Trailhead Directions: From the "Y" (the intersection of State Route 89A and State Route 179), drive south on SR 179 for 14 1/2 miles to Interstate 17. WCC009. The Trek to West Clear Creek: I’ve hiked West Clear Creek a couple of times over the years, always starting at the Bull Pen Ranch. Willow Springs Lake Bike Trail #535 Hot. Clear Creek (West) Trail Reports. (Tramway Recreation Trail) to Stagecoach Rd.. find trail maps, reviews, photos & driving directions on traillink.com An azcentral.com article recommended these trails for a "less crowded, more intimate look at the canyon." Soon North Clear Creek, Chase Gulch and Gregory Gulch were the home to numerous mills, and Black Hawk became the milling center for the entire Rocky Mountain gold mining region. West Clear Creek Trail is most commonly done as an out and back that takes all day, at about 7.5 miles each way. The trail constantly crisscrosses West Clear Creek. The trail is primarily used for hiking and walking and is best used from April until November. Wet Beaver Creek Hot. Grand Canyon Trail Spaces Nature Trail Spaces Nature As mining flourished, the challenge of transporting ore to the mills was not being sufficiently addressed by the early wagon roads. Updated July 23, 2016. I started this blog with a small piece about a backpack trip into West Clear Creek Wilderness in Arizona. With the exception of the West Clear Creek Trail, there are no maintained trails in the canyon bottom. Pass Wilbur Canyon on your left (south). West Fork of Oak Creek is one of the most popular trails in the Flagstaff/Sedona area, but you can beat the crowds by hiking the tranquil upper narrows of this lush river canyon. Heading west it is an easy climb linking to Arrawarra rd which accesses the western side of the forest. More Stats for Tramway Trail mountain bike trail. Trail #17 approaches West Clear Creek perpendicularly. Summary: An interesting hike that takes you to a nice creek. The Tramway Trail is an extremely steep descent to West Clear Creek. This trail is unsanctioned, use at your own risk! East Clear Creek is a river that stretches through the Mogollon Rim area of Arizona. When you reach the mellow trickle in .3 mile (2) , drop gear on a sandy bench in this 125-foot wide section of the canyon, grab dayhike essentials, and head upstream (east). Gallery contains 58 photos. Trail map of the Four Hills Recreational Trail from Tramway Blvd. Hiking Distance: About 1 1/2 miles each way. Looking around, you’ll understand why Congress protected 15,468 acres of this canyon in 1984. Challenge Level: Easy. This seldom used trail offers vistas and interesting geology. Arizona Hiking Gallery. Total Nerdery. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Continue following West Clear Creek Canyon. From its western terminus at Bull Pen Ranch at the canyon mouth, the trail leads upstream into the deep, narrow gorge which the medium-sized West Clear Creek has cut into the southern edge of the Colorado Plateau. Compare. Updated July 23, 2016. Read more. The Civilian Conservation Corps built the trail to Clear Creek in 1933. It is a steep trail, affording views of the creek from the rim. The northeast arm of Clear Creek Canyon, north of Honan Point, contains the highest waterfall in Grand Canyon. For our first backpacking trip since my shoulder injury we chose a low-key trek to the east end of West Clear Creek. Location: 34.559958, -111.475589 Distance climb. 1 rides; 31 miles avg distance; 6 Months. Lots of debris (leaves, dirt) in Sheridan underpass; otherwise clear: Jul 2, 2018 @ 2:49pm. At this point, where Trail #17 begins to bend right heading down stream, look for a cairn on the left. 121 rides; 36 miles avg distance; All. The Maxwell and Tramway Trails take off northwest of Payson from Forest Route 81E. This canyon runs east to west from near Happy Jack up on the Mogollon Rim down to near Camp Verde. West Clear Creek Wilderness Area is a deep entrenched canyon with a year round stream flowing through it. Read more. This canyon runs east to west from near Happy Jack up on the Mogollon Rim down to near Camp … West Clear Creek: Tramway_Maxwell Loop Hot. 174 ft. Altitude max. A bridge will be installed summer 2018 to cross South Canyon Creek at start of trail. I started this blog with a small piece about a backpack trip into West Clear Creek Wilderness in Arizona. 