West Clear Creek Trail #17

West Clear Creek Trail #17 - Cottonwood, AZ

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West Clear Creek Trail #17

GPS Coordinates: Unknown

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West Clear Creek Trail #17 provides the only marked and maintained access to the lower reaches of West Clear Creek Canyon Wilderness, a popular, tree-shaded area of clear pools and slick-rock water slides.

From Bull Pen Ranch Trailhead at the canyon mouth, the trail heads north, then east as it avoids private land. After one-half mile, Blodgett Basin Trail #31 comes in on the left. The trail follows the creek and crosses it several times in the next 1.5 miles. It then parallels the creek on the south side for 2.5 miles before reaching the last creek crossing. In times of high-runoff, this trail can be impassable.

At about 4.5 miles, the trail leaves the creek and climbs 1,800 feet up the steep, talus-strewn slope of a side canyon. The trail's western terminus is marked by a rock cairn at Bald Hill Road, on a high plateau covered in pinon and juniper.

This trail climbs about 1800 feet in 7.5 miles (from the Bull Pen Ranch Trailhead) and is considered moderate to strenuous in difficulty. From the Northern Trailhead, the trail drops 1800 feet and considered an easier hike. Trail is open to hikers only!

Facilities: West Clear Creek Trail #17 offers a parking area and water along the trail.

Best Time To Visit: West Clear Creek Trail #17 is open year-round.

Fees: No fees are charged to use this trail.

Accessibility: This trail is not handicapped-accessible.

Rules: Pets must be on a leash. This is a Wilderness Area, no mechanized vehicles are allowed, including bicycles.

Directions: To reach West Clear Creek Trail #17 from Cottonwood: Take Highway 260 east to Camp Verde. From Camp Verde, take I-17 north, get off at exit 298. Head east to Forest Road 618. Turn northeast and drive about 9 miles to Forest Road 215 and turn east. Continue for about 3 miles to Bull Pen Ranch Trailhead, at the east end of the camping area.

Map: Click here for a map to West Clear Creek Trail #17

Reservations: West Clear Creek Trail #17 does not require or accept reservations.

Address

Coconino National Forest

P.O. Box 300

Sedona, Arizona 86339

Phone
General: (928) 282-4119

Website