West Clear Creek - Bear Canyon to Bull Pen, AZ

[Hikergirl81]

From Bear to Bull (and this is not about investments) ;)
Have you done the full trip from Bear to Bull? If so, how long did it take you?

I'm thinking that I need another challenge like the Four Peaks traverse was for me a few years ago. This one may prove to be quite challenging just due to the logistics with time. It seems like I will need to do several out and backs (which I have already done and now I'm hooked) or just go for it... The problem is I will have to complete it in 3 days because those are my days off. Maybe I should take a few extra days off to be safe..? I'm not sure that it is possibe for me, right now.
If you don't know me and I sound nuts, I am.
-BUT- I am also a very determined, strong hiker with climbing and canyoneering experience.
Your thoughts, comments, and criticism is always appreciated.
:A1: Janelle

[Hikergirl81]

BTW: it would also be nice to post the GPS with route time etc...
I never use a GPS so I may have to risk killing my iPhone (with an accidental water exposure) while utilizing Joe's AWESOME new GPS app. Unless @Chumley wants to route document this like 4 Peaks.
You would think the route is obvious but there is a maze of rocks, brush and water down in that canyon! The walls may make the gps route a bit off which may mean I will have to go by memory...
I can do that!
Oh- yes I have read the AZ canyoneering books about this

[joebartels]

Guarantee I'd be the HELL outta the water in 3 days! Some may want to relax more with 4 or 5 days. That said I'd allocate 4 days. Even if you get out in 3, day 4 might be a blur. While you certainly don't need a gps for navigation it would be nice to know your progress to stay on pace. If you're better at map reading than most you could target Tank Draw day 1 then Bald Hill day 2.

It's definitely every bit of 25 miles. Probably several miles more when you factor in bouncing around side to side. Kelly from Joseph City has a detailed description from Willow which may be beneficial to read.

[PhilMW]

Looks like it'd be a fun trip. I'm with Joe on getting out in 3 days, though it'd be a bit rough for sure. You'll definitely want to make sure the weather will be good too. You don't want to be stuck in the canyon if a storm comes through.

[toddak]

I've done a full descent including all the main tributaries (Willow Valley, Clover Creek canyon, Toms Creek canyon), but the only overnight/camping in the canyon was on the section from the White Box / Hanging Gardens entry down to the Bull Pen exit, which my son and I did in 2 moderate days. The remaining sections I've done as day hikes using a variety of entry/exit points. Overall, I would say that a fit, determined canyoneer will average about one mile per hour in WCC, so if you were on the move for 10-12 hours per day, 3 days would be tough but doable from the Point Trail entry. GPS can be very spotty in many places, and if you're doing it as a thru-trip there's no need for GPS for navigation, just go light and keep a good pace going all day long. Make sure that at some point you also do Willow Valley down to Point Trail, its also excellent.

[mazatzal]

We've been there 3 times but many moons ago. Why not do cash tank entry to BP exit in 2/3 days? And perhaps do the other "half" later
I'd recommend this.

[Hikergirl81]

I'm confused about which entry/exit Cash Tank is. Is that the one just upstream from White Box, hanging gardens?

[mazatzal]

@Hikergirl81
Yes, Cash Tank is the one just above White Box.