West Clear Creek

It's a bumpy ride to the trailhead, but once you get there you're just a mile and a half from an oasis of calm

Bouncing through cattle country on the bumpy dirt road that leads to West Clear Creek Trail, it's hard to imagine red rocks and an idyllic creek existing among the basalt rocks and ocotillo. But keep driving (and driving) - a surprising treat awaits. When summer has you thinking how good a dip in the water would feel, but the crowds at Red Rock Crossing and Slide Rock make you think your best bet is to fill your bathtub with ice water, this gem of a hike offers a very cool alternative.

West Clear Creek is the longest drainage on the Mogollon Rim, nearly 2,000 feet deep at some points. While it's possible to hike nearly six miles to the top of the rim, or follow the creek along the canyon bottom if you don't mind wading and boulder hopping (just be sure to check the weather reports before taking this route during monsoon season - the area is prone to flash floods), we chose to keep our hike a bit shorter: 1 1/2 miles from the trailhead to a great swimming hole.

West Clear Creek Trail heads east across Bull Pen Ranch - a short side trail leads to a dilapidated stone cabin in a grassy field that's worth exploring. The area is rich with sycamores, cottonwoods, Arizona walnut and ash trees, and you get a glimpse of red rocks in the cliffs north of the cabin. After about one mile the trail dips down into the canyon and meanders along the red rocks of West Clear Creek. It's a perfect place for a picnic but we were dismayed at the trash left behind by careless hikers. West Clear Creek is out of the Red Rock Forest district so Red Rock Passes are not required. Translation: This area illustrates the benefits of the funds the passes provide. If you're inclined, bring a trash bag and pack out some of the unsightly bottles and cans.

The trail continues along the red rocks, passing by an interesting cave and rusted pipes left from the old ranch. We stopped at a large, relatively shallow pool perfect for cooling off on hot summer days. To continue hiking, you need to cross the creek at this point.

A word to the wise: We strongly recommend driving a high clearance vehicle to reach this trailhead. The road is bumpy and rocky in spots and it may be muddy after rainstorms.

Directions: Go south on Hwy 179 to I-17 where the road turns into FR 618. From I-17, travel 11.8 miles on FR 618 to FR 215. Turn left on FR 215 and follow it for three miles to the West Clear Creek Campground. Head to the back of the campground and park in front of a steel pole fence. There is no fee to park at the trailhead and a Red Rock Pass is not required.

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