Attempting to Through Hike West Clear Creek

[@photog1529]

Epic scenery...at least you got to enjoy that. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Really appreciate your channel.

[@JerryArizona]

Thanks. I was really unprepared on this trip. Stupid since I've been down there enough times and knew what I was getting into. Been back several times since this trip. Not sure if I'll try hiking all the way through again, but I'll always love West Clear Creek.

[@Katmai_Bear_480]

@@JerryArizona What you have with West Clear Creek is a severely codependent relationship. You can't change it, Jerry. You can only change how you approach it. You'll try the through hike again. You know it. We know it. West Clear Creek knows it... and it's chuckling quietly waiting for your return.

[@LaksarYurt]

I did several hikes in WCC back in the 70s. One for close to a week. Mostly in the upper canyon. These hikes were part of what has defined who I am. Now living in N.Z. and making yurts. It's wonderful to be able to come along wit you. Long may your body travel well in the glory of these amazing places. May the shelter of your love nurture and guide you both on the beauty trail !!

[@rvtech101]

You are absolutely correct, WCC is no joke! We did the same hike several times in the 80s and 90s, but with a group. We took about a week to do it. My sons and I were talking about recreating the same thing, but we decided to scale it down to just about the same hike you just did! I’m almost 60 with a pacemaker, so pushing an extended hike would probably piss off my cardiologist! We’re kinda going so I can show the boys where to scatter my ashes. Hope to see you give it another shot. Be safe, Happy Hiking!

[@Allen-yv3ue]

I think Jerry will go thru someday - we never saw anyone till at bullpen ... truly a amazing place.

[@BikeGenixAZ]

Glad to see other people doing that! I did west clear creek in June of 2019 & 2020 with my dad, mom, and sister... But we went up the canyon! Way more brutal with all the sticks pointing toward you from all the flood spots! and on the last few days, all we wanted was a little bit of some Mexican food, and that's what we did when we got out. I'm going to do it later this week with just my dad and I but now we're going to go downstream from most likely Calloway trailhead but we might just drop into the actual trailhead! I personally would never go alone in that canyon for more than 1 week and if I do, I would most likely bring a firearm with me for safety (because of the mountain lions) But hey, I'm happy to see others participating in similar adventures! But the thing that sucked the most on my 2020 trek through West Clear Creek was all the swim sections! It sucked blowing up the inflatables by mouth. Other than that, it was truly magical. I wish more people could have the same opportunities! What I have to say about your trip is look back on your last trip there and see what you could have done better and go back and do it again! But sometimes, planning for the second time just isn't the same. Sometimes, it is just a one-time experience and that's alright. "The point isn't to succeed, it's to try"- Somebody

[@JerryArizona]

Was just back down there (searching for the Red Box) and it beat the crap out of me again. But I'll be back. Again, and again, and again. Love WCC. You're a certified badass if you've made it all the way through on a single trip.

[@michaelyates3424]

You did not fail, you learned and will apply it next time. Also, be glad you have Tina, because you really really need her....

[@JerryArizona]

I do! She'll be back out there soon. Missed her on this trip. Although I know she would've hated it. Actually, everyone I've been down there with said no thanks and that I was crazy....Rough country, for sure. But beautiful.

[@dawnrauch9251]

You were smart to get out

[@JerryArizona]

True. No reason to stick with a bad decision just because you took a lot of time making it. I STILL can't understand how it was that much colder up there....I've been down there dozens of times and never experienced a temp swing like this.

[@paly4x4]

Its never a fail, live and learn. It was a beautiful hike and you had an exit plan.

[@Katmai_Bear_480]

And he was smart enough to use it.

[@arizjones]

That is my go to canyon. Been backpacking in there for the last 25 to 30 years. It definitely is an unforgiving place. You will get it done someday. Just have to figure out how to keep your stuff dry, and how to stay warm at night. No doubt you have to have a set of dry camp clothes for at night. The main thing in that canyon, is to not be in a hurry. Take your time, and find a camp site early each day. I use cheap blue foam pads strapped to the back of my pack to assist with floating my pack. They can't pop and still keep the pack from being completely wet and gaining water weight. Of course everything in the pack is in dry bags. Glad you are okay. Better safe than sorry.

[@JerryArizona]

It's amazing. And rugged enough (roads included) to deter most from trying. I think I saw 6 people total in canyon. I had the dry bag/floatie figured out. Made a rule to start looking for camp at 5PM so I had time to get a spot. I didn't realize I ditched the spare shirt when I repacked to lighten the load......The bivy though. Man, that thing is a death trap. I'll get back there. Always do.

