- Region
- AZ, USA
- Country
- United States
- Best for
- hiking
- Best season
- Spring, Summer
- Permits
- Confirm current permit requirements and wi…
- Managed by
- U.S. Forest Service, Coconino National Forest
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Photos of Wet Beaver Wilderness
How to get there
The main approach to Wet Beaver Creek Canyon is Forest Road 618 off Interstate 17, about 45 miles south of Flagstaff. Graveled Forest Roads provide access and are suitable for passenger vehicles in most weather. Upstream access is possible south of Apache Maid Lookout Tower via Forest Roads 213 and 229, reached from I-17 at the Stoneman Lake Exit. Check road and weather conditions before choosing an approach.
- Forest Road 618 approach
The most accessible approach to Wet Beaver Creek Canyon, reached from Interstate 17 south of Flagstaff.
- Bell Trail information board
An orientation point on the main developed route into the canyon. Wier Trail begins nearby and contours before dropping to the creek.
- Upstream access via Forest Roads 213 and 229
An alternative approach south of Apache Maid Lookout Tower, reached from Interstate 17 at the Stoneman Lake Exit.
Sources: recreation.gov · University of Montana / federal agency partners · Wilderness Connect / federal wilderness boundary inventory. Confirm road and trailhead conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
AZ, USA · United States
- Hunting
- Climbing
- Desert Hiking
- Canyoneering
- Hiking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Backpacking
A year-round creek in desert canyon country
Wet Beaver Wilderness protects much of Wet Beaver Creek and its surrounding canyons in Arizona’s Coconino National Forest. Established in 1984, it centers on a perennially flowing desert stream—a dependable source of habitat in otherwise dry country. Cottonwoods, sycamores, and alders line the water, while junipers, prickly pear, mesquite, and catclaw occupy the slopes above. Higher still, the canyon gives way to grassy plateaus and broader views. The creek winds through the rim of the Colorado Plateau between steep walls of sandstone and shale, with basalt in some sections. Coldwater pools punctuate the canyon floor. That contrast between water, shaded vegetation, and dry uplands defines a visit here: a creek-focused outing and a climb toward the rim offer distinctly different experiences within the same wilderness.
Choosing between creek and rim
Most visitors stay in the lower, more accessible country, particularly along the first several miles of Bell Trail. Hiking, running, swimming, fishing, and wildlife viewing all draw people to this section. Bell Trail #13 is the developed route into Wet Beaver Creek Canyon and the wilderness it shelters. For a different perspective, Apache Maid Trail #15 begins at the canyon mouth, branches from Bell Trail, and climbs the north wall toward rim country. Wier Trail #85 contours from near the Bell Trail information board before descending to creek level. Choose a route according to whether the day is about water or higher ground rather than treating every trail as a creek walk. A mild outing to a swimming spot or viewpoint is a different undertaking from exploring deeper canyon terrain or ascending the plateaus.
Planning a low-impact stay
Camping options around Wet Beaver Wilderness range from a small creekside campground to undeveloped roadside locations. Lawrence Crossing has a toilet and fire rings; dispersed sites along Forest Road 618 have no facilities. Clear Creek Campground, on West Clear Creek, provides another established camping option, while Beaver Creek Day Use Picnic Site serves day visitors. Plan supplies and waste disposal around the facilities at the chosen base rather than assuming services are available throughout the area. Within the wilderness, practice Leave No Trace and give creekside habitat particular care. The year-round water supports deer, elk, bears, lions, smaller mammals, reptiles, and birds; watch wildlife from a distance and secure food. Carry drinking water and sun protection for the dry slopes, and account for cold water when planning to swim. Confirm current access conditions and applicable visitor requirements with Coconino National Forest.
Where on earth
Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Wet Beaver 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
- 34.6689, -111.6506
- Latitude (DMS)
- 34° 40′ 8.2″ N
- Longitude (DMS)
- 111° 39′ 2.1″ W
Coordinates are an access-point reference for Wet Beaver Wilderness, not a route. Carry a paper map and confirm trailhead or put-in access with the managing agency before you go.
Topic summary
Winding on a serpentine course through the rim of the Colorado Plateau, Wet Beaver Creek twists through a steep-walled canyon of Supai sandstone and shale. Beyond lovely red cliffs in the lower section...
Key takeaways
- Region: AZ, USA
- Country: United States
- Good for: hiking
- Coordinates: 34.669, -111.651
Intended uses
hiking
Keep planning
Popular pursuits at Wet Beaver Wilderness
- Hunting
Seasons, tags, and the units that hold animals.
