West Clear Creek Trail No. 17
Camp Verde, Arizona
Address: | Below Bull Pen, Camp Verde, AZ 86322, USA |
GPS: |
34°32'24.8"N 111°42'28.1"W Maps | Directions |
State: | Arizona |
Trails/Routes: | 16.9 mi |
Rivers Fishing Bicycles Motorized Use
Backpack, Hike, and Swim
West Clear Creek Trail No. 17 is a great way to reach the running waters of West Clear Creek. By far the most accessible and popular, it starts from the Bull Pen Ranch parking lot and winds down the creek several miles, and then climbs along the canyon wall until reaching the top of the Mogollan Rim, which is the southern edge of the Colorado Plateau. The portion of the hike that scales the canyon is rated as strenuous, but the remainder is not. There are plenty of spots to fish, swim, and even dispersed camp along the banks of the river, and there are several places to cross as one hikes down, so be prepared for wet feet by bringing wading shoes.
The trail can be impassable in times of high runoff; however, the cool water and shade combine into a great relief during the hot summer months.
Mapped Route/Trail Distances
West Clear Creek Trail No. 17 (One Way) | 16.9 miles Round Trip |
More Information
Be courteous, informed, and prepared. Read trailhead guidelines, stay on the trail, and don't feed the wildlife.
Read MoreDirections
From Camp Verde, Arizona
- Head south on S Main St toward S 1st St (0.5 mi)
- Turn left onto AZ-260 E (5.4 mi)
- Turn left onto Forest Service Rd 618 (2.2 mi)
- Continue straight onto Bull Pen RdDestination will be on the right(2.9 mi)
Added by camilledupar
Trails
Distance ?
16.9 miles Round TripElevation Gain ?
2,062 feetReal Ascent ?
2,857 feetReal Descent ?
795 feetAvg Grade (3°)
5%Grade (-32° to 29°)
-63% to 56%Elevation differences are scaled for emphasis. While the numbers are accurate, the cut-away shown here is not to scale.
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