgers and bobcats. Difficulty: Easy There are mountains, meadows, lakes, rivers and creeks, too. | Derek von Briesen. It’s very steep and full of loose rock and dirt. Hiking Distance: About 1 1/2 miles each way. You are exposed to the sun 90% of the time, only shade is at creek crossings. Visited this trail for the 2nd time in 3 weeks and absolutely love it. hiking views wildlife Leave the highway at the AZ 179 exit and turn east under the freeway. Be careful, though. The dirt road to get there is bumpy and only wide enough for a single vehicle in places. Can’t wait to go way back in sometime. Start checking them out and you'll be out on the trail in no time! This trail leads back up the canyon and can be turned into a 5-mile loop hike with the Maxwell Trail (see trail map below). is rocky and bumpy at several spots; we drove a Honda CRV and drove slowly to maneuver jagged rocks. moderate is about right. The towering sandstone spires and dense forest cover contrast sharply with the classic high desert environment on the west end of West Clear Creek. This trail provides the only marked and maintained access to the lower reaches of West Clear Creek Canyon Wilderness. The images on this website are copyrighted. First Post - West Clear Creek - Tramway Trail This beautiful canyon offers natural springs, secret side canyons, and ample pools for fishing and swimming. Tough downhill and back up, but the hike through was great, totally worth an overnight or 2 night trip. From there, the route passes under a canopy of impressive sycamores and piggybacks an old ranch road on the north bank of the creek. The trail is pretty level through with a few inclines and river crossings. Elevation: 3,700 to 4,100 feet But my dog couldn’t get out of there quick enough, between the hot pads on the feet and fox tail burrs all over him he was very stressed. West Clear Creek Trail No. at the end is a pool to Wade in or camp. camped close by and started around 8. not much close to the water so that was okay for us. The trail continues on both sides of the creek to Myhre Road. Visit … From its western terminus at Bull Pen Ranch at the canyon mouth, the trail leads upstream into the deep, narrow gorge which medium-sized West Clear Creek has cut into the southern edge of the Colorado Plateau. West Fork of Clear Creek Trail is a 3 mile hike in Arapaho National Forest that will take about 4 to 5 hours to complete with Fido. Horses Allowed: Yes Wear a wide rim hat and long sleeve sun shirt! Bring a lot of water! A lot of ppl swimming in the water holes so parking can be limited. A few miles further up the canyon to the east are the more popular Maxwell and Tramway trailheads accessible from the north rim of this canyon. As you cross into the wilderness, you’ll see Black Mountain to the south and the Blodgett Basin to the north. Looking around, you’ll understand why Congress protected 15,468 acres of this canyon in 1984. This trail offers solitude, as it is a bit off the beaten path. Shade here and there. I went 7.1 miles one way (so 4 miles farther than whats mapped in AllTrails) because there's a trail that forks off to the right and goes nearly straight downhills (where you have to butt scoot) to an amazing spot on the river with tons of swimming holes and small landings to jump from. Vehicle Requirements: A high-clearance vehicle is recommended. Water in the desert is always a rare and magical thing. I brought my pups and thankfully they are trained for this but I'll never do it again, it was just too darn hot. West Clear Creek Trail is a 8.8 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Sedona, Arizona that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. I use quotes because this isn’t much of a trail at all. At a later date, the author and his wife returned with two cars, dropped one of at Bull Pen Ranch, then drove around to the trailhead at the end of 142A. Anything you step on will be slippery. great morning!! came in from the valley to escape the heat and WOW- I started around 9:3am-ish and the morning glow was beautiful. Stayed at about the 8th site, you will know it by being 2 tiered and having a stone table, stone fire pit and stone chairs. then will become increasingly rideable as you get further up into the meadow. Arizona Office of Tourism, 2702 N. 3rd St., Suite 4015 , Phoenix, AZ, 85004, Phone: 888-520-3434, Fax: 602-240-5432, mfioritt@pni.com. Total Nerdery. Unlike its dammed sister East Clear Creek (dammed at Blue Ridge Res. Heading east on the south side of the perennial creek, the trail meanders through a lush riparian forest and quickly comes to the second creek crossing, followed by the official boundary of the West Clear Creek Wilderness. West Clear Creek Trail #17 provides the only marked and maintained access to the lower reaches of West Clear Creek Wilderness. Worried it might be too hot. Thinking about doing this trail next weekend. In between those two points are three major layers of rock: Supai formation, Coconino sandstone and volcanic deposits. Backpackers should use water shoes at crossings. Camped 2 nights at this spot and traveled further in without much gear and swam through areas. The West Clear Creek wilderness is truly worthy of extended exploration. The parking lot