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Bell Trail to the Crack - Wet Beaver Creek - 74 members in 209 triplogs have rated this an average 3.9 ( 1 to 5 best )
1, 2, 3, 4, 5 ... 11  Next
209 triplogs
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Apr 11 2026
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 Routes 441
 Photos 58
 Triplogs 849

43 female
 Joined Jun 23 2015
 Phoenix, AZ
Bell Trail to the Crack - Wet Beaver CreekCamp Verde, AZ
Camp Verde, AZ
Hiking avatar Apr 11 2026
emilystardustTriplogs 849
Hiking7.28 Miles 858 AEG
Hiking7.28 Miles   4 Hrs   3 Mns   2.13 mph
858 ft AEG      38 Mns Break
 
no photosets
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
presumably took memories and left without a trace...
Route Scout Route recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
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230556
Oct 19 2025
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 Guides 73
 Routes 1,197
 Photos 1,496
 Triplogs 1,557

male
 Joined Jan 01 2023
 Arizona
Bell Trail to the Crack - Wet Beaver CreekCamp Verde, AZ
Camp Verde, AZ
Hiking avatar Oct 19 2025
pseudalpineTriplogs 1,557
Hiking8.22 Miles 1,107 AEG
Hiking8.22 Miles   2 Hrs   57 Mns   3.06 mph
1,107 ft AEG      16 Mns Break
 no routes
1st trip
Linked   linked  
Partners none no partners
presumably took memories and left without a trace...
 Named place
 Named place [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Wet Beaver Wilderness
foliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observation
Autumn Foliage Observation Light
  3 archives
226731
Sep 07 2025
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 Guides 4
 Routes 95
 Photos 329
 Triplogs 797

51 male
 Joined Jul 05 2008
 Gilbert, AZ
Bell Trail to the Crack - Wet Beaver CreekCamp Verde, AZ
Camp Verde, AZ
Hiking avatar Sep 07 2025
adeniumTriplogs 797
Hiking8.80 Miles 994 AEG
Hiking8.80 Miles   4 Hrs   2 Mns   2.18 mph
994 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
First trip to Bell Trail. Pretty lovely area. I arrived before the crowds but there were still a few swimmers. Headed up the south side of Bell Trail a little ways. Not a lot of foot traffic comes up here by the looks of it.
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225770
May 08 2025
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 Guides 1
 Routes 23
 Photos 579
 Triplogs 45

male
 Joined Jan 10 2014
 Fountain Hills,
Bell Trail to the Crack - Wet Beaver CreekCamp Verde, AZ
Camp Verde, AZ
Hiking avatar May 08 2025
GeeEssTriplogs 45
Hiking7.10 Miles 840 AEG
Hiking7.10 Miles   3 Hrs   40 Mns   1.94 mph
840 ft AEG
 no routes
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Had not hiked this trail in some time, tho I am frequently in the area, due to its status as hotbed of arch. sites and ancient cultivated agaves, in particular. Trail is in excellent shape, and tho flora in the area has taken quite a beating from prolonged drought conditions, it all comes alive a bit more than halfway along the trail. Thankfully, only a small crowd along the trail today, and surprisingly few at the crack.
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Moderate
Echinocereus bonkerae, Penstemon eatonii
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  3 archives
223328
Apr 26 2025
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 Routes 441
 Photos 58
 Triplogs 849

43 female
 Joined Jun 23 2015
 Phoenix, AZ
Bell Trail to the Crack - Wet Beaver CreekCamp Verde, AZ
Camp Verde, AZ
Hiking avatar Apr 26 2025
emilystardustTriplogs 849
Hiking7.45 Miles 795 AEG
Hiking7.45 Miles   3 Hrs   49 Mns   2.46 mph
795 ft AEG      47 Mns Break
 
no photosets
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
apparently this member prefers to keep an air of mystery...
Route Scout Route recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
_____________________
 
223051
Dec 31 2024
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 Guides 72
 Routes 37
 Photos 3,604
 Triplogs 2,529

56 male
 Joined Oct 24 2010
 Phoenix,Az
Bell Trail to the Crack - Wet Beaver CreekCamp Verde, AZ
Camp Verde, AZ
Hiking avatar Dec 31 2024
mt98dewTriplogs 2,529
Hiking7.45 Miles 745 AEG
Hiking7.45 Miles   2 Hrs   21 Mns   3.17 mph
745 ft AEG
 no routes
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Early morning hike on the Bell Trail. Looking for something short that I hadn’t done before. This seemed like a good choice and a good intro to some of the interior trails. It’s been years since I’ve hiked from this TH, 20 plus. Well before I got into hiking. Got started around 6:30. Still dark out, but two other cars were already at the TH.

