- Region
- AZ, USA
- Country
- United States
- Best for
- hiking
- Best season
- Spring, Summer
- Permits
- Confirm current permit and camping require…
- Managed by
- U.S. Forest Service, Coconino National Forest. Red Rock Ranger District manages the western portion (928-203-2900); Mogollon Rim Ranger District manages the eastern portion (928-477-2255). The district boundary runs north–south through the Home Take Draw area.
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How to get there
West Clear Creek Wilderness is about 52 miles south of Flagstaff and 12 miles east of Camp Verde, reached by paved and gravel roads, some of them rough. Lower-canyon access includes FR 214 and FR 215 off FR 618. Upper-canyon access is via Maxwell Trail and Tramway Trail off FR 81 and FR 81E. Bull Pen coordinates are 34°32'22.0"N, 111°42'31.6"W.
- Bull Pen Ranch
Primitive trailhead at the old ranch near the western end of the wilderness. It serves canyon-mouth outings by day hikers, anglers, picnickers, and backpackers. Lower-canyon access roads include FR 214 and FR 215 off FR 618.
- Maxwell Trail
Rim-to-canyon access for the upper reaches of West Clear Creek. The upper-canyon approaches are reached off FR 81 and FR 81E.
- Tramway Trail
Another rim approach to the upper canyon bottom, accessed through the FR 81 and FR 81E road network. Plan for the climb back out after time at the creek.
Sources: recreation.gov · University of Montana / federal agency partners · Wilderness Connect / federal wilderness boundary inventory · Wikipedia. Confirm road and trailhead conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
AZ, USA · United States
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Desert Hiking
- Canyoneering
- Hiking
- Backpacking
- Wildlife Viewing
A narrow wilderness cut into the Mogollon Rim
West Clear Creek Wilderness follows a deep, rugged canyon east of Camp Verde in Arizona’s Coconino National Forest. Established in 1984, it stretches from old Bull Pen Ranch toward the headwaters of Willow Creek and Clover Creek. The wilderness is only one-half mile to two miles wide, but steep canyon walls rise as much as 1,000 feet above the bottom. Elevation and sunlight shape distinct plant communities: pine and fir grow higher up, pinyon and juniper occupy the slopes, and sycamore, alder, and cottonwood line the creek. That contrast is central to a visit here. A rim approach and a creek-bottom walk encounter different terrain, vegetation, and exposure. The canyon offers solitude, but its narrow shape should not be mistaken for easy travel; water and rugged ground govern movement through much of it.
Choose between creek access and canyon travel
The primitive trailhead at old Bull Pen Ranch serves the more frequently visited canyon mouth, where anglers, picnickers, day hikers, and backpackers head upstream. West Clear Creek Trail is the wilderness’s longest and most-used trail. Higher in the canyon, Maxwell Trail and Tramway Trail provide approaches from the rim to the creek bottom. Their short lengths do not make the surrounding canyon an easy destination: these are access routes into remote terrain, with an uphill return to consider. Fishing and swimming draw visitors into the canyon, and the Arizona Game and Fish Department stocks the creek with trout. For a manageable outing, choose a defined trail and a turnaround suited to the water conditions and the group. Continuing along the creek beyond maintained trail is a different undertaking, involving repeated wading or swimming rather than continuous trail walking.
Water conditions set the limits
Stream crossings are unavoidable when traversing this canyon. West Clear Creek Trail has four crossings that can range from knee-deep to impassable, depending on season, weather, and flooding. Beyond maintained trail, more than a dozen pools span the canyon between its walls; some can be up to a quarter mile long and require wading or swimming. The water can be extremely cold, so swimming ability alone is not enough preparation. Protect essential gear from immersion, plan for cold-water exposure, and leave time to retreat rather than pressing through a doubtful crossing. Avoid committing to canyon-bottom travel during storms, and check weather and water conditions before setting out. Practice Leave No Trace throughout the wilderness. Confirm current access conditions and any permit requirements with the ranger district responsible for the part of the canyon being visited.
Where on earth
Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to West Clear Creek Wilderness, United States. Use the + / − buttons, or click the map to zoom with your scroll wheel; drag to pan and pinch to zoom on touch.
Coordinates
- Decimal degrees
- 34.5478, -111.6287
- Latitude (DMS)
- 34° 32′ 52.1″ N
- Longitude (DMS)
- 111° 37′ 43.2″ W
Coordinates are an access-point reference for West Clear Creek Wilderness, not a route. Carry a paper map and confirm trailhead or put-in access with the managing agency before you go.
Topic summary
Despite the fact that the Wilderness is only one-half mile to two miles wide, the canyon offers wonderful opportunities for solitude. As for beauty, serenity, and complexity, the hiking is rarely exceeded...
