July 4th Weekend backpack

[mttgilbert]

So who's up for a backpack from friday the 4th to sunday the 6th. I don't have a location or any one to go with so lets hear it.

Whos commin' with me.

I would like to go somewhere with a constant supply of water, something along a river or creek. I don't know what kind of weather is expected that weekend but if theres any possiblility of rain that rules out canyons (my first choice, really). Any ideas? any takers?

[Dschur]

Kinder Crossing is one of the Trails that goes to East Clear Creek and that creek goes near my cabin and it is about 7000 feet at the top of the canyon not sure what the elevation is at the bottom. Blue Ridge Res is the lake that East clear creek comes out of...

[CindyC]

Kinder Crossing would be a good place to do as you suggest. There are places to camp near the trailhead and it only takes about 20 mins to get down to the bottom. Very easy. There is lots of water, great fishing and plenty of swimming holes and not usually very crowded. Blue Ridge will probably be very crowded and the campsites around there are usually trashed. It is a nice place to bring a canoe if you have one. The lake goes on for what seems to be forever. West Clear Creek would also work. I believe it is in Coconino so there aren't any restrictions as far as I know.

[Sredfield]

I'm thinking there are more than one "West Fork" hikes, and it would be good to be more specific.

[mttgilbert]

How is kinder crossing going to be in terms of crowds and trash? Are there any areas that might require high clearance or four wheel drive to get into (that usually thins down the crowds some)

otherwise thanks for all the info so far.

[CindyC]

My son went to East Clear Creek Memorial day weekend and in 3 days he saw one other person. I was there about 3 weeks ago for the day and saw maybe a handful of people. I didn't notice any trash at all. Actually I came out empty handed. The road is easy, maybe 5-7 miles off 87. Maybe the last half mile the road is a little rough. I have a Cherokee with a decent lift so I'm not real good at judging whether a high clearance is needed or not, I just have it. If your looking to stay away from people I'd suggest going right (sorry, don't know which direction this is) when you get to the creek. I never see anyone in this direction. It's a little more lush, maybe more bushwacking and a way back there are some nice springs. Have a good time.

[AK]

Hey Cindy, How far up the canyon did you go? And how were the temps at night?

[Dschur]

There is an article in the Arizona Highways on East Clear Creek this month. Just general information. We were just at our cabin and last night it got down to about 48-54 at 6800 feet. This is up by Macky's Crossing just north of Blue Ridge Res. It was trying to rain with the build up of the monsoon. But it was up to the 88 or 90 when we left...

[AZ Ron]

Matt, some good trails near Clint's Wells are the Cabin Loop Trails, Barbershop, Houston Brothers Trail, U-Bar Trail, and I think the Fred Haught Trail are all in that area. Of the ones I've hiked, I like Barbershop the best.

Also near Clint's Well (on the NW side) is the headwaters of West Clear Creek. Maxwell trail leads down to the bottom and there are some petroglyphs downstream. A loop I'd like to do is the Maxwell to Tramway trail loop in West Clear Creek.

East Clear Creek seems to be less well known than West Clear Creek, but looks almost the same. The stretches I've hiked I've had all to myself and rarely have seen another person, whereas in WCC I've seen others every time I've gone. If you have a couple of vehicles to shuttle, a neat loop to do is go down soldier trail and hike down stream to Mack's Crossing and back up to the top. It takes a good part of a day.

Another loop I'd like to do is a Kinder Crossing to Horse Crossing loop. I forget what I figured out the mileage would be when I was looking at that loop a few years ago.

There are lots of opportunity for great hikes in the area around Clint's Well.