- Climbing
Rock and alpine lines with approach beta.
- 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.
- Wildlife Viewing
Best light, best season, and where animals move.
Animals around Wet Beaver Wilderness
A year-round creek in desert canyon country
Wet Beaver Wilderness protects much of Wet Beaver Creek and its surrounding canyons in Arizona’s Coconino National Forest. Established in 1984, it centers on a perennially flowing desert stream—a dependable source of habitat in otherwise dry country. Cottonwoods, sycamores, and alders line the water, while junipers, prickly pear, mesquite, and catclaw occupy the slopes above. Higher still, the canyon gives way to grassy plateaus and broader views. The creek winds through the rim of the Colorado Plateau between steep walls of sandstone and shale, with basalt in some sections. Coldwater pools punctuate the canyon floor. That contrast between water, shaded vegetation, and dry uplands defines a visit here: a creek-focused outing and a climb toward the rim offer distinctly different experiences within the same wilderness.
Choosing between creek and rim
Most visitors stay in the lower, more accessible country, particularly along the first several miles of Bell Trail. Hiking, running, swimming, fishing, and wildlife viewing all draw people to this section. Bell Trail #13 is the developed route into Wet Beaver Creek Canyon and the wilderness it shelters. For a different perspective, Apache Maid Trail #15 begins at the canyon mouth, branches from Bell Trail, and climbs the north wall toward rim country. Wier Trail #85 contours from near the Bell Trail information board before descending to creek level. Choose a route according to whether the day is about water or higher ground rather than treating every trail as a creek walk. A mild outing to a swimming spot or viewpoint is a different undertaking from exploring deeper canyon terrain or ascending the plateaus.
Planning a low-impact stay
Camping options around Wet Beaver Wilderness range from a small creekside campground to undeveloped roadside locations. Lawrence Crossing has a toilet and fire rings; dispersed sites along Forest Road 618 have no facilities. Clear Creek Campground, on West Clear Creek, provides another established camping option, while Beaver Creek Day Use Picnic Site serves day visitors. Plan supplies and waste disposal around the facilities at the chosen base rather than assuming services are available throughout the area. Within the wilderness, practice Leave No Trace and give creekside habitat particular care. The year-round water supports deer, elk, bears, lions, smaller mammals, reptiles, and birds; watch wildlife from a distance and secure food. Carry drinking water and sun protection for the dry slopes, and account for cold water when planning to swim. Confirm current access conditions and applicable visitor requirements with Coconino National Forest.
Route options
- Bell Trail #1310.8 miles
The only developed route into Wet Beaver Creek Canyon and its wilderness. The first several miles are among the area's most visited stretches; the trail also offers access to rim country.
- Apache Maid Trail #159.5 miles
Starts at the mouth of Wet Beaver Creek Canyon, splits from Bell Trail, and climbs the canyon's north wall toward rim country.
- Wier Trail #85
Contours from near the information board on Bell Trail, then drops to creek level.
- White Mesa Trail #86
A trail on the west side of Casner Canyon.
Sample itineraries
- Lower Bell Trail day hike · 1 day
Explore the lower Bell Trail #13, the wilderness’s most accessible hiking area. Choose a turnaround suited to the group rather than committing to the full trail. Look for cottonwoods and sycamores near Wet Beaver Creek, with desert vegetation higher on the canyon walls.
- Apache Maid canyon-wall hike · 1 day
Begin at the mouth of Wet Beaver Creek Canyon and follow Apache Maid Trail #15 where it splits from Bell Trail. Climb the north canyon wall toward rim country. Make this an out-and-back with a turnaround based on weather, water supplies, and the group’s ability.
- Creekside camping and two day hikes · 2 days
Base at Lawrence Crossing, a small creekside campground with a toilet and fire rings. Spend one day exploring lower Bell Trail and Wier Trail #85, which drops to creek level. On the second day, hike part of Apache Maid Trail for a different view of the canyon.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
Spring; check the forecast before departure
Plan around the contrast between a perennial desert creek and higher canyon walls. Carry layers for creekside stops and exposed hiking. Check road conditions rather than assuming gravel access is suitable in every kind of weather.
Summer
Summer; choose hiking hours around forecast heat
Treat canyon-wall and plateau hikes as desert outings: carry drinking water and sun protection. Coldwater pools do not remove the need to manage heat on the approach. Keep swimming plans flexible.
Fall
Fall; use current forecasts to choose an outing
The perennial creek supports riparian habitat throughout the year. Pack layers for time beside the water and adjust hiking plans to temperatures on the canyon walls. Do not assume creekside conditions match those higher up.