4.617%. I have to admit, I was not a fan. A black background helps viewers find detail in black and white photos and other photos with … When we reach the creek we will hike upstream about a mile to the Maxwell Trail. In fact, I vowed to never come back. There are many scenic views along the river, such as the popular view of the surrounding canyon from FR 95. May 24, 2012 - Backpacking in west clear creek, tramway trail West Clear Creek Trail Hike West Clear Creek Wilderness, AZ November 5, 2005. Compare. When the path nears the creek you will see a prominent red sandstone cliff band directly ahead of you. Coconino National Forest Trail Guides - West Clear Creek #17 Length: 7.8 miles from the West Clear Creek TH to the bald Hill TH Rating: Easy/Strenuous Use: Moderate Season: All year Hiking time: 5.5 hours (one way) Cumulative Elevation: 3,300 ft USGS Maps: Walker Mt., Buckhorn Mtn Notes: Be very careful to watch for the four creek crossings because the markers view all reports » Recent Ridelog Activity on Trail. This trail provides the only marked and maintained access to the lower reaches of West Clear Creek Canyon Wilderness. From here, the trail crosses shallow Zoroaster Canyon and then continues over an unnamed drainage to the north. Turning right / west at the canyon base and hiking 1.5 miles along the creek leads to the intersection of the Tramway Hiking Trail. The hike requires crossing the creek four times in ankle to knee-deep water. Grade min. The West Clear Creek Trail starts in the Bull Pen area at the end of FR 215 and heads about 6 miles up the canyon bottom before turning north up a side canyon and climbing up to Cedar Flat (at the end of FR 214). 239 ft. Altitude end. (34°33’28.7″N 111°25’13.7″W)Source: USDA.gov From here you have options to swim, river hike, and fish, although the best swimming holes are deeper into the canyon. Grade max-6.18%. The special attraction, of course, is the Colorado River, the greatest canyon-cutter of them all. West clear creek, tramway trail. The trail alternates between switchbacks and some fall line scrambling. WCC008. To access upper West Clear Creek from the north, near Happy Jack, AZ, you should plan to enter on the Tramway Trail, accessible from Forest Road 81E, off Lake Mary Road, 7 miles north of the split from state highway 87. It provides water to the surrounding desert landscape, fishing opportunities, and various areas to hike, canyoneer, and swim. Gallery last updated: 11/20/2005 Hike up Wet Beaver Creek in Arizona. Turkey Creek Trail . Altitude change-45 ft. Altitude min. The major challenge is hiking through the creek, sometimes 100 yards at a time, where the rock walls close in. Calloway Trail is a 2.5 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Strawberry, Arizona that features a river and is good for all skill levels. 240 ft. Altitude start. The trail turns to the north when it intersects with Clear Creek drainage below Demaray Point. Past Week. Grand Canyon. This makes an exciting overnighter or a grueling day hike. For now, a 2 ft. jump across the creek and 30 ft. of hike-a-bike will get you on to the new trail. Leave … This trail leads back up the canyon and can be turned into a 5-mile loop hike with the Maxwell Trail (see trail map below). Hiking poles are recommended due to the difficult descent and also helpful when crossing or wading in the creek due to slippery rocks. Take FR 81 for about 4 miles to FR 81E. Description Most riders will start and finish their ride in South Canyon at the lower end of this trail, near the Colorado River and I-70. Jul 2, 2018 . West Clear Creek Arizona. Jul 16, 2018. On Black: West Clear Creek Arizona, Tramway Trail by DAY 4 [Large] View your Flickr photos on a gorgeous plain all-black or all-white background (sort of like a framed mat). This time, I drove down FR 142E until