McCarty Draw, AZ

McCarty Draw is a shallow terrain feature located just east of FR 141, halfway between FR 300 / Rim Rd. and AZ-87. McCarty Ridge forms its north slope. The next canyon south is Miller Canyon. McCarty Draw empties into Miller Canyon about 1.5 miles before Miller empties into East Clear Creek.


Unlike other nearby canyons -- such as East Miller Canyon and Crackerbox Canyon -- McCarty Draw is mellow hiking its entire length. It would not be difficult to hike the very bottom line the entire three miles: What deadfall there is small or easily avoided. There are no grab & stabs, or undergrowth. The one barbwire fence is easily crossed. The only obstacle is a small pourover about a quarter-mile before Miller Canyon.At the intersection with McCarty Draw, and for a mile southeast, Miller Canyon is wide & gravelly, with no obstacles.

At the bottom of McCarty Draw, you have some options:

1) Turn around & head right back up draw (6.0 mi., 375 AEG).

2) Head southeast, up the canyon slope, then loop back on FR 141E ( 6.5mi., 450 AEG).

3) Head east in Miller Canyon, then take the unnamed canyon up to FR 141E, and back to the TH (6.9 mi., 470 AEG). This is the route I took and features the awesome big pour / small waterfall (if water is running).

2018-07-15 kingsnake