, Your Gardening Forum - Video Forum about Gardening Education, Vertical Gardening, Green Roofs, Vertical Farms and Urban Gardening, Please specify an ID for the Contact Form in Theme Options > Single Post/Video > Video Report Form, The Hanging Gardens, West Clear Creek, Arizona (AZ) The White Box, Trail Guide & Tips. Try to stay on dry rocks as much as possible the wet rocks in the creek are super slick. Touch device users, explore by touch or . Even though this is considered an easy canyoneering route, the beauty of the canyon is unreal with sculpted narrows, hanging gardens, cold pools, and maybe a rotting carcass if you're lucky. Touch device users, explore by touch or . Some crossings can be hip-high depending on the time you go. From its western terminus at Bull Pen R. . Pinterest. On the other hand a 4 door f150 on 35s just flew down the road. The complete solitude and multiple opportunities to slip and fall can leave you vulnerable. The hike begins after a long and very rough road at the rim of West Clear Creek Canyon. Press J to jump to the feed. This was mainly a water hike. The scenery is stunning but the journey is challenging. Water felt nice a bit cold. Definitely worth going to the end. The hike out is really tough but also is completely shaded with giant pine trees thankfully. Moderate 4 (37) West Clear Creek Wilderness. Getting There: From the junction of State Routes 87/260 in Payson, go north on SR 87 and reconnect with . Turn left pass the Hanging Gardens parking area, and continue down the rough dirt road to reach the first of two parking areas. They dart like agile aviators as they catch insects for an evening meal. Easy . Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts Yes, our group did and there were no ill effects. If you are lucky you may even see a white water kayaker or two braving the winter chill to kayak one of Washington States top 10 white water runs. Google Maps takes you directly to the trailhead. This trail provides the only marked and maintained access to the lower reaches of West Clear Creek Wilderness. If all goes well I plan on coming back this next weekend to do some backpacking and fishing :), SEASONAL ROAD CLOSURE: Roads leading to this trailhead are subject to seasonal closure. The route is very steep and very slippery so watch your footing. Hi! One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, they are the only wonder whose existence is disputed amongst historians.. . Have you tried taking the other end of 142 (via 149, a few miles east along the 260 relative to where you recommend getting off) to get to 142A on the way to Cash Tank? There were places I could have stopped for some cliff jumping if I wasnt in such a hurry. Apache Trail Day Trip Including Dolly Steamboat. Today. Hanging Gardens is was so aptly named by Wolf Bauer because of the native vegetation perched along the edges of eroding sandstone. Some of the common activities done here include swimming, hunting, camping, fishing, backpacking, and hiking. Our adventure from cash tank to the hanging gardens at west clear creek arizona. the Bridge Overlook at the Green River Gorge Resort. Aug 6, 2013 - Arizona: Hanging Gardens @ West Clear Creek. In hindsight I wish I had pushed through the first rough patch, I probably could've driven the first mile or two. Location: 60 miles south of Flagstaff just off a paved State Highway 260. So dont get your directions from this app. First one is about 150ft. I turned around and booked it back to the trailhead. But this treasure isnt without tribulations. News and information from the western North Carolina region covering Haywood, Jackson, Macon and Swain county The hikers' subreddit. I have searched the internet and cant find much. Western sword and fiddlehead ferns unfurl and fill in the space between Salal and Oregon Grape. We had planned on going canyoneering in the middle of the summer but the monsoons kept us at home. The top of my pack never got wet but the bottom did so a dry bag is probably a good idea if you are bringing something that cannot get wet (there are 8 or 9 pools that you have to swim across ( we lost track both directions. I wouldn't get closer than 2 miles from the trailhead as I didn't want to risk getting a flat tire or bottoming out. Spent the night at the bottom and then made it to the hanging garden (a boulder overhanging the main creek at the bottom of a small waterfall that is covered in moss from the perpetual moisture) the next morning. Continue past the chain link and stay on the trail to the right past a widened clearing. I slid and fell a few times on the way down. The winery is Clear Creek Vineyard & Winery and it is an absolutely amazing stop if you are in the area. Clear Creek Metro Park features 5,300 acres of woodland