HikeArizona.COM

I have hiked upstream from the Chevelon Crossing CG - nice hike; but has anyone ever tried hiking downstream from this location?

I thought I read somewhere many years ago about this being a log choked swim. Looking to do a trip in two weeks, and with the heat, thought I would give this a try if it is not just impossible.

Any details would be greatly appreciated.

I have no firsthand information, but it appears to be approximately 10 miles of canyon to the forest service boundary. From there the canyon continues through a patchwork of private and state trust land. The STL is under grazing alotments, which invalidates the STL recreation permit and requires you to seek permission from the grazing lessee if you want to continue downstream.

The satellite photos don't indicate that the canyon is particularly difficult to get through. It's not choked with vegetation or visible downfall. And there are miles of visible trails (presumably created by wildlife). Perhaps more interestingly, the canyon is almost dry the entire length from the crossing north in images taken 10/12, 6/12, 6/07 and 6/97. There is water much of the way in the imagery from 9/10. So my guess is that there would be very little water right now based on our dry winter.

chumley wrote:I have no firsthand information, but it appears to be approximately 10 miles of canyon to the forest service boundary. From there the canyon continues through a patchwork of private and state trust land. The STL is under grazing alotments, which invalidates the STL recreation permit and requires you to seek permission from the grazing lessee if you want to continue downstream.

The satellite photos don't indicate that the canyon is particularly difficult to get through. It's not choked with vegetation or visible downfall. And there are miles of visible trails (presumably created by wildlife). Perhaps more interestingly, the canyon is almost dry the entire length from the crossing north in images taken 10/12, 6/12, 6/07 and 6/97. There is water much of the way in the imagery from 9/10. So my guess is that there would be very little water right now based on our dry winter.

I agree, probably very little water right now. I also have done section from Crossing upstream to dam.

Thanks for the feedback. I just assumed water was a given based on how much water was in Chevelon creek upstream when I hiked, but thinking back, that was in September.

azbadger wrote:Thanks for the feedback. I just assumed water was a given based on how much water was in Chevelon creek upstream when I hiked, but thinking back, that was in September.

I went in August one year. There were so many swimming holes I couldn't believe it! But I have heard it is often dry.

Hello,

Looking for some feedback on which access point to Chevelon Creek might be considered the more scenic, have good tent sites, good fishn' holes, and trails to the water that wouldn't be too much for a nine and ten year old. I was contemplating Durfee Crossing vs. Telephone ridge, but also see some trails on the topo that get you to either end of Chevelon Canyon Lake. I have a high clearance 4x4 jeep so was even wondering if there are any jeep trails that would actually get me to the creeek? Much thanks for any info.

Louie

Since there has been a lot of rain, I'd suggest starting at Chevelon Crossing and hiking upstream, since that is where there is a bridge across the creek AND a car campground right next to the creek. You can drive a car there, don't need a Jeep--graded dirt road. But once you start backpacking or hiking upstream the trail becomes kind of faint fairly quickly, but that is okay because you can't get lost, you just keep following the creek. There are tons of backpacker-type campsites along the creek between the Crossing and the dam.

When there hasn't been much rain I'm told it does dry up a bit, but during this type of monsoon it should be running well, and it will have a lot of swimmin' holes. In fact, I found one so big I was paddling around with my Thermarest for a boogey board. It has been a few years since I went there, so I can't tell you the current conditions, if any recent fires have affected it, etc. As I recall it's about an 8-mile hike/bushwhack from Chevelon Crossing to the dam.

Look up Chevelon Crossing Campground for more info.