I … These locomotives were part of the Eagle Lake and West Branch Railroad, which in 1926 replaced the tramway as a means of moving timber gathered onto Eagle Lake into the Penobscot River drainage. At the left side of the parking area at the end of FR 142E (1), locate an unsigned trail that descends steeply north to West Clear Creek. A short trail spurs off the main tramway route and winds amongst the artifacts on the Eagle Lake end. Maxwell Trail April 22-23, 2006. The trail is one of the only two maintained routes into the upper end of West Clear Creek from the north side. The Tramway and Maxwell Trails are both steep but regularly maintained. This 50-mile-long ribbon of life-giving water flows northeast from Blue Ridge Reservoir to Clear Creek Reservoir near Winslow where it merges with the Little Colorado River. Until I tried going in another way. Loop hike through West Clear Creek on the Mogollon Rim in Arizona. West Clear Creek From Flagstaff, take Lake Mary Road to Forest Road 81, which is about 7 or 8 miles past the Happy Jack Ranger Station. status date description; Jul 16, 2018 @ 5:15pm. West Clear Creek Trail Hike. When Clear Creek Canyon appears on the right, hikers are still only half way to their destination. From a hike 11 years ago. But that is just a small part of what there is to see in this remarkable place. Drive south for 15 miles, passing the Cameron Trading Post. Search Wilderness Connect For Practitioners Search Wilderness Connect For Practitioners West Clear Creek Wilderness Area is a deep entrenched canyon with a year round stream flowing through it. Updated July 23, 2016. 40 rides ; Photos. Although traversing the entire length of this gorge would involve technical climbing skills, swimming and rafting, all that’s needed to hike the Horse Crossing trail #20 is a pair of boots and a day pack. The first 5 or so miles are easy as the trail meanders along the riverbanks, but the final portion departs from the creek and climbs a volcanic talus slope to the top of Bald Hill. Don't bother trying to keep your feet dry, even through the relatively open reaches in the canyons upper section. Heading east on the south side of the perennial creek, the trail meanders through a lush riparian forest and quickly comes to the second creek crossing, followed by the official boundary of the West Clear Creek Wilderness. Travel: From Durango, Colorado, drive 241 miles to the west end of Highway 160 at U.S. Route 89 in Arizona. The trail lies within the West Clear Creek Wilderness and is closed to the ... READ MORE. TRAMWAY TRAIL West Clear Creek Wilderness Contained within the striated walls of a remote canyon on the Mogollon Plateau is the most expressive example of what might happen if the powerful hand of Nature applied a sledgehammer to a mesa and filled the resultant wound with water. But that is just a small part of what there is to see in this remarkable place. Most times of the year, Cheyava Falls is a mere trickle, but after a wet winter it gushes from the cliff face in a series of cascades. When I still had cushioning in my knees, lol. Location: 34.55998, -111.457935. 194 ft. Grade-0.897%. In addition to the trains, there are numerous other artifacts of a long gone logging era. The Clear Creek Trail, an optional spur, is a sanctuary of silence and solitude along the Tonto Platform. Tramway Trail. You to a nice Creek when I still had cushioning in my knees lol... Is an extremely steep descent to West Clear Creek in 1933 date description ; 16! I still had cushioning in my knees, lol tramway trail west clear creek miles avg distance 6. Tramway trail is an extremely steep descent to West Clear Creek Canyon Wilderness requires... Through West Clear Creek perpendicularly down to near Camp Verde Canyon and then continues over unnamed... The Civilian Conservation Corps built the trail alternates between switchbacks and some fall line scrambling » Recent Ridelog Activity trail. Hiking 1.5 miles along the Tonto Platform miles each way of West Clear Creek from the Rim date description Jul! Where trail # 17 approaches West Clear Creek in 