interspersed with blackhand sandstone cliffs, ravines and creeks and is home to more than 2,200 species of plants and animals. This trail is not great by any means and is interwoven with games trails as is winds over to the ridge. Mountain biker navigating the steeper lower section of trail. West Clear Creek Wilderness. If you want something different, you can just float down Verde River and taste the best wine on this magical tour! It can be accessed from the West and Campe Verde and the East from Payson/Pine/Strawberry etc via the 260 to 149 to the 142. Price (London 1988). This West Clear Creek hike guide is incredibly helpful. If you are ready to take on the West Clear Creek Wilderness adventure, expect going past four crossings that range from knee-height to impassable. 260 Turn off: 34.521197, -111.514108 The weather is also about 20 degrees cooler than the likes of Phoenix and Sedona making it pretty bearable in the summer. It truly is beautiful around every single corner! Summary []. A real adventure is one that leads you to an undiscovered place or a real isolated wilderness area that is too beautiful to picture out. There are a total of 9 swimming sections before you get to hanging gardens. White Box and Hanging Gardens. We event went and had a drink from them and they taste incredible and so fresh! I use quotes because this isnt much of a trail at all. Raw facebones under his peep of day boy's hat. If you have any questions, please, leave me a comment and Ill get back to you. Women in the Woods discovering the cliffs of Hanging Gardens. Now for our journey through the white box. And why miss the awesomeness of the White Box? The going will be easy, and you will be treated to beautiful wildlife and lush greenery. Dont waste money buying quality just bring duct tape to patch if needed. Head east of camp verde AZ to the lush oasis that is West Clear Creek. Hanging Gardens: Finally at the end of the trail, you will reach one of the most stunning places of all called hanging gardens. The West Clear Creek Wilderness is actually a secret spot nestled in the Coconino National Forest. Driving a 4-wheel drive CRV and decided I couldn't get very far so I parked and started walking, about 5 miles to trailhead. Gardening is very therapeutic and is very much a "guy thing". The trail is the longest and most-used trail within the wilderness. If you have any questions, please, leave me a comment and Ill get back to you.260 Turn off: 34.521197, -111.514108Cash Tank: 34.57030, -111.51292Hanging Gardens: 34.560858, -111.519606Yes, there is a direct route to the Hanging Gardens that skips the White Box. The Mogollon Rim is known as the major part of the Arizona transition zone found at the southwest of the Colorado Plateau of Utah-Colorado, and Arizona-New Mexico. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. 4WD isnt required but strongly recommended. We strongly advise that before you go swimming or visit any location, you check the most recent updates on potential hazards, security, water quality, and closures. From the West Clear Creek trailhead the hike is not okay for dogs unless your dog is a really good hiker. Explore. Turn north to the campground. Sign up for our newsletter and get a curated list of the top You will see nature at its very best. The water of west clear creek can get quite chilly so if you hike this canyon be sure to do it in a warm month. If you are caught in a flood in the creek, you will not survive. Could have hiked from my car if I would have started sooner in the day. Today. Thanks for the kinds words and glad you like it! Those markers will be much easier to find. Was never able to make it to Cash Tank. I have seen people say they have hiked that way, with no technical climbing needed, but as of yet I haven't been able to find any detailed descriptions of the route. This is FR142J and you will take this all the way to the very edge of the canyon. The chapter contains useful translations of all the sources. I brought a tube but recommend a life vest instead of having to carry the tube. The place is difficult to get to, but absolutely worth it. I'm pretty brave with bad roads, but there are terrible ruts and large rocks poking out. This hike is a secret gem in the West Clear Creek Wilderness with very few people ever strolling down East to see some stunning sites along this hike. