Quick easy west clear creek overnighter

[rustyshackleford135]

Hi! I’m looking for some suggestions for a relatively short out and back somewhere on west clear creek. I’ll be taking my girlfriend who has never backpacked before. I know there will be significant elevation loss and gain going into and out of the canyon so which trail would be the easiest? We would be just doing one night and fishing the creek and swimming while down there. Thank you!

[nonot]

Depends more on your vehicle than anything else. Many of the WCC trailheads are only accessible by 4x4, high clearance, or both (often both). Only 1 is what I consider suitable for cars.

If you can make it to any trailhead, a short backpack as you describe can be done from any of them. However in the topic of overcrowding, all the backpack camping sites may be taken when starting at the more popular (read: Accessible) trailheads.

[rustyshackleford135]

@nonot Awesome! Thank you. I do have a high clearance 4x4. I’m not familiar with the trailheads. I see some roads leading to the rim on the south side. Would I be alright just picking one of those? We will be doing it on a week day. Hopefully will help with avoiding the crowds!

[outdoor_lover]

Might I suggest for her first backpack trip, that you take her somewhere that you're familiar with? Most WCC trails are steep, rocky and can be loose, so if you ever want her to go again, I'd pick somewhere with better trails. Just a thought. The only one I would suggest is West Clear Creek Trail out of Bull Pen. But that's the only one I haven't done, so don't take my word for that one either.

[rustyshackleford135]

@outdoor_lover Very valid point. I’ll talk with her about that. We were just looking for somewhere we could camp waterside and has nice swimming holes. Might have to look around for somewhere else. Thanks!

[nonot]

All the trails into WCC (except Bull Pen) are steep, but they are short, and not too bad for a first timer. Based on your vehicle description I would suggest:
[ Calloway Trail #33 ]

[jillyonanadventure]

@rustyshackleford135 I’d choose point trail but maybe you can carry the majority of the stuff if she hasn’t backpacked before. It’s super steep in/out of the canyon, but it is pretty down there.

[rustyshackleford135]

@jillyonanadventure That is the plan! I’ve got the vast majority of the stuff. We’re going to go to the point and head upstream about a mile or so. I believe it was your photo set and Route I was reviewing to decide whether upstream or down! Thanks!

[SuperstitionGuy]

@rustyshackleford135
Use you Avatar dog to carry her items. Problem solved.....

[jillyonanadventure]

@rustyshackleford135 Both are pretty but the good campsite is downstream (to the right after you reach the bottom). Across from the spring (looks like a little waterfall coming out of the ferns) is where the best camp spot is. I’ve never seen it not occupied, but I’ve only been on a weekend or a Friday. Good luck!