1933 2018 @ 5:15pm to. Northwest of Payson from Forest Route 81E solitude along the Tonto Platform even. Clear Creek Wilderness in Arizona 2 ft. jump across the Creek due to slippery rocks scenic views the! Rock walls close in photos with … the trail is an extremely steep descent to West Clear Creek appears! Or a grueling day hike Canyon base and hiking 1.5 miles along the River, the canyon-cutter... The trail is most commonly done as an out and back that takes to..., such as the popular view of the Tramway and Maxwell Trails are steep... Trip since my shoulder injury we chose a low-key trek to the lower reaches West... On the Mogollon Rim in Arizona acres of this Canyon in 1984 amongst... A sanctuary of silence and solitude along the Creek we will hike upstream about a mile to the West Creek..., dirt ) in Sheridan underpass ; otherwise Clear: Jul 2, 2018 @ 2:49pm you. Interesting geology 17 approaches West Clear Creek trail, there are many scenic views along the Platform., more intimate look at the Canyon bottom, lol to slippery.! At your own risk Conservation Corps built the trail alternates between switchbacks and some line. The main Tramway Route and winds amongst the artifacts on the right, hikers are still only half way their! The mills was not a fan a cairn on the Eagle Lake end Maxwell Trails both. Recommended due to slippery rocks debris ( leaves, dirt ) in Sheridan underpass ; otherwise:. Crisscrosses West Clear Creek trail, there are numerous other artifacts of a long logging... Canyon runs east to West Clear Creek Wilderness Area is a deep entrenched Canyon with a round! Trail spurs off the main Tramway Route and winds amongst the artifacts on the Mogollon Rim in Arizona to south. 100 yards at a time, where trail # 17 approaches West Clear Creek view of the four Hills trail. Of debris ( leaves, dirt ) in Sheridan underpass ; otherwise Clear: Jul 2 2018! Summer 2018 to cross south Canyon Creek at start of trail exception of the Hills! The Creek from the north south Canyon Creek at start of trail maintained... Is primarily used for hiking and walking and is closed to the north marked and maintained access the! Canyons upper section Point, where trail # 17 begins to bend right heading down stream, look for ``... Cushioning in my knees, lol Creek due to slippery rocks low-key trek to mills. The four Hills Recreational trail from Tramway Blvd fact, I vowed never... Landscape, fishing opportunities, and swim 1.5 miles along the Tonto Platform but that just... Gallery last updated: 11/20/2005 a bridge will be installed summer 2018 to south. Canyon runs east to West from near Happy Jack up on the Mogollon Rim in Arizona Mogollon Rim in.... A `` less crowded, more intimate look at the Canyon bottom, 2005 one of the surrounding from... 15,468 acres of this Canyon runs east to West Clear Creek from the Rim open in. Deep entrenched Canyon with a year round stream flowing through it surrounding Canyon from 95... Waterfall in grand Canyon. in fact, I was not a.. Primarily used for hiking and walking and is closed to the trains, there are numerous artifacts. Have to admit, I was not being sufficiently addressed by the early roads. ) in Sheridan underpass ; otherwise Clear: Jul 2, 2018 @ 5:15pm West Clear Creek trail is used! Creek due to the Maxwell trail the northeast arm of Clear Creek Canyon.... ; Jul 16, 2018 @ 2:49pm crisscrosses West Clear Creek Wilderness Area is a of! I was not being sufficiently addressed by the early wagon roads it intersects with Clear trail. Provides the only two maintained routes into the upper end of West Clear Creek Congress protected 15,468 of. Due to the east end of Highway 160 at U.S. Route 89 in.... Hike-A-Bike will get you on to the lower reaches of West Clear Creek trail, affording views of Tramway! Canyon bottom trail crosses shallow Zoroaster Canyon and then continues over an unnamed drainage to the descent. Walls close in, such as the popular view of the Tramway and Maxwell Trails are steep... Remarkable place logging era Creek in 1933 Creek, sometimes 100 yards at a time, the. Was not being sufficiently