West Clear Creek (2AII - 2BVI)
A+ A- Main ContentLocation: Coconino National Forest, near Strawberry, AZ
Rating: Basic Canyoneering 2A II to 2B VI depending on section and conditions or 3-4 days backpacking much of the creek
Length: 3 hours to full day or multi day trips
Mileage: Variable depending on section and route choice
Longest Rappel: None
Permits: None
Wetsuit: Optional depending on season
Shuttle: Optional depending on route
Overview: West Clear Creek is one of Arizona’s most scenic and diverse canyon systems, offering a mix of flowing water, towering canyon walls, lush vegetation, and extended wilderness travel. Unlike many desert canyons, West Clear Creek often contains reliable water, creating a unique environment with pools, creek travel, and shaded sections.
This is not a traditional technical canyoneering route. Instead, West Clear Creek is best approached as a non-technical canyon system that can be explored in multiple sections, each offering a different experience.
From open headwaters to deep, lush canyon corridors in the lower sections, West Clear Creek provides a range of route options suitable for both shorter outings and longer, more committing adventures.
Canyon Sections: West Clear Creek can be broken into 4 primary sections:
- Headwaters – Open, less vegetated, intermittent water, multiple access points
- Upper Section – More defined canyon, increasing water, moderate route finding
- Middle Section – Remote, longer distances, mix of open and confined terrain
- Lower Section – Most scenic, consistent water, lush vegetation, popular access
Each section varies significantly in terrain, water availability, and overall difficulty. While water is generally more reliable here than in many Arizona canyons, it should not be fully depended on without proper planning. Navigation can be complex due to multiple access points and branching tributaries, and many trails may be faint or nonexistent. Conditions also change with the seasons and recent rainfall. Flash flooding remains a risk during storms, the area is remote with limited signage, and cell service is often unavailable.
Length: 3 to 6 hours
Mileage: ~3 to 8 miles out and back depending on exploration
Start: FR 142E Trailhead
End: Out and back
Shuttle: Not required
Overview: The headwaters of West Clear Creek offer a quieter and less traveled introduction to the canyon system. This section is characterized by lighter vegetation, open canyon terrain, and intermittent creek flow compared to the more lush lower sections.
Multiple access points exist, but the route described here approaches from the downstream end of the headwaters via a short but steep descent. This allows access to the upper drainage where exploration can continue toward Willow Valley Creek, Tom’s Creek, or other tributaries.
This is a flexible out and back route that can be adjusted based on time and conditions.
Approach: From the junction of Hwy 260 and Hwy 87 north of Strawberry, head east on Hwy 260 for approximately 3.1 miles. Turn right onto Forest Road 144 (just west of milepost 249). Continue on FR 144 for approximately 1.8 miles to the junction with FR 149. Turn left onto FR 149 and follow for approximately 1.2 miles to FR 142.
Turn right at the Y onto FR 142 and continue approximately 1 mile to FR 142E. Turn left onto FR 142E and follow the road approximately 2.7 miles to its end at a parking area.
Road conditions may vary and can require high clearance depending on weather.
Route Description: From the parking area at FR 142E, travel north toward the canyon rim and locate a descent route into West Clear Creek. The descent is short but steep and requires careful footing.
Once in the canyon, begin traveling upstream (generally north or northeast) through the headwaters section.
As you continue upstream, the canyon branches into tributaries including Willow Valley Creek (2AII - 2BII) and Tom’s Creek, both of which offer additional exploration opportunities.
This section is less defined than lower portions of West Clear Creek and requires navigation awareness.
Water Conditions
- Water may be intermittent in the headwaters
- Pools and shallow flow may be present
- Conditions vary significantly with season and recent rainfall
Return the same way by retracing your route downstream and ascending back to the FR 142E trailhead. The climb out is short but steep.
Additional Access Points: Other access routes into the headwaters include:
- Tramway Trail
- Trail #32
- Maxwell Trail #37
- Tributary access via Willow Valley Creek or Clove Creek
These routes are generally longer and may require additional navigation.
Length: 4 to 8 hours
Mileage: ~4 to 8 miles depending on route and shuttle setup
Start: FR 142E
End: FR 142B (Trail #33 exit) or out and back
Shuttle: Optional
Overview: The Upper Section of West Clear Creek offers one of the most enjoyable short canyon experiences in Arizona, combining flowing water, short narrows, and scenic canyon walls. This section is best approached as a non technical canyon route with canyoneering characteristics.