[@arizjones]

@@JerryArizona Yea, I use a tent. The weight penalty I will live with for the comfort. I have hiked in a Canyon I thought was worse. It was Deer Creek, up near Escelante. The brush was brutal, and tons of Beaver Dams to climb over, and quicksand that was frightening in the creek bottom. I thought, well I have done West Clear Creek, so. . it can't be worse than that. Well it was.

[@Allen-yv3ue]

We did it 27 years ago 142E to Camp Verde - Nick B. gave us some pointers on how to do it. We went slow and it us took 5 days. Now there are so many ways down. It was one of my al time favorites.

[@dixielambrecht7009]

I admire your wisdom of knowing your limitations, beautiful video. Thank you Jerry.

[@nathanc777]

A loving spouse to bail us out when we get in over our heads is the most essential piece of gear one can acquire! Nicely done!

[@JerryArizona]

Absolutely. So lucky she was willing to put in another 6 hours of driving just to bail me out.

[@Katmai_Bear_480]

@@JerryArizona The knowledge that El Patio was the endgame was also an incentive.

[@cathymoore1739]

Never an epic fail Jerry. Just different levels of adventure. 😊 Beautiful rugged country. Thanks for making the journey, sharing the honesty & listening to your gut instinct.

[@JerryArizona]

I've been more nervous about this hike than any other. Knew I'd probably fail the attempt. But it's so amazing down there. Keeps drawing me back.

[@chicanobluesaz4191]

@@JerryArizona that's still not a failure considering you were smart enough to fold em. I call it a hell of an adventure. You are amazing!!! Successful 100% in my book

[@arizonaoutdoors1465]

After Wilber there is a way out at Calloway, 2 miles down from Calloway and then Tule Canyon. The longest stretch is between Tule Canyon and Home Tank Draw followed by Cash Tank….

[@JerryArizona]

Not familiar with those except Cash Tank. I know there are some more canyoneering sneak routes, but I haven't done them.

[@Allen-yv3ue]

HI Jerry, a few things I learned (before/after) our thru hike in June, 1995 (142E/Bull Pen) Do not go alone ( no satellite comm in my day), we used lite weight high top hiking boots (ankle support), take a heavy duty hiking wood tall pole/staff that won't break (some deep holes, floats), some way to float your pack thur the slots- we used a small one man rubber boats strapped to our BP's (we looked like turtles) a patch kit with air foot pump. We would ''carefully'' put the Boats in and lay ''flat'' on top to go thru slots using hands as paddles, no need to kick feet- very serene, easy ( I think justified the weight). We never dumped over, saves alot of energy also. The creek sometimes is the best way to go (staff/pole comes in very handy). June was good for us - no monsoons yet. We didn't rush, less mistakes. The two of us used our own one man BP tents. Bug juice/first aid kit, you'll use both. The (then) campground host at Bull Pen said some people that come out look like death warmed over. ---- It's a very slippery creek as you know and that adds to the difficultly. My guess there is more of a trail now( rock cairns) making it little easier/faster. Stunningly Beautiful !!!

[@JerryArizona]

Yeah, I screwed up on this trip. Badly. I've been down there many, many times, but never through hiked it. I know how brutal it can be so I went light. For once, I went too light. With a puffy jacket and my small tent it would have been an entirely different experience. I'm still shocked at how cold it was. I know it's colder camping by the creek, but I had no idea how much further it was to the next spot of dry ground. Good thing I stopped because a swim was right around the corner. Maybe one of these days. Maybe I'll just section hike it. I am obsessed with getting to the Red Box. (Love the White Box, only seen one pic of the Red Box.) You're hardcore for pulling it off. That through hike is no joke.

[@Allen-yv3ue]

@@JerryArizona I'm 76 now and my days of major Hiking/BP'ing are over, started BP'ing in 1972 (I still go for walks), I did a lot in my day. Those were the days my friend we though they would never end - fare warning...they do. I too have been down WCC many times. I told a friend I'll do a ''one more time'' day hike taking him, 142F down, show him the petroglyphs and grotto -142E out. I'll take my thru trip staff/pole(saved it) with me, the same old pole that I used in aravaipa canyon 3 times (snakes) - 👍beautiful piezano canyon waterfall. When I was researching the thru trip, Nick Berezenko, - *RIP* - (Him and his friends named all the points of interest in WCC) told me there will be one day that you'll be lucky to do one mile... He was right. I wore long pants, kept the bugs/scratches at bay and would take them off at night-then dry skivvies/Tshirt to sleep in. My friend had shorts, his legs looked like yours only worse. We put our clothes in thin plastic bags with twist ties in case we dumped our packs ( to buy time). My boat have 5 patches at the end. --- We wanted to enjoy WCC as safe as possible, not how fast we could go through - it worked. HAPPY TRAILS 🙂

[@Shsdbdbbdn]

If I ever see you out in a hike, I’ll make sure to say hello! Glad you made it out

[@dellausi]

we should make a Jerry AZ hiking group !!

