| when | Trip Report : March 19, 2022 | ||||||
| where | Wet Beaver Creek Wilderness | ||||||
| the hike |
This hike that stars out at the popular Bell Trail in the Coconino National Forest east of
Sedona and is written up in Mare Czinar’s book Phoenix the Hike Book
Volume 2.
We will start out at the Bell Park Trail off FR 618. Imposing vertical cliffs of White Mesa appear as an unsurmountable wall of stone that is composed of layers of red sandstone, buff-colored sediments and a cap of dark volcanic stone. The route starts out with a 1.7-mile walk on the Bell Trail, a dirt cattle track that was once used to access mid-20th century ranch operations. Just past where the trail enters Wet Beaver Creek Wilderness Area at the head of Casner Canyon, the White Mesa Trail leaves the leafy riparian corridor and crawls up the western flanks of the canyon. Like the Bell Trail, this one was originally used to move cattle to graze on high pastures. Its straight-up, rough-cut course passes through cacti, rockfalls and the occasional mesquite tree clinging to steep slopes. The trail is clear and easy to follow, with only one spot where some hand-over-foot scrambling is required to get through a rock jam. At 3 miles from the trailhead, the path meets a barbed-wire fence that’s the official end of the trail. However, to enjoy the full experience of this hike, pass the gate (close it behind you) and continue on the well-worn paths-of-use. The route crests on a grassy juniper dotted plateau with excellent vistas all around where we will stop for lunch. Moderate pace to enjoy the scenery. |
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| distance | 6.5 miles round trip | ||||||
| time | 5-6 hours | ||||||
| EC | +-1,103' elevation change | ||||||
| elevations | 3,828' to 4,925' | ||||||
| type | round trip | ||||||
| starting at | Bell Trail Parking lot, 2.2 miles on FR 618. | ||||||
| on trail | 98% — Bell and White Mesa Trails | ||||||
| rating | "B" Rate yourself as a hiker. | ||||||
| dogs allowed | no | ||||||
| cost | Sharing gas expenses with the driver. The club also allows voluntary contributions of $5 per non-member. |
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| weather | Sedona | ||||||
| meet | 7:30 AM at the McDonald’s at I-17 and the Care Free highway, Tramonto Marketplace. | ||||||
| drive |
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| updated March 20, 2022 | © Copyright 2022, Arizona Trailblazers. All rights reserved. |