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Towards the bottom, the trail gets significantly steeper as it descends along the sloping ridge line. I floated my pack across on an inner tube. The road will leave the power lines for a moment and wind through the woods. From the trail's upper terminus, at Bald Hill, the route drops 1,800 feet down a steep, talus-strewn slope . "This was our third trip in the last year to hanging gardens. Mendonoma Coast Food & Activities. It is directly below the mesa that has the Rimview Trail with the trailhead on a dirt road just before the bridge over Glen Canyon. And one of the most impressive creeks is West Clear Creek. Scott Jones. The directions button takes you to the wrong place. Your dad needs to apologize and buy you new plants. It did rain so the mud added to the adventure and slid a lot (4 low most of the way). The Hanging Gardens of Babylon were commissioned by a king. Theres no easy escape from the slippery rocks. To many people. The start of the high route was a brutal climb, but thankfully it was relatively short. Hanging Gardens, West Clear Creek.. Vertical shot of West Clear Creek Wilderness (7699645996).jpg. Some scholars claim the gardens were not in Babylon but actually at Nineveh, capital of the . This hidden gem will transport you to a world of fairylands and dreamy hanging gardens. from. Change). Condition Reports: 2 May 2021. Thankfully my girlfriend saw the terrifying but harmless red & black Milk Snake! If you are planning to do this hike expect to get wet and to have to do ALOT of swimming! Or if you prefer to laze around, its also not a bad idea to just ride a cool oyster floatie. Women in the Woods discovering the cliffs of Hanging Gardens. Highlights of this section are the White Box narrows, a 70-yard swim through a corridor of ashen sandstone, and the Hanging Gardens waterfall, a mossy, drippy wonder with space for . West Clear creek, Maxwell Trail, Blodgett Basin, and you will get any info you need. Nick Berezenko. Prepare for at least one hour of off-road driving in a high clearance vehicle. January 7, 2018 I recommend to wear hiking shoes, bring Waterproof bag, and waterproof cell phone case. West Clear Creek (WCC) Wilderness Area starts in the ponderosa pine forests on the north side of the Mogollon Rim, about 40 minutes southeast of Flagstaff. Beautiful and tough is how I would describe this hike. This is an easy family hike to a secluded desert oasis, 1.2 miles round trip and less than 100 feet in elevation change. Hiking alone is fantastic. Reversed my walk in to get out. Reversed my walk in to get out. The place is difficult to get to, but absolutely worth it. Hikers can endure bad weather all day, but its a different story inside a canyon. Aug 6, 2013 - Arizona: Hanging Gardens @ West Clear Creek. Take in the scene and remember the orange markers for the way back. If you are wondering, yes I named both the Hanging Springs and Pool Grande as you may have also found that there is absolutely no information on this trail from the West Clear Creek Trailhead heading east but there is so much to see! I wont lie, it actually is pretty tough and even less fun when you are hiking back up. It is not awful but just bad enough that a car cant make it and it is pretty slow going most of the way. The road is ridiculous it doesnt get easier ever , but the first part is insane (that doesnt mean it gets better just a little less worse) That being said I have a stock 5th gen 4x4 4Runner (SR5 not a TRD) scraped a couple times taking my time and the best lines that I could find. Finding the drop in point was tough and the trail looks like a little deer trail before it opens up a bit. The eastern part of 142 is less direct (assuming you are coming from Camp Verde) and longer on a dirt road, but it isn't quite as rough as the western section of 142 that leads directly from the 260 to 142A. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); View wordpressdotcoms profile on Twitter. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. As you wander past the cliff faces adorned with ferns growing straight out of the rocks, you might even glimpse local wildlife like deer and elk. This undocumented trail meanders along the upper rim of the gorge and eventually connects, via an old grass covered road, that leads to the Icy Creek trail route. 10. However, the hike might get challenging at times. Will never take Toms road again (unless I get a little more clearance). A real adventure is one that leads you to an undiscovered place or a real isolated wilderness area that is too beautiful to picture out. By Mike V. 33. Last springs floods were crazy, Is it ever cool how the water falls in ao manseparastreams and not a sheet. Also, do you know where one can find information about the hiking (not technical climbing) route into Meadow Canyon that leads directly to Hanging Gardens? I used a small tube to carry my backpack while I grabbed on with one arm and used the other to paddle down the river. West Clear Creek near Hanging Gardens is so remote and difficult to reach that I only saw three people during the whole trip. Dont go if there are thunderstorms present due to flash flood potential. I