The trail starts out “enh”, being wide, flat and fairly straight. It junctures with Bruce Brockett at .62 and passes a large rock covered in petroglyphs at just under a mile. At 1.75 it passes the White Mesa Trail, crosses a dry wash and then quickly connects to the Apache Maid Trail at 2.25 and the Weir Trail at 2.43. All this is ok, but noteworthy only because it allows access to three other trails. At 2.43, the Bell Trail starts to gain elevation along the canyon wall. It’s not a lot of elevation, but the trail is choppy so it might feel like more than it really is. There are some nice views overlooking the creek and the red rock formations are a pleasant, picturesque surprise. Around 3.15 you reach the high point and begin a descent back to the creek. The trail split just before the creek with the “crack” being a few hundred yards to the northwest. Neat area, with quite a few rock shelves. There was a wooden plank bridging the “crack” where I’m sure people jump from. The bottom of the pools were visible in spots so taking a cold plunge would need to be done with care. I would have done some exploring of the area, but I stumbled across some campers who had bedded down near the crack. Annoying! Took some pics and then walked down to where the Bell Trail crosses the creek. Easy crossing with the current water levels. Took a few more pics and then headed back to the TH.

Beautiful morning. Clear skies with a nice breeze to keep things on the chilled side. No wildlife. Besides the campers only saw two other hikers. Weird though, when I got back to the TH (9:30am), the parking lot was full! Not sure where everyone went but they weren’t on the Bell Trail. I could hear what sounded like drums on the south side of the creek, so maybe the academy was having some sort of event and this was the “extended parking lot.”
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220133
Jul 05 2024
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 Photos 11
 Triplogs 3

male
 Joined Apr 05 2023
 Tempe, AZ
Past the Crack - 1 night out and back, AZ 
Past the Crack - 1 night out and back, AZ
 
Backpack avatar Jul 05 2024
shmuelicTriplogs 3
Backpack13.00 Miles 520 AEG
Backpack13.00 Miles2 Days         
520 ft AEG25 LBS Pack
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Partners none no partners
Arrived at bell trailhead at 10:45am and the trail volunteer asked if I was a mad dog or an Englishman to be out in the noon sun. The way to the crack was hot but uneventful, as discussed in other triplogs when you get to the wilderness sign stay left on the higher trail to get to the crack. I heard laughter and music before I got there. Had a nice jump off the diving board and the cliff on the south side of the stream.

Continuing on I didn’t see another person until I returned to the crack the next day. The going was rocky and a lot like west clear creek. I regretted not bringing my poles.

I quickly came to my first wade that would be over the bottom of my backpack. I had it lined with a dry sack but I was not eager to take on the extra wait of a wet pack so I carried it on top of my head. I continued this way for several pools that required deep wades but not yet swimming.

I took a long nap on a rock in the shade from 2-4pm to skip the worst of the heat.

When I awoke I got a move on and came to some mandatory swims. My liner worked well. If you’ve never swam with a lined pack it’s very buoyant. Some commenters suggest completely unclipping for a more comfortable swimming position but I find staying completely clipped to be better.

Finding a decent camp spot became a concern as flat spots are hard to come by and the shadows were lengthening.

I had seen very few signs of human disturbances since I passed the crack, with one campfire ring within half a mile of the crack and nothing since. I started seeing crayfish shells left on top of rocks and I was hopeful that they had been left by kids playing in the creek or someone trapping them and that a campsite was imminent. I rounded a corner and saw the culprit a beautiful common black hawk. He wouldn’t let me get close enough to get a good picture.

Finally the twists in the canyon began to relent which is usually a good sign for finding a site. I made one in the first viable place I could in the sand under a sandstone ledge about 3 miles past the crack. It was on the south side of the creek all the way against a short ~20ft wall and big enough for a small 2p backpacking tent.

The way back through the creek was faster because the terrain was more familiar. I jumped again at the crack in all my clothes which kept me cool for the first 2 miles of the Bell trail. I timed my walk back and it was 1 hour and 15 min from the crack to the trailhead going downcanyon.