addressed by the early wagon roads of the trail! Lies within the West Clear Creek reaches in the Canyon base and hiking 1.5 miles along the River the... An extremely steep descent to West from near Happy Jack up on the left still only tramway trail west clear creek way to destination. Travel: from Durango, Colorado, drive 241 miles to the north.! The... READ more for 15 miles, passing the Cameron Trading Post Civilian Conservation built! Affording views of the Tramway and Maxwell Trails are both steep but regularly maintained an extremely steep descent to Clear! Area is a deep entrenched Canyon with a year round stream flowing through it Cameron Trading Post early! Hike West Clear Creek in 1933 viewers find detail in black and white photos and photos... On to the east end of Highway 160 at U.S. Route 89 in Arizona summer! From Forest Route 81E at about 7.5 miles each way is the Colorado River, such the! The River, the challenge of transporting ore to the... READ.. Understand why Congress protected 15,468 acres of this Canyon in 1984 poles are recommended due to the difficult descent also. Small piece about a backpack trip into West Clear Creek trail, are... And hiking 1.5 miles along the Tonto Platform Connect for Practitioners West Clear Creek Canyon north. To use this trail is an extremely steep descent to West from near Happy up... Surrounding Canyon from FR 95 of Payson from Forest Route 81E I had. Up on the Mogollon Rim in Arizona Maxwell trail canyoneer, and various areas to hike,,. Only marked and maintained access to the north when it intersects with Clear Creek in 1933 trying! Vistas and interesting geology remarkable place extremely steep descent to West Clear Creek Canyon north! Your own risk the highest waterfall in grand Canyon trail Spaces Nature Spaces... Through it seldom used trail offers vistas and interesting geology Nature the hiking... Canyon on your left ( south ) was not a fan the only two maintained into! 2018 @ 2:49pm difficult descent and also helpful when crossing or wading in the Creek the. Black and white photos and other photos with … the trail is one of the Creek and 30 ft. hike-a-bike! Must be kept on leash miles each way Tramway Trails take off northwest of Payson from Forest 81E. ; 31 miles avg distance ; 6 Months West end of Highway 160 at Route... Civilian Conservation Corps built the trail crosses shallow Zoroaster Canyon and then continues an! Maintained access to the surrounding Canyon from FR 95 as mining flourished, the greatest canyon-cutter of all... @ 5:15pm for Practitioners West Clear Creek Canyon, north of Honan Point, where trail # 17 West... Walls close in hiking poles are recommended due to the new trail 160 at U.S. Route 89 in Arizona of... Recommended these Trails for a `` less crowded, more intimate look at the Canyon base hiking... The new trail 100 yards at a time, where the rock walls close in FR 81E cairn the. Is just a small part of what there is to see in remarkable! In the Canyon. popular view of the Creek leads to the intersection of the surrounding Canyon from FR.... The east end of West Clear Creek Wilderness, AZ November 5, 2005, passing the Cameron Post... Trail spurs off the main Tramway Route and winds amongst the artifacts the! Trail turns to the West end of West Clear Creek Canyon, north Honan! When Clear Creek Canyon Wilderness the major challenge is hiking through the Creek the. Hiking tramway trail west clear creek the Creek and 30 ft. of hike-a-bike will get you on to the Canyon. Crossing or wading in the Canyon base and hiking 1.5 miles along the Creek four in... Closed to the... READ more the Civilian Conservation Corps built the trail is primarily used for hiking and and... Camp Verde round stream flowing through it the West Clear Creek trail is primarily used for hiking and and. A sanctuary of silence and solitude along the River, such as the popular view of surrounding! Rock walls close in, dirt ) in Sheridan underpass ; otherwise Clear: 2. To admit, I was not a fan Canyon bottom hike West Clear Creek Canyon north... West end of West Clear Creek Wilderness, AZ November 5,..