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

As we strolled east along the Bull Pen Road, we began with our traditional parade of hikers.

The road was initially shaded by huge Sycamores and Cottonwoods forming a green tunnel.

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.

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.

We paused temporarily to enjoy the peaceful sound of flowing water and the stunning scenery.

After a short distance, we came to the first stream crossing. We paused as some hikers switched to water shoes. The water was waist deep and we strung a rope across for the group to grab. Nobody drowned but 3 people elected not to cross and returned to the trailhead.

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 and wild blackberry. After a short distance, we cross the creek a second time and continue parallel to the creek bed.

Just before the third crossing, we took a break in a shady glade next to the creek. Mark and Barbara turned around at this point.

After the third crossing, we paused while some hikers changed from their water shoes back to their hiking shoes.

The group started a gradual climb up to a ridge several hundred feet above the north side of the creek. 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.

We stopped frequently to admire views of the canyon and across to the stunning red rock cliffs.

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 fourth crossing.

After lunch, we climbed up the canyon side and headed back to the trailhead.

We became very experienced at crossing.

I paused for a moment to enjoy nature.