Wet Beaver Wilderness Hike

By friday morning the number of people who sign on to do the Wet Beaver hike were dropping off like dead flies, it's really too bad that some of the guys let the warm weather ruin their fun, because the day was perfect for hiking in the cool canyon, swiming in the chilly pools, and hanging out and having fun in the grotto's

I completely enjoy taking people who normally don’t hike in Arizona on the Wet Beaver Creek Trail. After 2.7 miles of hiking in a hot, pretty arid, dusty Bell Trail the hikers come to a split in the trail. To the left, the well-traveled Bell trail twists it’s way down the canyon, on off to the right is the obscure, Weir Trail Which will not even show up on most maps. It takes a hardy individual to navigate the Weir trail but those hardy souls will be rewarded with cool pools, tucked away in grottos covered in moss, ferns, wildflowers, and ivy.
Heading down the creek, you’ll basically parallel the well-used Bell Trail, but still remain far enough away that you’ll be able to enjoy the peace in the canyon. After around 2 miles of navigating the river bottom the hiker will come to Bell Crossing, Here the Bell trail crosses the river and heads up Long Canyon.
But for the adventurous it’s time to head further up the creek. The temperature near the creek is easily 15 degrees cooler than the surrounding desert, and the water is in the mid 60’s making it a perfect warm weather hike. The hiker will be boulder hopping and splashing through the creek. Within the next 1 to 1.5 miles, you will pass at least three really nice swimming pools.
Pick one you like and enjoy the shade and swimming. For the more adventurous, you can continue up the creek an additional 15 miles, then loop back on the Apache Maid trail. Past Bell crossing there are many pools and falls to negotiate, only experience hikers with excellent navigating skills should continue past Bell Crossing.
When heading home take the time to go through the towns of Cottonwood, Clarkdale, and Jerome, do so will get you away from the interstate, and all the mayhem that can bring.

The desert oasis of Wet Beaver is the smallest of four major canyons in Arizona’s red rock rim country. Though it may be small, the scenery you'll find here is impressive. Wet Beaver Creek Canyon is remote beyond the first 4.5 mile mark and few people venture into its inner depths. The easiest access to the trail is via the (sedona exit) SR-179 East of I-17, to the old ranger station that is at the mouth of the canyon (see attached photos). Beyond Bell Trail the hike becomes moderately strenuous, and should not be attempted by novice nor intermediate hikers. Upstream beyond from Bell Trail requires swimming or wading a number of coldwater pools which stretch from wall to canyon wall, and hikers must have cross country navigation skills and the physical ability to perform extended physical activity. Venturing upstream of Bell Crossing hikers will be rewarded with solitude, and challenging experience.