Compared to the headwaters, the canyon becomes more defined with increased water flow, deeper pools, and more consistent creek travel. A short stretch of narrows provides a highlight of this section, often requiring wading through deeper water.
This section can be completed as an out and back or as a short shuttle route.
Approach: Use the same approach as the headwaters: From the junction of Hwy 260 and Hwy 87 north of Strawberry, head east on Hwy 260 for approximately 3.1 miles. Turn right onto FR 144 and follow 1.8 miles to FR 149. Turn left and continue 1.2 miles to FR 142. Turn right onto FR 142 and continue approximately 1 mile to FR 142E. Turn left onto FR 142E and follow it approximately 2.7 miles to the parking area.
Shuttle Setup: An optional shuttle can be set between FR 142E (start) and FR 142B (exit). From the junction of Hwy 260 and Hwy 87 north of Strawberry, head east on Hwy 260 for approximately 3.1 miles. Turn right onto Forest Road 144 (just west of milepost 249). Follow FR 144 for approximately 1.8 miles to the junction with FR 149. Turn left onto FR 149 and continue for approximately 1.2 miles to FR 142.
Turn right onto FR 142 and continue along the main road. After approximately 1 to 2 miles, look for access points leading toward FR 142B, which branches off toward the canyon rim and Trail #33 exit area. Park your exit vehicle near FR 142B and shuttle back to FR 142E to begin the descent.
Both roads can be rough and may require high clearance or 4WD depending on conditions.
From the parking area, descend into the canyon via a short but steep route.
Route Description: From FR 142E, descend into West Clear Creek and begin traveling downstream through the upper canyon. Expect a mix of creek travel, boulder hopping, and short stretches of more confined canyon terrain. The canyon becomes more defined than the headwaters, with taller walls and increased water flow.
A short narrows section is encountered along the route, where water is often deeper. Expect frequent wading and occasional swimming depending on conditions.
Travel includes:
- Repeated creek crossings
- Boulder hopping and uneven terrain
- Pools that may require wading or swimming
- Sections of vegetation and shaded canyon
Progress may be slower than expected due to water, terrain, and route finding.
Water Conditions
- Water is typically present throughout this section
- Expect frequent wading
- Pools may be hip deep or deeper
- Swimming may be required depending on season
To exit via shuttle, locate Trail #33 on canyon left. The exit is typically found just before the canyon makes a noticeable right turn. Trail #33 may be faint and can be difficult to locate. Cairns may be present but should not be relied upon. Missing the exit will result in continued downstream travel into a longer and more committing section of the canyon.
Climb out via Trail #33 to reach FR 142B and your shuttle vehicle.
Alternatively, return the same way for an out and back route.
Length: 1 to 3 days
Mileage: ~13 to 15 miles depending on route
Start: FR 142B via Trail #33
End: Trail #17 to FR 214A
Shuttle: Required
Overview: The Middle Section of West Clear Creek is a long, remote, and committing wilderness route that offers some of the most scenic and diverse canyon travel in Arizona. This section features flowing water, boulder filled creek travel, sections of deeper canyon walls, and unique geological features including the White Box.
This is not a technical canyoneering route, but it should not be underestimated. The primary challenges come from distance, route finding, water travel, and limited exit options once committed to the canyon.
Most parties complete this section as a 2 day backpacking trip, though strong and efficient groups may complete it in a long single day.
Shuttle Setup: A shuttle is required between the upper and lower access points. From Camp Verde, take Hwy 260 east approximately 5 miles and turn left onto Forest Road 618. Follow FR 618 for approximately 4.2 miles, then turn right onto FR 214. Continue on FR 214 for approximately 5.3 miles and turn onto FR 214A.
Follow FR 214A approximately 1.3 miles to the Trail #17 parking area. FR 214A is rough and typically requires high clearance.
Approach: From the junction of Hwy 260 and Hwy 87 north of Strawberry, head east on Hwy 260 for approximately 3.1 miles. Turn right onto FR 144 and follow 1.8 miles to FR 149. Turn left and continue 1.2 miles to FR 142. Turn left onto FR 142 and continue approximately 2.8 miles to FR 142B.