Winter
Winter; confirm weather and road conditions
Prioritize staying dry around the creek’s coldwater pools. Carry insulating layers and choose an outing that fits the forecast. Passenger-vehicle suitability on the gravel approach is described for most weather, not all conditions.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Spring; check the forecast before departure | Plan around the contrast between a perennial desert creek and higher canyon walls. Carry layers for creekside stops and exposed hiking. Check road conditions rather than assuming gravel access is suitable in every kind of weather. |
| Summer | Summer; choose hiking hours around forecast heat | Treat canyon-wall and plateau hikes as desert outings: carry drinking water and sun protection. Coldwater pools do not remove the need to manage heat on the approach. Keep swimming plans flexible. |
| Fall | Fall; use current forecasts to choose an outing | The perennial creek supports riparian habitat throughout the year. Pack layers for time beside the water and adjust hiking plans to temperatures on the canyon walls. Do not assume creekside conditions match those higher up. |
| Winter | Winter; confirm weather and road conditions | Prioritize staying dry around the creek’s coldwater pools. Carry insulating layers and choose an outing that fits the forecast. Passenger-vehicle suitability on the gravel approach is described for most weather, not all conditions. |
Permits, fees & closures
Confirm current permit requirements and wilderness regulations with Coconino National Forest before visiting.
Fees: Lawrence Crossing is free. Clear Creek Campground is fee-based.
Reservations: Wet Beaver Wilderness does not offer reservations through Recreation.gov. Confirm arrangements for nearby campgrounds separately.
Official source: Wet Beaver Wilderness, Coconino National Forest Recreation · Verified November 5, 2026
Hazards & regulations
- Coldwater pools occur deep in the canyon. Assess swimming ability and a safe exit before entering; carry dry layers.
- Steep canyon walls make rim-country outings different from lower-canyon walks. Choose a turnaround that leaves enough energy for the return.
- Desert canyon walls and grassy plateaus require attention to sun exposure and drinking-water supplies.
- Prickly pear cacti and catclaw grow above the creek. Avoid brushing through thorny vegetation.
- Bears and lions use the area. Give wildlife space and secure food during camping stops.
- Gravel access roads are suitable for passenger vehicles in most weather, but not necessarily every condition. Check conditions before driving in.
What to pack for Wet Beaver Wilderness
- Drinking water
- Sun hat and sunscreen
- Supportive hiking footwear
- Map showing Bell Trail and planned connecting trails
- Insulating layer
- Weather-resistant outer layer
- Dry bag for spare clothing
- Water-treatment supplies if collecting creek water
- Shelter and sleeping gear suited to the forecast
- Secure food storage
- Trash bags
- Sanitation supplies for dispersed sites without facilities
Wet Beaver Wilderness FAQ
- What makes Wet Beaver Wilderness distinctive?
- Wet Beaver Creek flows year-round through a desert canyon. Cottonwoods, sycamores, and alders line its riparian habitat, while higher slopes support junipers, prickly pear, mesquite, and catclaw. Deeper canyon sections contain coldwater pools between sandstone, shale, and basalt walls.
- How do visitors reach the canyon?
- The most accessible approach is Forest Road 618 off Interstate 17. Upstream access is possible south of Apache Maid Lookout Tower using FR 213 and FR 229 from the Stoneman Lake Exit. Check road conditions before choosing an approach.
- Which trails should visitors consider?
- Bell Trail #13 is the developed route into Wet Beaver Creek Canyon. Apache Maid Trail #15 branches from Bell and climbs the north wall. Wier Trail #85 contours from near Bell’s information board before descending to the creek. White Mesa Trail #86 lies west of Casner Canyon.
- Where can visitors camp nearby?
- Lawrence Crossing offers creekside camping with a toilet and fire rings; approach via FR 618, FR 121, and FR 618G. Dispersed sites along FR 618 have no facilities. Clear Creek Campground is on West Clear Creek, reached via FR 618 and SR 260.
- Can visitors swim or fish?
- Swimming and fishing are established activities here, and the creek contains trout and bass. Assess coldwater pools before entering and confirm current fishing requirements with the responsible agency. Beaver Creek Day Use Picnic Site provides another option for a less hiking-focused visit.
- Are bicycles and motorized equipment appropriate?
- Motorized equipment and mechanical transport, including bicycles, are generally prohibited in wilderness. Plan to explore on foot and confirm applicable regulations with Coconino National Forest. Practice Leave No Trace, especially around the creek’s sensitive riparian habitat.