Overall I think Wet Beaver offers better access and better solitude once you pass the Crack than West Clear Creek, and is almost as beautiful with slightly less dramatic canyon walls.
 
216591
Jun 01 2024
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 Guides 12
 Routes 192
 Photos 886
 Triplogs 362

43 male
 Joined Nov 30 2015
 Phoenix, AZ
Wet Beaver Canyon LoopCamp Verde, AZ
Camp Verde, AZ
Hiking avatar Jun 01 2024
ShatteredArmTriplogs 362
Hiking14.00 Miles 200 AEG
Hiking14.00 Miles   11 Hrs   50 Mns   1.42 mph
200 ft AEG   2 Hrs    Break
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Partners none no partners
This one has been on the list for awhile. Used Apache Maid Cabin as a base camp. Some friends driving up in the morning dropped off a car at Bell TH, then we crammed into two vehicles to get from the cabin to Millicum Tank, where we started around 8:30am.

Waldroup Canyon was a little easier than I expected; none of the scrambles were particularly difficult or sketchy. Seemed like we were making pretty good time the first half of the adventure, with a lot of easy rock hopping through the creek. I was super tired early on, but felt better as the day progressed, which I think is the opposite of everybody else.

Saw a possible coatimundi (I didn't get eyes on it), and a few minutes later we encountered another that I was able to confirm visually. We suspect these guys were probably the ones leaving crawfish claws all over the place. There were also a couple of giant birds.

The last third or so things got really slow, with a lot of swims, and I think people just being pretty tired. About a half mile before the crack, it seemed like an emergency was evolving as one person in the group seemed to be getting hypothermic (cotton kills!); spent a little while basking in some sunlight. There was one more swim, which was able to be avoided by a much more difficult traverse.

Got to the crack, and it was late enough that we had all of the litter to itself. Someone has constructed an actual plank walkway across to the other side.

Everybody was happy to be on trail again, and the hike to the parking lot was pleasant and cool; we arrived just as it was getting dark enough to make walking difficult.

Fun day out there. I would rate this as being a little bit easier than the Cash Tank to FR214 stretch of West Clear Creek, and not quite as interesting. Some in the group got absolutely ravaged by bity insects, but they spurned a couple of us.
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215908
Oct 02 2023
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 Triplogs 71

male
 Joined Jan 23 2025
 Seattle, WA
Bell Trail to the Crack - Wet Beaver CreekCamp Verde, AZ
Camp Verde, AZ
Hiking avatar Oct 02 2023
dhelderTriplogs 71
Hiking7.00 Miles 520 AEG
Hiking7.00 Miles
520 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
apparently this member prefers to keep an air of mystery...
 
220744
Apr 08 2023
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 Routes 441
 Photos 58
 Triplogs 849

43 female
 Joined Jun 23 2015
 Phoenix, AZ
Bell Trail to the Crack - Wet Beaver CreekCamp Verde, AZ
Camp Verde, AZ
Hiking avatar Apr 08 2023
emilystardustTriplogs 849
Hiking7.06 Miles 681 AEG
Hiking7.06 Miles   4 Hrs   5 Mns   2.46 mph
681 ft AEG   1 Hour   13 Mns Break
 
no photosets
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
apparently this member prefers to keep an air of mystery...
_____________________
 
205481
Jan 14 2023
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 Guides 4
 Routes 494
 Photos 11,066
 Triplogs 1,286

56 male
 Joined Nov 20 2012
 Phoenix, AZ
Bell Trail to the Crack - Wet Beaver CreekCamp Verde, AZ
Camp Verde, AZ
Hiking avatar Jan 14 2023
BiFrostTriplogs 1,286
Hiking7.51 Miles 706 AEG
Hiking7.51 Miles   4 Hrs   10 Mns   2.36 mph
706 ft AEG      59 Mns Break
 
1st trip
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Partners partners
John9L
Decided to check out the Crack on Wet Beaver Creek. John suggested since it was January and crowds probably wouldn’t be an issue. It’s a complete cluster in the summer. Arrived at the TH to find more cars than expected but still not too bad. It’s a little less than 4 miles into the Crack so it didn’t take us long to get there.

We arrived and there were only two people but they soon left. Took a break but not there more than 5 minutes and a large group showed up. They were full on doing it for the Gram and three of them jumped in the pool. We went around the corner to avoid the group as best we could. Still a nice relaxing spot despite the large group. The water was very turbid most likely from snow runoff as it comes off the rim.

