West Clear Creek Trail
State: Arizona
Location: Coconino National Forest
Length, One-Way: 7.5 miles
Trail Type: Out and Back
Minimum Elevation: 4000 feet
Maximum Elevation: 5600 feet
Elevation Change: 1800 feet
Best Season: Year-Round
Difficulty: Difficult
Usage: Moderate
North Rim,Arizona
Trail Information
The West Clear Creek Trail provides the only marked and maintained access route to the lower reaches of West Clear Creek Canyon Wilderness. From the western terminus at Bull Pen Ranch at the canyon mouth, the trail heads upstream into the deep, narrow gorge which the West Clear Creek has cut into the southern edge of the Colorado Plateau. The downstream end of the trail attracts large numbers of anglers, picnickers and other streamside adventurers attracted by the clear pools, slickrock water slides and tree-shaded riparian areas tucked away between red rock canyon walls. From the West Clear Creek Trail’s upper terminus at Bald Hill, the route drops 1,800 feet down a steep, talus-strewn slope from a high plateau of pinyon-juniper forests to the canyon floor. It then winds its way downstream along a stretch of secluded pools and rocky riffles. You should bring your wading shoes on this one, you’ll have to cross the stream at least four times. In times of high runoff, this trail can be impassable. In the middle of a hot desert summer, you’ll appreciate the opportunity to cool off.
Directions
From Flagstaff:
Drive 40 miles south of Flagstaff on Interstate 17. Leave the highway at the Arizona Highway 179 exit and turn east under the freeway. Drive about 9 miles on Forest Road 618 to Forest Road 215 and turn east about 3 miles to the Bullpen Ranch trailhead.