Key takeaways
- Region: AZ, USA
- Country: United States
- Good for: hiking
- Coordinates: 34.548, -111.629
Intended uses
hiking
Keep planning
Popular pursuits at West Clear Creek Wilderness
- Fishing
Resident gamefish, seasons, and the water that holds them.
- Hunting
Seasons, tags, and the units that hold animals.
- Desert Hiking
Water carries and heat management drive the plan.
- Canyoneering
Narrows, downclimbs, and flash-flood timing.
- Hiking
Day miles on marked trail, with route notes and trail links below.
- Backpacking
Multi-day travel with everything on your back — see the packing blocks below.
Animals around West Clear Creek Wilderness
A narrow wilderness cut into the Mogollon Rim
West Clear Creek Wilderness follows a deep, rugged canyon east of Camp Verde in Arizona’s Coconino National Forest. Established in 1984, it stretches from old Bull Pen Ranch toward the headwaters of Willow Creek and Clover Creek. The wilderness is only one-half mile to two miles wide, but steep canyon walls rise as much as 1,000 feet above the bottom. Elevation and sunlight shape distinct plant communities: pine and fir grow higher up, pinyon and juniper occupy the slopes, and sycamore, alder, and cottonwood line the creek. That contrast is central to a visit here. A rim approach and a creek-bottom walk encounter different terrain, vegetation, and exposure. The canyon offers solitude, but its narrow shape should not be mistaken for easy travel; water and rugged ground govern movement through much of it.
Choose between creek access and canyon travel
The primitive trailhead at old Bull Pen Ranch serves the more frequently visited canyon mouth, where anglers, picnickers, day hikers, and backpackers head upstream. West Clear Creek Trail is the wilderness’s longest and most-used trail. Higher in the canyon, Maxwell Trail and Tramway Trail provide approaches from the rim to the creek bottom. Their short lengths do not make the surrounding canyon an easy destination: these are access routes into remote terrain, with an uphill return to consider. Fishing and swimming draw visitors into the canyon, and the Arizona Game and Fish Department stocks the creek with trout. For a manageable outing, choose a defined trail and a turnaround suited to the water conditions and the group. Continuing along the creek beyond maintained trail is a different undertaking, involving repeated wading or swimming rather than continuous trail walking.
Water conditions set the limits
Stream crossings are unavoidable when traversing this canyon. West Clear Creek Trail has four crossings that can range from knee-deep to impassable, depending on season, weather, and flooding. Beyond maintained trail, more than a dozen pools span the canyon between its walls; some can be up to a quarter mile long and require wading or swimming. The water can be extremely cold, so swimming ability alone is not enough preparation. Protect essential gear from immersion, plan for cold-water exposure, and leave time to retreat rather than pressing through a doubtful crossing. Avoid committing to canyon-bottom travel during storms, and check weather and water conditions before setting out. Practice Leave No Trace throughout the wilderness. Confirm current access conditions and any permit requirements with the ranger district responsible for the part of the canyon being visited.
Route options
- West Clear Creek TrailCondition-dependent; stream crossings can make the route impassable.
The longest and most-used wilderness trail starts at Bull Pen Ranch, follows the creek, and climbs the northern slope to the rim. Its four stream crossings can be knee-deep or impassable; choose a turnaround based on conditions rather than assuming the full route is accessible.
- Maxwell TrailAbout 0.6 mile
A short route from the rim to the canyon bottom in the upper reaches. Use it as a creek-access outing while allowing energy and time for the return ascent.
- Tramway TrailAbout 0.75 mile
A separate short approach from the rim to the canyon bottom. Its length describes the access trail, not an extended journey along the creek.
- West Clear Creek beyond the maintained trailChallenging, remote canyon travel with required wading or swimming.
An unmaintained creek-following option through narrow canyon terrain. More than a dozen wall-to-wall pools may require wading or swimming, with individual pools up to a quarter mile long. Avoid this undertaking during storms and prepare for extremely cold water.
Sample itineraries
- Bull Pen Ranch day hike · 1 day
Start at the primitive trailhead at old Bull Pen Ranch and explore the West Clear Creek Trail as an out-and-back. Set the turnaround by crossing conditions and available daylight. The trail has four stream crossings; completing it is not a dry-foot hike.
- Upper canyon via Maxwell Trail · 1 day
Use Maxwell Trail to reach the upper canyon for a creekside visit, returning by the same route. Upper access is off FR 81 and FR 81E. Allow time and energy for the climb back to the rim; a short access trail does not make this rugged canyon easy.
- Lower canyon backpack · 2 days
Begin at Bull Pen Ranch for a conservative overnight exploration along the West Clear Creek Trail. Confirm camping requirements with the ranger district and use Leave No Trace practices. Keep the route within the group's crossing ability rather than committing to the swimming passages beyond the maintained trail.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
Spring; check current creek conditions
Crossing depths depend on time of year, weather, and flooding. Do not assume spring crossings are passable. Extremely cold water makes dry clothing and a conservative turnaround plan important.