After the break we hiked back to the trailhead. Several groups were heading in on our way out. So I guess this place is busy no matter what but still better than the summer. Overall good easy hike to enjoy the creek!
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202825
Dec 27 2022
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 Photos 5
 Triplogs 1,122

37 female
 Joined Oct 04 2012
 Phoenix, AZ
Bell Trail to the Crack - Wet Beaver CreekCamp Verde, AZ
Camp Verde, AZ
Hiking avatar Dec 27 2022
WaitingForRainTriplogs 1,122
Hiking7.50 Miles 955 AEG
Hiking7.50 Miles   3 Hrs   41 Mns   2.04 mph
955 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
apparently this member prefers to keep an air of mystery...
_____________________
 
201980
Dec 26 2022
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 Photos 5
 Triplogs 1,122

37 female
 Joined Oct 04 2012
 Phoenix, AZ
Bell Trail to the Crack - Wet Beaver CreekCamp Verde, AZ
Camp Verde, AZ
Hiking avatar Dec 26 2022
WaitingForRainTriplogs 1,122
Hiking4.39 Miles 784 AEG
Hiking4.39 Miles   2 Hrs   16 Mns   1.94 mph
784 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
Linked   linked  
Partners none no partners
apparently this member prefers to keep an air of mystery...
_____________________
 
201956
Sep 23 2022
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 Guides 39
 Routes 156
 Photos 1,106
 Triplogs 125

69 male
 Joined Dec 26 2018
 Phoenix, AZ
Bell Trail #13Camp Verde, AZ
Camp Verde, AZ
Hiking avatar Sep 23 2022
GrangerGuyTriplogs 125
Hiking10.10 Miles 2,255 AEG
Hiking10.10 Miles   9 Hrs      1.44 mph
2,255 ft AEG   2 Hrs    Break15 LBS Pack
 
1st trip
Partners none no partners
After a pleasant summer in Connecticut, I came back to Phoenix, but altogether too soon. This trip was hot! 61° when I left the car, but 84° when I got back.

As this is a well-known spot for playing in the creek, the parking lot + overflow has a huge capacity, but I was the only car when I headed out at 7 am. There is an outhouse at the trailhead. I did not see anyone until almost to The Crack, when one hiker almost caught up with me.

I stopped at The Crack, where I had a snack and refilled my water, then rock hopped across and continued up the hill to The Rim. Overnight camping is not allowed anywhere near The Crack; it is a 500 foot climb to the first allowed camping spot. It is a nice spot, but a long way from the play area. Signs at the trailhead threaten fines to anyone who ignores this restriction.

There is good signage all along this trail, but the funniest one I saw is just as you arrive at the Rim and exit the wilderness, “Trail difficult to find beyond this point.” Indeed, the trail abruptly disappears in the grass beyond the sign. No problem for me, though, as this was my planned turnaround point anyway. The meadow on the summit is beautiful and I spent an hour there.

It was getting hot by the time I got back down to the creek, so rather than rock hopping, I put on my wading shoes and forded up to knee deep. It felt soo good! There were several people around the Crack, but I didn’t stay around to socialize. The clouds were starting to build, and I could hear a few rumbles of thunder, but all the way back to the trailhead I met people still coming in, as late as 4 pm. Perhaps I am overly sensitive to the concept of flash flood, but I was glad to be back across the creek and on higher ground.
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Moderate
There was a mix of late season flowers.
 
199613
Sep 18 2022
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 Guides 2
 Routes 130
 Photos 1,513
 Triplogs 132

male
 Joined May 07 2019
 Tempe, AZ
The Crack at Wet Beaver, AZ 
The Crack at Wet Beaver, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Sep 18 2022
mikemcgTriplogs 132
Hiking7.59 Miles 734 AEG
Hiking7.59 Miles   6 Hrs   7 Mns   2.32 mph
734 ft AEG   2 Hrs   51 Mns Break
 
1st trip
Partners none no partners
Route Scout Route recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Beautiful day. It was ~80° when we started at 0930, got up to about 91°. One skinny snake on the trail. Spent about 3 hours at the Crack, relaxing, swimming, jumping, watching dogs run around, meeting people. Only about 5 other people when we got there, maybe 20 when we left. Water was cold at first but felt great. Explored further upstream - there were a couple other deep pools as well as a cave that went pretty deep and was full of bats. Picked up a few plastic bottles on the way out, but much less trash than other places I've been this summer.
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Light
  3 archives
199483
Jun 04 2022
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 Guides 11
 Routes 2
 Photos 3,776
 Triplogs 334

