Poland Creek Canyon

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

Overview: The canyon offers pools, boulder hopping and lush scenery. The trail drops 1000 ft into the canyon of Poland Creek. Your travel back will be up hill and most likely hot. Prepare accordingly. The Algonquin Trail is a social trail that is not kept up but has a few signs and a trail registration. After about 1.5 miles, the trail crosses Poland Creek. The trail continues up Horsetheif Canyon and deeper into the Bradshaw mountains, but to explore Poland Creek Canyon leave the trial and head down stream. Explore as far as you wish, then turn around and head back.

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. Since the trail is less traveled finding the trail may not be directly obvious. Park here and find the trail to Poland Creek.