West Clear Creek Overnight Backpacking

West Clear Creek is one of the top hidden Arizona hikes: remote, rugged, and gorgeous.  It cuts into red sandstone from the rim at 5500' to the canyon floor 2000' below.  Sunny canyon walls, cool shady forests, and clear cold pools are the highlights. We'll hike mostly along the canyon floor and cross the stream frequently with possibly some swimming (even with our packs). Dry bags or doubled large trash bags are needed to keep gear from getting wet. Monsoon season includes the risk of flash flooding, even when rain is not visible.

http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/coconino/recreation/?cid=stelprdb5298713

Trip Description

Overnight Backpacking trip: West Clear Creek Wilderness

Exertion: Moderate/strenuous (more complicated than strenuous because of bouldering and swimming)

Risks: hypothermia, sun, rocks, slipping, flash floods, drowning, mosquitos, snakes

Summer temperatures: 80-100F in the sun, nights 50-60F; cold stream water

Estimated length: about 4-6 hours (3-6 miles) of hiking each day, (2 days, 1 night).  Starts with a short, steep hike down to the canyon floor (45 min.) followed by backpacking for several hours with many creek crossings (you will get wet!) until we find a suitable flat camping spot.  Most likely, we’ll find a spot, set up camp, leave our gear, and hike with day packs along the river and return to camp.

Gear List (Backpacking)

• Tent with rain fly
• Tent ground tarp
• Sleeping bag/pad
• Stove/pots/pans/plate/cup/utensils/ lighter/fuel
• Water filter/purification
• Water bottle(s)
• Camp chair (optional)
• Headlamp
• Mosquito repellant
• Sunscreen
• First aid kit
• Duct tape, twine
• Day pack (so you can leave large items at camp)
• Dry bags or several large plastic trash bags for stuff you want to keep dry (sleeping bag, food, etc.).
• Ziplock bags (to keep stuff dry)
• Food:  1 breakfast, 2 lunches, 1 dinner, snacks
• Shovel and toilet paper
• Hand sanitizer, soap
• Clothing: synthetics recommended over cotton because they dry faster.
  • Wide-brimmed hat
  • 1 long-sleeved shirt, 1 short sleeved shirt
  • 1 shorts/swimming trunks
  • 1 pants for the evening if it gets cool
  • Shirt and shorts for camp (keep dry)
  • River sandals and old sneakers  (2 pairs of shoes)
  • Socks optional
  • Flip flops for camp
  • Small towel
  • Change of clothes in the car for return trip (optional)

While I'd suggest that each person should be self-sufficient (gear, food, travel), helping each other out enhances the experience and makes it more fun.   If guys are interested, please carpool, potluck meals and snacks, and share equipment (tents, water filters, stoves, cooking pots, etc.).  I'm famous for forgetting something vital (like tent poles) on every trip, so please check your stuff!  The first time I hiked here, I forgot my sneakers and hiked in Birkenstocks...(kinda far to go back and get your shoes).

If you plan to attend, please, you respect a few ground rules:

• Make a minimal impact: Pack it in, pack it out.  Bring an extra bag to haul out any trash you find.
• Be safe.  Make others feel safe
• Help each other.
• Respect each other’s stuff and space
• No noise from phones, radios, etc.
• No drugs
• No guns
• No open fires or smoking (fire risk is too high)

Please contact me with questions via email.  It should be a blast.  Looking forward to meeting folks!

Rodrigo