Wet Beaver Creek (3BIII)

Location: Coconino National Forest, near Camp Verde, AZ
Rating: 2B II (Bell Trail) to 3B III (Waldroup Canyon loop)
Length: 3 to 10 hours
Mileage: ~6 to 14 miles depending on route
Longest Rappel: None (class 4 scrambling)
Start: Bell Trailhead or upper access via FR 229 / FR 620
End: Loop or out and back
Permits: Red Rock Pass may be required
Wetsuit: Not needed
Shuttle: Optional

Overview: Wet Beaver Creek offers one of the best non-technical canyon experiences in Arizona, combining flowing water, scenic canyon walls, and multiple route options.

The lower section accessed via Bell Trail is a popular and accessible hike featuring swimming holes, creek crossings, and shaded canyon terrain.

A more advanced loop route exists using Apache Maid Trail and Waldrop Canyon, which adds route finding, rugged terrain, and exposed scrambling. This loop is significantly more difficult and less commonly completed.

Approach (Bell Trailhead): From I-17, take Exit 298 and head east toward Wet Beaver Creek. After approximately 2 miles, turn left following signs to Bell Trailhead. Parking is available at the trailhead.

Do not leave valuables in vehicles, as theft has been reported in this area.

Upper Access (Optional Loop or Shuttle): From I-17, take Exit 306 (Stoneman Lake Rd) and head east for approximately 6.4 miles. Continue onto dirt roads and follow FR 229, staying right at major junctions. Turn onto FR 620 and follow toward Apache Maid Mountain. Continue on rough roads toward Waldrop Canyon access. High clearance or 4WD is recommended.

Route Description: Bell Trail (Most Common Route): Follow Bell Trail downstream toward Wet Beaver Creek. The trail is well defined and leads to the canyon within a few miles.

This section is suitable for most hikers and is heavily trafficked.

Loop Route (Advanced): From Bell Trail, travel upstream and locate the Apache Maid Trail, which climbs out of the canyon. The trail becomes less defined and transitions into old ranch roads. Route finding is required as you travel northeast and east over a pass north of Hog Hill. From here, descend into Waldrop Canyon.

Waldrop Canyon contains multiple drops requiring scrambling. Several falls can be bypassed, but one section requires either a difficult downclimb or navigating dense vegetation.

At the bottom of Waldrop Canyon, continue downstream to rejoin Wet Beaver Creek. Water becomes more consistent as you travel downstream.

Water Conditions

• Water is present in lower canyon
• Swimming and wading common
• Upper sections may be dry
• Water temperature varies by season

When finished return the way you came via Bell Trail - Out and Back, or Complete loop back to Bell Trailhead.