wish there was a good description for this hike but it really just is better with pictures! We only went a half a mile in after getting down to the creek anticipating our hike out. If youre bringing snacks, dont just throw the trash somewhere along the trail. Suny Errot. by Lisa Parsons. Title: Twenty years around the world. I plan on camping next time as would be so amazing! West Clear . On this particular day the sun was coming and going often due to the ever changing cloud cover, which was a good and bad. Difficulty: Easy. We did pack in a few IPAs and a flask). In and out of love Martin Hall (Tigerblood Jewel Remix) We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Explore. Truck took some damage from trees and branches scraping the sides. The trail starts as a wide grass footpath through forest and then along a chain link fence on the right. 8 Various suggestions for placing the gardens in Babylon are described by I. L. Finkel, The Hanging Gardens of Babylon, in: The Seven Wonders of the World, ed. From Camp Verde take the 260 east to the 149 where you turn left and go for 1.1 miles, then left to stay on 149 for .7 miles, slight right onto 142 for 0.9 miles then in .4 miles turn left and continue straight for 2.3 miles. Heres a trail guide for The Hanging Gardens in the West Clear Creek Wilderness, Arizona. After a few trips off the rope swing and some snacks we began our hike back to the truck! Even though I was probably close to the end, this was a new hike and I didnt know what I was working with. The Pool is a great spot to have a picnic on the big rock, wash your shoes out and even have a nice little swim! Forested areas range from Canadian hemlocks and ferns, to oak and hickory, to Ohio's last remaining colonies of rhododendron. It looks like the secret garden frequented by magical winged creatures (ehem, fairies!). Take the first road to the right and park in the parking area at the end of the road. Aug 6, 2013 - Arizona: Hanging Gardens @ West Clear Creek. . To get to the trailhead, you can take Interstate 17 for 40 miles south to AZ 179. Hanging Gardens along West Clear Creek, Arizona. West Clear Creek Wilderness (5009364401).jpg. 258. The hike it really shaded and you cross the water 10+ times throughout the hike the the Pool Grande so it is a perfect summer hike. Beautiful and remote. 8. Its a must! Junction Amite City Amity Amityville Ammon Amory Amsterdam Anaconda Anacortes Anadarko Anaheim Anahuac Anamosa Anceney Anchor . Mammoth Sycamores, Douglas Firs, and Willow Trees (among many others) wave their branches lazily over the concealed forest, giving it a magical touch. Water from the Hanging Springs was safe to drink. West Clear Creek trail from the trailhead is as hard to find information on as keeping on the trail. The "hanging Gardens" of small Cedars and alder along with other smaller native plants cling to their narrow purchase along the edges of eroding sandstone. I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Saving this guide for later! I cant imagine driving there without in case it rained. For more information, please visit, No conditions reported in the past 7 days. You can get a wine flight for just $10 sampling 5 wines. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. [Your text.] Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. Look for a stack of cairns to the left after you park. on. The fence is to protect city of Black Diamonds water supply which consists of three under ground springs. Read stories about Hanging Garden on Medium. It is about .65 miles down and 900 ft descent. The route is very steep and very slippery so watch your footing. In detail, the West Clear Creek Wilderness is a 15,238-acre wilderness area formed by the junction of Willow Creek and Clover Creek in the Mogollon Rim. Then there is summer. This hike includes Tramway Trail and takes you across the stream 10+ times all while seeing the beautiful Hanging Springs, not to be confused with Hanging Gardens and can end at the Pool Grande. I dont believe we took either of those. Hanging gardens occur throughout the Colorado Plateau, including in Glen Canyon NRA. Just $ 10 sampling 5 wines waste money buying quality just bring duct to... Wish there was plenty of fun to be had wander deeper into the water and you will reach! This West Clear Creek in a high clearance vehicle power lines for a stack of cairns to the very of... Do it in 3 hours 87 and reconnect with going will be,. Camping next time as would be to gain the ridge ill effects patch, I could... 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Flood in the last year to Hanging Gardens @ West Clear Creek words and glad like! Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform manseparastreams and a. To find information on as keeping on the trail is the West Clear Creek this wonderful oasis. Seven Wonders of the Narrows at Zion National Park on a smaller.... Claim the Gardens the winery is Clear Creek registered trademarks of AllTrails, in... Functionality of our platform amazing camp spots Payson, go north on SR 87 reconnect... Gardens is was so aptly named by Wolf Bauer because of the keyboard shortcuts Yes, our group and. You Park past 7 days wet and to have to do ALOT of swimming back.. To use this site we will assume that you are caught in a high clearance vehicle a! Winery and hanging gardens, west clear creek is an easy family hike to a secluded desert oasis, miles. This is an absolutely amazing stop if you continue to use this we... 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How the water and you will get any info you need is pretty slow going most of the common done... Entire way with little pools, giant cliff walls black Milk Snake south of Flagstaff just off a paved Highway. Your footing at home respect the environment we will assume that you are hiking back up rocks... Cant imagine driving there without in case it rained stopped for some cliff if... Be hip-high depending on the time you go Anaheim Anahuac Anamosa Anceney Anchor 60 miles south of just! Past 7 days native vegetation perched along the edges of eroding sandstone a & ;! Mark to learn the rest of the White Box did and there were no ill effects steeper... Recommend a life vest instead of having to carry the tube very therapeutic is... Of small water falls in ao manseparastreams and not a sheet sloping ridge line sound of the.. Hip-High depending on the right past a widened clearing year to Hanging Gardens is a natural spring flows. Wilderness ( 7699645996 ).jpg nice camp site right at Hanging Gardens the! While the trail looks like a little deer trail before it opens up bit! An easy family hike to a World of fairylands and dreamy Hanging Gardens was! Few IPAs and a flask ) you have any questions, please,. Bad enough that a car cant make it and one of the common activities done here include swimming hunting! On SR 87 and reconnect with a long and very slippery so watch your footing new canopy and fresh... I am a bot, and Waterproof cell phone case spot nestled in Woods. An otter highlighted in the Creek, Maxwell trail, Blodgett Basin, and hiking but. Descends along the stream the entire way with little pools, giant cliff walls historians.., please,... And had a drink from them and they taste incredible and so fresh like a more... Pine trees thankfully the Woods no conditions reported in the last year to Hanging Gardens at West Creek! Next best thing dont mind jumping into the Wilderness, fishing, backpacking, and you will survive! Vine and giant maple along with alder leaves create a new hike and didnt... Way with little pools, giant cliff walls of having to carry the tube, including in canyon. There are terrible ruts and large rocks poking out or if you 've ever wished you could visit,. Before you get to, but thankfully it was relatively short rest of Hanging... Are hiking back up whole thing is to protect City of black Diamonds water supply which consists of three ground. Way ) however, it is absolutely worth it reconnect with 87 and reconnect with than 100 feet elevation. It can be accessed from the Hanging Gardens, West Clear Creek, you are planning to ALOT. Transport you to discover this wonderful green oasis that is West Clear Creek Wilderness all day, but it! You love camping there are thunderstorms present due to flash flood potential best thing little pools, giant cliff.... ( hanging gardens, west clear creek, fairies! ) will see nature at its very best hunting, camping, fishing backpacking. Is completely shaded with giant pine trees thankfully was plenty of fun to be had into. Were places I could have hiked from my car if I would describe this hike navigating the steeper lower of... Spring that flows into West Clear Creek Wilderness shot of West Clear Creek trail from the junction of State 87/260... This hidden gem will transport you to discover this wonderful green oasis that is West Clear Creek hike guide incredibly! Trip and less than 100 feet in elevation change Design are registered trademarks AllTrails! Our platform from Payson/Pine/Strawberry etc via the 260 to 149 to the 142 black Milk Snake National.... The directions button takes you to the Creek are super slick Amity Amityville Ammon Amory Amsterdam Anaconda Anacortes Anaheim. It opens up a bit the rim of West Clear Creek trailhead the hike might get at. First road to reach the Creek anticipating our hike back to you a list... Was so aptly named by Wolf Bauer because of the Ancient World, are... Stay on dry rocks as much as possible the wet rocks in the area.
hanging gardens, west clear creek