Summer
Summer; choose a storm-free forecast
Avoid canyon-length travel during storms. Beyond the maintained trail, long pools require wading or swimming, and the water can be extremely cold. Warm air is not a reliable guide to water exposure.
Fall
Fall; verify conditions before departure
Do not assume lower water or easy crossings based on season alone. Elevation and sunlight vary sharply within the canyon; carry layers for shaded creek travel and the climb toward the rim.
Winter
Winter; assess cold-water exposure
Unavoidable crossings and extremely cold water call for conservative planning. Carry protected dry layers and turn back if a crossing would leave the group unable to stay warm. Confirm road and trail conditions before traveling.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Spring; check current creek conditions | Crossing depths depend on time of year, weather, and flooding. Do not assume spring crossings are passable. Extremely cold water makes dry clothing and a conservative turnaround plan important. |
| Summer | Summer; choose a storm-free forecast | Avoid canyon-length travel during storms. Beyond the maintained trail, long pools require wading or swimming, and the water can be extremely cold. Warm air is not a reliable guide to water exposure. |
| Fall | Fall; verify conditions before departure | Do not assume lower water or easy crossings based on season alone. Elevation and sunlight vary sharply within the canyon; carry layers for shaded creek travel and the climb toward the rim. |
| Winter | Winter; assess cold-water exposure | Unavoidable crossings and extremely cold water call for conservative planning. Carry protected dry layers and turn back if a crossing would leave the group unable to stay warm. Confirm road and trail conditions before traveling. |
Permits, fees & closures
Confirm current permit and camping requirements with Coconino National Forest's Red Rock or Mogollon Rim Ranger District.
Reservations: West Clear Creek Wilderness does not offer reservations through Recreation.gov.
Official source: West Clear Creek Wilderness, Coconino National Forest Recreation · Verified November 5, 2026
Hazards & regulations
- The West Clear Creek Trail has four crossings ranging from knee-high to impassable, depending on season, weather, and flooding. Turn back rather than force an unsafe crossing.
- Beyond the maintained trail, more than a dozen pools span the canyon walls. Some are up to a quarter mile long and require wading or swimming.
- Avoid canyon-length travel during storms. Flooding can make crossings impassable.
- Extremely cold water creates a serious exposure concern, especially during prolonged wading or swimming.
- Steep canyon walls, rugged terrain, and remote access make retreat demanding. Preserve enough energy for the return climb.
- Access includes paved and gravel roads, some of which can be rough. Check conditions and vehicle suitability before departure.
What to pack for West Clear Creek Wilderness
- Secure footwear suitable for wet crossings
- Waterproof bags for clothing and essential gear
- Dry insulating layers
- Flotation appropriate to any planned swimming
- Forest Service topographic maps and offline navigation
- Headlamp
- First-aid kit
- Emergency shelter
- Reliable emergency communication device
- Drinking water and water treatment
- Food for the planned outing plus a delay
- Sun protection
- Lightweight camping gear for overnight trips
- Bags to pack out all trash
West Clear Creek Wilderness FAQ
- Where is West Clear Creek Wilderness?
- It lies in Coconino National Forest east of Camp Verde, where West Clear Creek cuts into the Mogollon Rim. The wilderness follows a narrow, rugged canyon from Bull Pen Ranch toward the Willow Creek and Clover Creek headwaters.
- How do visitors reach the canyon?
- Lower canyon access includes FR 214 and FR 215 off FR 618, with a primitive trailhead at old Bull Pen Ranch. Maxwell Trail and Tramway Trail reach the upper canyon from roads off FR 81 and FR 81E.
- Can the canyon be hiked without swimming?
- The West Clear Creek Trail requires stream crossings, but continuing beyond the maintained trail introduces pools that require wading or swimming. A shorter out-and-back avoids committing to those passages, though even trail crossings can be impassable.
- Is this a beginner-friendly canyon?
- The trail from Bull Pen Ranch offers a less demanding introduction than a full canyon traverse. Water crossings still require judgment. The remote, trailless stretches and long swimming passages are not a suitable casual extension of a day hike.
- What is the fishing like?
- West Clear Creek supports trout fishing along much of its length and is stocked by the Arizona Game and Fish Department. Anglers seek German brown and rainbow trout. Confirm current fishing requirements before bringing tackle.
- Who manages the wilderness?
- Red Rock Ranger District manages the western portion: 928-203-2900. Mogollon Rim Ranger District manages the eastern portion: 928-477-2255. The district boundary runs north-south through the Home Take Draw area.