Follow FR 142B approximately 2 to 2.5 miles to the canyon rim near Trail #33.
Road conditions are rough and may require high clearance or 4WD.
From FR 142B, locate Trail #33 and descend into West Clear Creek. The descent follows steep switchbacks dropping approximately 600 to 700 feet into the canyon.
The trail can be faint in sections and may not be clearly marked. Navigation tools are recommended to locate the correct descent.
Route Description: Once in the canyon, begin traveling downstream toward the lower exit at Trail #17.
This section offers a mix of open canyon travel and more confined segments, including the notable White Box, where the canyon walls tighten and create one of the more scenic sections of the route.
Expect:
- Continuous creek travel
- Frequent wading and possible swimming
- Boulder hopping and uneven terrain
- Dense vegetation in sections
- Route finding along the canyon floor
Progress is often slower than expected due to water, terrain, and obstacles. The canyon gradually transitions as you move downstream, with alternating open and more confined sections.
Water Conditions
- Water is typically present throughout this section
- Expect frequent wading
- Swimming may be required depending on conditions
- Water levels vary with season and recent rainfall
To exit the canyon, locate Trail #17 on canyon right.
The exit is not always obvious and requires careful tracking of your progress. Do not rely solely on visual landmarks such as cliffs or bends in the canyon.
Once located, follow Trail #17 as it climbs steeply out of the canyon approximately 1500 to 1700 vertical feet to the rim and FR 214A. The climb is strenuous and exposed in sections.
Missing the exit will result in continued downstream travel into a longer and more committing section of the canyon.
Length: 3 to 8 hours
Mileage: ~5 to 7 miles creek travel or ~7 to 9 miles with Trail #17 exit
Start: Bullpen Ranch Road
End: Bullpen (out and back) or Trail #17 to FR 214A
Shuttle: Optional
Overview: The Lower Section of West Clear Creek is the most accessible and commonly visited portion of the canyon system. This section offers a scenic and enjoyable canyon experience with reliable water, lush vegetation, and a well defined creek corridor.
Compared to the upper and middle sections, the terrain here is less committing and easier to navigate, making it a popular choice for shorter outings and first time visitors to West Clear Creek.
This section can be explored as an out and back from Bullpen or as a shuttle route using Trail #17.
Shuttle Setup: An optional shuttle can be set between FR 214A (Trail #17) and Bullpen Ranch Road. Upper Shuttle (Trail #17): From Camp Verde, take Hwy 260 east approximately 5 miles and turn left onto FR 618. Follow FR 618 for approximately 4.2 miles, then turn right onto FR 214.
Continue approximately 5.3 miles and turn onto FR 214A. Follow FR 214A about 1.3 miles to the Trail #17 parking area. FR 214A is rocky and typically requires high clearance.
Approach: From Camp Verde, take Hwy 260 east approximately 5 miles and turn left onto FR 618.Follow FR 618 approximately 2.2 miles and turn onto Bullpen Ranch Road.
Continue approximately 4 miles to the end of the road at the Bullpen access area.This is a common parking and camping area.
From Bullpen Ranch Road, follow Trail #17 downstream toward West Clear Creek or access the creek directly near the parking area. From FR 214A, use Trail #17 to descend into the canyon if completing a shuttle route.
Route Description: From Bullpen, begin traveling upstream along West Clear Creek.
Expect a mix of creek walking, boulder hopping, and well defined trail segments. The canyon is wider in this section, with large walls, shaded areas, and consistent water flow.
Expect:
- Frequent creek crossings
- Consistent flowing water
- Lush vegetation and shaded sections
- Moderate elevation changes
- Well defined trail in many areas
After approximately 1 mile, the canyon begins to reveal more scenic pools and flowing sections. Continuing upstream, the route becomes more remote and transitions toward the middle section of West Clear Creek.
Travel may be slower than expected due to water crossings and terrain.
Water Conditions
- Water is typically present year round
- Expect frequent wading
- Swimming may be required in deeper pools
- Conditions vary depending on season and recent rainfall
Exit Options
- Out and Back: Return to Bullpen Ranch Road the same way
- Shuttle Route: Continue upstream to Trail #17 and climb out to FR 214A
Trail #17 climbs steeply out of the canyon approximately 1500 to 1700 vertical feet over about 2 miles. The climb is strenuous and exposed in sections.
