Willow Valley (2AII)

Location: Coconino National Forest, near Happy Jack, AZ
Rating: Basic Canyoneering 2A II to 2B II depending on conditions
Length: 4 to 8 hours
Mileage: ~4 to 8 miles depending on route
Longest Rappel: None
Start: FR 81E / Maxwell Tank area
End: West Clear Creek or shuttle to Maxwell Trailhead
Permits: None
Wetsuit: Optional depending on season
Shuttle: Optional

Overview: Willow Valley Canyon is a tributary drainage that feeds into the West Clear Creek Headwaters, offering a quieter and less traveled canyon experience. This route is best considered a non technical canyon hike with route finding and optional creek travel. Willow Valley Canyon contains short sections of more confined terrain, but it is not a sustained slot canyon.

The canyon begins as an open drainage with light vegetation and gradually becomes more defined as it descends toward West Clear Creek. This route is often used as an alternate access into the West Clear Creek system.

Approach: From Flagstaff, take Lake Mary Road south for approximately 7 miles past the Happy Jack area. Turn right onto Forest Road 81. This turn is located just north of a bridge over upper Willow Valley Creek. Follow FR 81 for approximately 3.1 miles and veer left onto FR 81E. Continue on FR 81E for approximately 3.8 miles to the junction with FR 693. Stay left and continue approximately 0.5 miles to the junction of Maxwell Trail Road and Maxwell Tank Road.

For the standard route, take the left fork toward Maxwell Tank. After approximately 0.9 miles, bear left again and continue an additional 0.4 miles to the Maxwell Tank area.

Shuttle Setup (Optional): A shuttle can be staged at the Maxwell Trailhead, which sits along the rim above West Clear Creek. From the junction of FR 81E and FR 693, take the road toward Maxwell Trailhead (right fork) and follow approximately 1.5 miles to the canyon rim.

Route Description: From the Maxwell Tank area, begin descending into Willow Valley drainage.Travel downstream through the canyon toward West Clear Creek. Water may be intermittent in this section and is not guaranteed.

As you continue downstream, the canyon becomes more defined and eventually joins West Clear Creek, where water is more reliable.

Exit Options

• Out and Back: Return the same way
• Maxwell Trail Exit: After reaching West Clear Creek, locate Maxwell Trail and climb out to the rim
• West Clear Creek Extension: Continue into West Clear Creek for extended canyon travel