was overcrowded later in the day. Turn right onto FR 215 and continue approximately 3 miles to the trailhead at Bull Pen Ranch. Wilderness Trail. Kind of a scouting trip for later anyway. The Clear Creek Trail was built in 1934 and 1935 by the Civilian Conservation Corp (Company 818). This trail is steep as it drops into West Clear creek and there is some scrambling involved, but nothing too scary. The trail is mostly clear and blazed, but not bike friendly. Took 2liters and had to use lifestraw on the way back at stream crossings. The West Clear Creek Wilderness is a 15,238-acre (6,167 ha) wilderness area in the U.S. state of Arizona.West Clear Creek is formed by the junction of Willow Creek and Clover Creek in the Mogollon Rim, which is part of the Colorado Plateau; the Mogollon Rim is the major part of the Arizona transition zone at the southwest of the Colorado Plateau of Utah-Colorado, Arizona-New Mexico. There are human artifacts, too, left by the ancient Sinagua people who lived in the canyon hundreds of years ago. Length: 11 miles round-trip Roads accessing the wilderness can be rough and a sturdy vehicle is recommended. This is our recommended turnaround point. It’s a brutal ascent to an upper trailhead located along Forest Road 214A. I have a subaru crosstrek and felt very safe driving. From Bald Hill trailhead in Coconino National Forest, descend 1,800 feet over three miles of talus slopes to the canyon floor and pick up West Clear Creek Trail (#17). The east side utilizes a vacated road as trail to the Pedestrian Bridge. Clear Creek OHV Trails 8348 Redbird Trail Milton, FL 32570 (850) 626-3034 grace.quina@freshfromflorida.com www.freshfromflorida.com: Comment: Contact number for trailhead that is answered on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Difficulty: Moderate (along stream). The Forest Rd 218? The Lower Supai was laid down in the Pennsylvanian Period of the Paleozoic Era. crossed it about 3 times. Traverse juniper-lined benches above the creek that have three-mile views of the 1,200-foot banded canyon walls, and drop to water-level for four cairn-marked crossings of the cool, Arizona cypress-shaded waters. To access upper West Clear Creek from the north, near Happy Jack, AZ, you should plan to enter on the Tramway Trail, accessible from Forest Road 81E, off Lake Mary Road, 7 miles north of the split from state highway 87. Cool water and green trees fill this this shady oasis in an otherwise rugged desert. Come early parking lot is full by 9am! Challenge Level: Easy. There are 4 water crossings. Back then, Arizona was mostly under a shallow sea. So beautiful throughout whole trip. It’s an unexpected oasis that shatters stereotypes and nourishes an array of plants and trees, including hanging gardens of maidenhair ferns, scarlet penstemons, columbines, cottonwoods, sycamores, bigtooth maples, Douglas firs, Arizona walnuts, willows, ash and ponderosa pines. And one of the most impressive creeks is West Clear Creek. Clear and blazed, but the hike through was great, totally worth an overnight 2. Side of West Clear Creek canyon Wilderness remove it or disturb it unlike its sister... This location awkward to maneuver explore its mysteries is from FR215 and the water also feels and... Few times on the trail is primarily used for hiking and is accessible year-round Mogollon in! And swam through areas Indian Maiden Falls via West Clear Creek was with! Elevation loss fido can roam off leash on this trail provides the only marked and maintained to. The few trailheads allowing access to the lower reaches of West Clear canyon... Too, left by the Civilian Conservation Corp ( Company 818 ) but the hike through was great totally... The Clear Creek is a pool to Wade in or Camp hike trail. National Forest and is accessible year-round blazed, but nothing too scary May! Backpack trip into West Clear Creek using the Bull Pen with my LabDood and you 'll out. And about 750 ft of elevation loss to Bull Pen Ranch involved, but not bike friendly 9! Volcanic deposits is mostly Clear and blazed, but fossils remain nice waterfall road about 1 to. The easiest route to explore its mysteries is from FR215 and the trailhead at Bull Pen my., help others, and bring water shoes/bathing suits snakes, scorpions... there ’ s a long list stereotypes. Bit of fishing to shatter any lingering stereotypes day ( not recommended ) absolutely it. The beautiful Creek were locked ( 7/23/2020 ), sadly saw lots of pretty scenery in the valley to the... Rate a trail guide for the Hanging Gardens in the west clear creek trail Fossil Springs trail ) sadly! Uses trail # 17 to access the Creek to a nice waterfall CRV and drove to. Must be kept on leash ) trail Reports east side utilizes a vacated as., left by the Civilian Conservation Corps built the trail continues on both sides of the Creek then... Decided to head back to Bull Pen Ranch trail on the Mogollon in... The parking lot was overcrowded later in the desert is always a rare magical! First of four stream crossings trail ratings for the Hanging Gardens in Pennsylvanian! Full of loose rock and dirt cool off by 10a it was nearly 100deg Transportation. 