49 male
 Joined Jun 09 2009
 Mesa, AZ
Bell Trail to the Crack - Wet Beaver CreekCamp Verde, AZ
Camp Verde, AZ
Hiking avatar Jun 04 2022
cw50mustTriplogs 334
Hiking7.30 Miles 520 AEG
Hiking7.30 Miles
520 ft AEG
 no routes
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Figured a day at the Crack was a good way to kick off the summer. Plus I was able to take a few friends that had never been before. Had been a few years for myself, but the hike, the crack, all seems the same as I remember it. If anything the signage might be a little better. Got there early enough to park in the main parking lot. It was a Saturday and it was pretty packed, but I expected that. Good news is I didn't really notice any trash so that's good especially with the amount of people. Did notice some grafiti on the way in. On the hike out, passed a lot of people headed in. Noticed many were choosing to Hydrate with white claws on the trail in :) I had an enjoyable day.
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197092
Apr 30 2022
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 Guides 6
 Routes 6
 Photos 1,641
 Triplogs 187

58 male
 Joined Apr 04 2002
 Flagstaff, AZ
Bell Trail to the Crack - Wet Beaver CreekCamp Verde, AZ
Camp Verde, AZ
Hiking avatar Apr 30 2022
squatpukeTriplogs 187
Hiking7.00 Miles 520 AEG
Hiking7.00 Miles
520 ft AEG
 no routes
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Not my first time on this trail, but my first trip-log. Took a mid-western buddy of mine on this quick out-n-back; enjoyed some cool water at the tongue. Uneventful....but a great and beautiful day.
_____________________
squatpuke@gmail.com
  1 archive
209509
Apr 17 2022
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 Guides 2
 Routes 2
 Photos 557
 Triplogs 33

female
 Joined Oct 05 2019
 
Bell Trail to the Crack - Wet Beaver CreekCamp Verde, AZ
Camp Verde, AZ
Hiking avatar Apr 17 2022
wanderingtrailsTriplogs 33
Hiking10.30 Miles 520 AEG
Hiking10.30 Miles   10 Hrs      1.03 mph
520 ft AEG
 no routes
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Decided to head here early in the morning with the goal of heading past the crack and up the creek. Got to the crack super quick and was the only one there. Reminded me of how this place used to be in the 90’s before the hordes came. Oh nostalgia.

Anyway, headed up creek. Glad I had my trekking poles (thanks for the recommendation in your triplog Chumley) because holy hell those rocks are so slippery. Tons of poison ivy around too so parts of the trek I just tried to stay in the water. Brought a floatie for the swimmers and slotted up areas which were actually quite refreshing because it was a scorcher today.

Finally turned around because I found a slow leak in my floatie and I took a nasty spill slipping on these slippery rocks. Damn rocks.

When I finally got back to the crack there was actually only 8 people there. Shocked. I guess no one wants to hike a hike to the Wet Beaver’s Crack on Easter. 😂
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Light
 
195752
Apr 09 2022
avatar

 Routes 441
 Photos 58
 Triplogs 849

43 female
 Joined Jun 23 2015
 Phoenix, AZ
Bell Trail to the Crack - Wet Beaver CreekCamp Verde, AZ
Camp Verde, AZ
Hiking avatar Apr 09 2022
emilystardustTriplogs 849
Hiking7.00 Miles 520 AEG
Hiking7.00 Miles
520 ft AEG
 
no photosets
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
presumably took memories and left without a trace...
_____________________
 
195586
Feb 13 2022
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 Routes 230
 Triplogs 217

37 male
 Joined Sep 05 2014
 Phoenix, AZ
Bell/Weir Trail to the Crack, AZ 
Bell/Weir Trail to the Crack, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Feb 13 2022
FrostshocknoobTriplogs 217
Hiking7.90 Miles 913 AEG
Hiking7.90 Miles   3 Hrs   53 Mns   2.23 mph
913 ft AEG      20 Mns Break
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Partners none no partners
apparently this member prefers to keep an air of mystery...
_____________________
 
194045
average hiking speed 2 mph
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WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.

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