Maxwell Trail into West Clear Creek May 19-20

te_wa · Post by **te_wa** » May 02 2007 1:25 pm

Let's take the short and steep Maxwell trail into the heart of Arizona's Rim country where you will spend a night amongst some of the state's finest riparian areas. This hike brings you to the start of WCC where it forms from the confluence of Clover and Willow creeks, complete with rainbow and brown trout, squirrels, ringtails, and bears. This place has a very wild feel to it, is often overlooked by backpackers because of its rugged terrain. Were going to hike down the steep but short (.7 mile) trail to an area downstream with fantastic swimming holes and a large camp "site". There is plenty to explore since the hike only takes an hour. The rugged natural beauty of this canyon will blow you away and make you a fan for life (in fact, this is our THIRD trip there). Returning Sunday afternoon.

nonot · Post by **nonot** » May 17 2007 8:23 pm

Alright, I'm in. I'll ride with anyone except the goat. : rein :

luppup · Post by **luppup** » May 17 2007 9:48 pm

I see how it is. :roll: You will be sorry... as I have the biggest...

Hoffmaster · Post by **Hoffmaster** » May 17 2007 9:53 pm

I'm not sure where these posts are going, but I am REALLY sorry I'm going to miss this.

luppup · Post by **luppup** » May 17 2007 10:10 pm

In response to Hoffmaster's reply:

SUV silly.... Take it easy.

Wish you could join.

braknstuf · Post by **braknstuf** » May 18 2007 8:55 am

Well it would seem that wife had miscalculated the date and is otherwise obligated this weekend so it looks like im going solo. If possible id like to carpool out to the TH (happy to help with gas). The wife feels bad and promised to go on the next trip.

Still have a couple newb questions ..
Someone mentioned bears - do we need to bear bag? Was hoping to just throw the beer and perishables in a mesh bag in the nearest cold body of water - under water protects from bears right?

Just want to make sure that you wernt kidding about beer and steak - had to upsize the pack just to carry some beer...

Was thinking about trying a tarp (kelty noah's 9) but dont want to get eaten by the bugs - should I expect bugs and just bring the tent?

Do we need to worry about the fires up by payson?

Thanks
Eric

te_wa · Post by **te_wa** » May 18 2007 9:18 am

yes-bear bags are needed. Last time we went a bear snooped around our camp, and some other camps downstream.
Beer and Steak are a must on any trip this short. Bring 'em.
a tarp is fine, bugs dont come out till September. I havent been bitten by a mosquito in a year, no lie.
You will likely find shade without the need of tarps. Although May is a low rain month, things change quickly up there. A tarp or tent is optional, but plan for the worst. Ive seen hard hail fall on the Rim in July. Temps dropped from 90 to 40 in one hour. It was insane, and everyone left. Had the place to myself all day!

Fires are not really close to Payson, they are way east (about 22 miles)