[@johns7785]

Great shooting as always! Enjoyed the scenery you shot. If there is one lesson I learned from hiking in this area it is to always wear long sleeves and pants.

[@JerryArizona]

Yeah. I just don't seem to care about getting ripped up usually, but after this one, I'm definitely not going back there without long pants and sleeves....

[@krisrose219]

Wow gorgeous hike. Thank you

[@lynnnorthrup8914]

You are really posting some great video. Thanks for sharing. We all learn every day from each adventure! 😀😀😀😀😀👍👍👍👍👍

[@imbdileva]

Your channel is SO HONEST. We love this. Our adventures don't always work out as planned. We are on the same boat!

[@JerryArizona]

Having a Plan B is one of the most important things you can do in these situations.

[@saracondit6031]

Such a pretty hike. Thanks for sharing your story

[@JerryArizona]

It's a nice balance of beauty and brutality down there. I'm probably going to section hike it to make it easier.

[@philschwartz8028]

I have backpacked all of WCC from Maxwell down to Bullpen in stages. Never as a thru hike. If you ever want to do it again I would join you. 1.4 mph is great. I normally do 1 mph in the canyon. If it is not in the dead of summer, I would wear a wetsuit.

[@JerryArizona]

Day one I was cruising. Day 2 going from camp to the Wilbur Canyon sneak exit I was moving at a snail's pace. I don't know if I'll ever try it as a through hike. I do love going as day trips or shorter overnights though. Good on you for making it all the way through.

[@BillBosthrom]

WoW Amazing 😍🙏🏼👍

[@barb2101]

You are the best! Thank you for your honesty and video skills.

[@marysanford7040]

Thanks for sharing …learning from failure is a great lesson for us all.

[@scottsatterthwaite5056]

So Beautiful. And so heartbreaking.

[@JerryArizona]

This was such an epic fail. I was so tired and just disheartened when the sun finally came up. Literally spent all night sitting and shivering, waiting for sunrise. Just went too light. I'm still scratching my head why it was sooooo much colder than forecast. Maybe next time.

[@TrailsTailsHikesRails]

I love that you have Tina! You both are awesome! And I love your adventures! I bailed halfway up upper Yosemite Falls a week ago, it's ok. Sometimes we have those days! I really enjoyed the beauty of this hike of yours!!

[@KPCienega]

Through hiked starting somewhere off a dirt road near Clints Well where the water starting running and kept going to Bullpen trailhead. It was a brutal 4 days in that forsaken canyon. Been 4 years since that trip and haven't been back yet!

[@JerryArizona]

Haha! Every time I go, I swear I'm not going back.....And I have two more visits on the calendar for later this year. Love/hate WCC.

[@kimkranz9764]

Beautiful!

[@markstanton2362]

I have seen hikers bring inflatable rings to keep their backpacks afloat and to swim across the deeper pools. Also trash bags for their gear while doing so.

[@JerryArizona]

Yeah. Really helpful in the white box and Maiden Falls. I think there's another section called the red box in between but haven't made it there yet. There were two swimming sections on this portion, but I was able to float it using the rain fly.

[@chrisgerritsen2376]

Thanks Jerry, that was a great review of Clear Creek. I certainly will learn from what you have described, and really good to see Tina a part of this one!

[@JerryArizona]

I was lucky she was able to help out. I was afraid I was going to have to spend some time hitch hiking along the 260....Little too optimistic on this one. Live and learn.

[@kimbruns2084]

Jerry, your videos are so real & honest. This one may not your favorite memory but it will be a memory. Thanks for what you do, you are an inspiration!

[@JerryArizona]

Thanks! I knew this was rough territory. Didn't get what I wanted, but still worth it.

[@thomassanio8745]

Incredibly rugged. I have been down there too, this is an accurate description and then some. Glad you got out ok Gerry👍 The place is addictively gorgeous though isn’t it?

[@JerryArizona]

Beautiful....Keeps drawing me back trip after trip.

[@robhebbs7960]

Your a lot tougher than me, Maybe the water would feel good in august down there. You sure tore yourself up Jerry. Beautiful senery down there ,thanks for that. Love your videos.

[@JerryArizona]

Thank you. Amazing country, but the most rugged I've encountered. Ironically, the water wasn't too bad. It was the night time temps and the condensation from that cursed bivy.

