Fifteen hikers met early Saturday morning for a hike up West Clear Creek.

After introductions, Rod reviewed hiking etiquette and safety protocols to ensure that everyone had a safe hike. Also he reviewed specific hazards that we might encounter along the trail including slick rocks and Poison Ivy. Also he discussed the various ways to cross the streams.

We split into two groups, short and long hikers. Lin took charge of the short hike group and Rod led the long hike group. Vicki and Lin volunteered to be trip photographers.

We stayed close together as we strolled east along the Bull Pen Road, a remnant from the 1850s, when settlers farmed and ranched in this area. The road was initially shaded by huge Sycamores and Cottonwoods. The road opened onto a broad chaparral shelf that runs parallel to the creek.

A little way from the trailhead, we passed an old stone farmhouse surrounded by prickly pear cactus. At this point the groups separated, with the long hike group continuing down the road while the short hike group lingered to explore the area around the farmhouse.

About a mile from the trailhead, we reached a trail marker and turned down a short drop that led to the creek and our first photo op. The groups rejoined temporarily to enjoy the peaceful sound of flowing water and the stunning scenery.

After a short distance, we came to the first stream crossing. Each member of the group decided how they wanted to cross. Some rock-hopped, some waded through thigh deep water and some switched to water shoes.

Nobody drowned.

We traveled parallel to the creek through a lush riparian habitat of Sycamores, Fremont Cottonwoods, Arizona Walnut and Arizona Ash trees.

We pass large snags of tangled branches and see patches carpeted by grapevines.

After a short distance, we cross the creek a second time and continue between the creek bed and the canyon wall.

After the third crossing, the short hike group decided to stop for lunch in a shady glade next to the creek.

The long hike group started a gradual climb up the the north side of the creek with commanding views of the canyon and across to the stunning red rock cliffs. Rod talked about the 4 geologic layers visible on the canyon wall.

The landscape changed from riparian to chaparral with scrub oak, mesquite, holly, and juniper. The cacti are blooming with magenta, yellow, and orange cup-shape flowers.

After descending back down the side of the canyon we reached the creek at the 5-mile point. We stopped for lunch at a shady area next to the creek.

We returned to the trailhead by the same route.

Lin’s Addendum: Short Hike Return Trip

After we separated with longer hike group, we took lunch at shaded creek area. What a perfect place to have a snack—listen the water running, people and dogs ware crossing. Everything was so green!

After a quick snack, we marched back to trailhead. I must admit, as much as we like to hike, but staying in the shade and walking in the creek was so much fun and enjoyable. Like Jade said, “Can we just follow the creek to go back to trailhead?” (Rodney, that’s a great suggestion for Fall season hike in October. Water webbing only for 5 miles).

We stop at farmhouse to explore more, we took a group picture, and Mark likes this farmhouse so much he refused to leave, we had to place him in “Time Out” on a strange apparatus that was conveniently nearby.

We all back to trailhead at 11:56 AM. We did 5.85 miles. After quick changing shoes and a restroom break, we all left the trailhead by 12:06 PM. What a fun trip! Thanks, Rodney.