Poland Creek Canyon (2BII)

Location: Prescott National Forest (Castle Creek Wilderness)
Rating: Basic Canyoneering 2B II 
Length: 4-7 hours
Mileage: ~6 miles roundtrip
Longest Rappel: None
Start: 3 miles east of Crown King
End: There and Back
Permits: None
Wet Suit: Not needed
Shuttle: No

Overview: Poland Creek Canyon offers pools, boulder hopping, and lush scenery. The trail drops 1000 ft into the canyon of Poland Creek. Your travel back will be uphill and most likely hot. Prepare accordingly. 

Approach: From Phoenix, take I-17 north to the Bumble Bee exit (#248). Take Bumble Bee Rd north. The road is paved for a few miles, then intersects Crown King Rd., (Forest Service Rd. #259) - a dirt road. About 22 miles from I-17 or 3 miles from the town of Crown King at mile marker 25, there is a pullout on the east side of the road. The trail was less traveled, but with increased traffic, the trail may become more established. Park here and find the Algonquin Trailhead.

Completing the Canyon: To reach Poland Creek, follow the Algonquin Trail. After about 1.5 miles, the trail crosses a tributary to Poland Creek and Horsethief Canyon. The Algonquin Trail continues up Horsethief Canyon and deeper into the Bradshaw mountains. To explore Poland Creek Canyon leave the trial and head downstream or Northeast. Poland Creek is only about 1.5 miles before it intersects with Horsethief Creek. Explore as far as you wish, then turn around and head back.