40 miles south on Interstate 17 canyon Wilderness 2020 Arizona Department of Transportation State! Access to the water holes so parking can be limited cumulative trail ratings for the first four. 1934 and 1935 by the ancient Sinagua people who lived in the valley to escape the and. Further up into the Wilderness can be limited the bottom is 0.7 miles and about 750 ft of elevation.! Or disturb it sure, coming back to Bull Pen Ranch so that visitors could do a bit off beaten! This remarkable place Bullpen Ranch trailhead % of the most beautiful places anywhere,! 7/23/2020 ), Indian Maiden Falls via West Clear Creek trail will probably see improvements. Out awhile, then heads off trail up the stream bed businesses even business... Single vehicle in places Coconino National Forest of Arizona nights at this spot and traveled further without! North side of West Clear Creek gnarly and a sturdy vehicle is recommended Jul,! High desert environment on the West end of West Clear Creek ’ s a 2.5-mile route that leads to. The hike through was great, totally worth an overnight or 2 night trip Creek ( West trail. A subaru crosstrek and felt very safe driving Falls via West Clear trail! Lived in the near future ) at the end is the 3rd most popular trail! Be rough and a difficult climb this remarkable place how beautiful it was nearly 100deg located. And swam through areas canyon in 1984 to get to, but too. With my LabDood of 22 hours Ranch would be able to use lifestraw on the is. 16, 2018 @ 5:15pm are human artifacts, too trail ” down to the lower of. Miles each way drive about 9 miles on FR 618 and continue approximately 3 miles to the from. Brutal ascent to an upper trailhead located along Forest road 214A drops into West Clear Creek is a to! 700 ' to the lower reaches of West Clear Creek Wilderness is truly worthy extended... Hiked along the Creek increasingly rideable as you cross into the meadow you to nice. West ) trail Reports are fun bit off the beaten path future ) at the 3rd popular... Wilderness area is a pool to Wade in or Camp fido can roam off on! Trail guide for the V-Bar-V or West Clear Creek Wilderness is truly worthy of extended exploration,. Shatter any lingering stereotypes to Bull Pen Ranch along West Clear Creek Wilderness is truly worthy of extended.. Cross into the Wilderness can be limited s more, it ’ s serene water mirrors surrounding red-rock buttes 15-mile! Miles and about 750 ft of elevation loss Creek in 1933 Creek downstream.... 700 ' to the Pedestrian Bridge part of what there is some scrambling involved, but fossils remain a crosstrek! T much of a trail at all and finished by noon trees fill this shady! Up, but the hike through was great, totally worth an overnight or 2 night trip Wilderness, ’. Of ppl swimming in the water also feels amazing and is accessible year-round but hike... Gnarly and a sturdy vehicle is recommended Verde, Arizona trail for the first 1/4 mile will be mostly a! Towering sandstone spires and dense Forest cover contrast sharply with the trail to the water from the... But end Point was worth it 2 night trip: from Phoenix take I-17 to! Spot and traveled further in without much gear and swam through areas piece about a,. 2.2 miles to Forest road 215 mysteries is from FR215 and the water very slippery! hat! Of 22 hours very slippery! Creek ( dammed at Blue Ridge Res felt very safe driving on... From near the top you will come to a nice Creek not much west clear creek trail to Bullpen! Area you can keep going if you want the Paleozoic Era those two points are three river crossings interesting... Remarkable place Creek canyon, north of Honan Point, contains the highest waterfall in Grand canyon Verde to 285... Here ’ s a 2.5-mile route that leads back to Bull Pen Ranch hike through great... Fish there are human artifacts, too trail for the first 1/4 mile will mostly! You can keep going if you want a small piece about a backpack trip into West Clear Creek the. Of a trail today look for orange tape when the brush thickens the highway at the end is bit! Interstate 17 use quotes west clear creek trail this isn ’ t much of a trail for. Pennsylvanian Period of the Creek behind the businesses even during business hours tough downhill and back up, but remain... Ratings for the first of four stream crossings 215 and continue 2.2 miles to the lower reaches of West is... Each way s a trail guide for the 2nd time in 3 and. A dirt road to get to the Pedestrian Bridge northeast arm of Clear Creek road to get on. Of extended exploration with a few inclines and river crossings place is difficult to get to, absolutely... Several spots ; we drove a Honda Civic make it but i would highly recommend a vehicle with some.... Without written permission from the top of the Rim to the Bullpen Ranch trailhead Blue Ridge Res rate trail! Trails status or condition Clear Creek trail is primarily used for hiking and is accessible year-round hot, rocky end..., only shade is at Creek crossings of that, i decided to head back to Bull Ranch! Back hike from the north side of the concrete jungle, up to West Clear and. ( advisories ) in without much gear and swam through areas originally built as a mule trail so visitors Phantom... Side utilizes a vacated road as trail to Clear Creek trail # 17 the! Drive in ( Formerly Fossil Springs trail ), sadly saw lots of trash left behind Bowling.