[@aimsventures]

I love your videos! Not a fail, a beautiful adventure

[@susannenerad9851]

Beautiful country, maybe you would of been ok if you went later in the summer & a little better equipped? Things might not always go as planned though, always nice to hear happy experience in such a nice place away from people, but yeah it looked pretty rough, next time some hefty back country pants😊

[@JerryArizona]

Yeah, I messed this one up. Left critical gear at home so I could stay light. Camping by the creek added to the cold, but you're limited on where you camp down there. I had no idea where the next flat spot was (it was a ways down canyon, so I'm glad I stopped.) Bringing that bivy that I hadn't tested was also a bad choice. Definitely would have helped going later in the summer (warmer and lower water levels), but I had a window I could go so I went for it. Maybe next time.

[@switchflare]

I thought I might see this one from you at some point. The cat claw in that canyon is brutal the trail is still very much overgrown this early in the season. I knew as soon as I saw you in shorts that you were going to get rekt :D I did Maxwell to Tramway with a walk upstream to the Clover confluence a few years ago and got shredded. I was down there this past weekend for Bear and still took home plenty of calf art. WCC is doable in three full days if you're prepared and go later in the season. Dust yourself off and try again. I look forward to the redemption video.

[@JerryArizona]

I'm thinking I'll section hike it. Next section could be Wilbur to the HG exit. Should be epic...and punishing. I'll definitely lose the shorts and short sleeves.

[@emotionalfish1181]

Another good one, Jerry.

[@emotionalfish1181]

Loved the new shot angles, it made watching a breeze. We watched it twice 👍

[@JerryArizona]

Thanks! It is such an amazing place. But so unforgiving. One of these days I'll make it all the way through. (Maybe.)

[@JSees]

I have been down the one trail many times, 4F I think. This was 30 some years ago but there was a guy living down there that would offer to carry part of your gear to your camping spot for beer.

[@JerryArizona]

That would be the best deal you could ever make.

[@slamyoham]

Glad you made the right decision after being unprepared for the weather, Jerry. A question I’ve been dying to ask-what’s your go-to post-hike Mexican food spot?

[@JerryArizona]

El Patio on the Cornville exit off the I-17 is our favorite.

[@JSees]

Good to know.

[@jetmanwalking]

Thanks man, now I don't feel so bad...I had to eject out of there a couple weeks ago, turned around and back-tracked 4 miles to camp and exited next morning. Brutal talus and scree fields, thorny overgrowth, blowdowns and boulders. Eventually, the creek is the only "marked" trail, and the only reliable means to navigate. I got lucky and found a couple of animal trails, but they quickly faded into the scree. I agree, I'm awe-struck with the beauty of this place, but MY GOD man! Definitely the PHD of thru hikes, and then ONLY if your pack is heavy and full of gear...Lord knows you will need it all.

[@JerryArizona]

First time I've gone TOO light. WCC is brutal. I was way more nervous of this than the Grand Canyon. Been eyeing it for years. Maybe next time.....

[@KristinaAdventures]

great video, I really enjoyed it! thanks for sharing your honest adventure with us! new here to your channel 😁 looking forward to more videos!

[@carolleimbach6407]

This was a beautiful trip. We've all had cold nights for one reason or another. Glad you made a good decision about leaving. 👍

[@JerryArizona]

I thought after this winter I was more conditioned to the cold. Ironically, the water wasn't too bad. It was just the night time temps and the wet bivy that got to me. Usually I pack too much. This time I packed too little. Oh well, lessons learned.

[@Itzallgoood]

Thanks for sharing your experience. I appreciate your content.

[@edervalle3805]

Always learning more from shortcomings . Thanks again for sharing your content. I look forward to your next adventure.

[@JerryArizona]

Thanks! Packed and ready for this weekend already.

[@janefromthecountry1820]

Great to see Tina here picking you up! Yeah, she is cool! And Mexican, yumm. Thanks so much for sharing everything, Jerry. Take care of you and your family. See you on the next one! 😊❤️

[@macimages4215]

Thanks for the video. Good to learn from the mistakes

[@JerryArizona]

Better to know your limitations than get a ride from SAR....

[@billleland957]

Wow! That was rough. I know you were enjoying the sun in the clearing.

[@JerryArizona]

Roughest country I've hiked. But I keep going back. Love it there.

[@lukegraven7839]

WCC is such a gem, but yea I like the good and bad. Did you to to the 'Indian Maiden" waterfall or the hanging gardens? I love going there, I also like how it is hard to get to in a way keeps it from being overcrowded.

[@JerryArizona]

I love that too. Actually took down some trail guide videos of the place because I don't want to overcrowd it. It's rugged though and that keeps a lot of traffic out. I've been all over down there. Never made it all the way through. But I probably went 8 or 9 times this year alone. Just got back from the hanging gardens and white box. Didn't see a soul. (Might have something to do with the temps and all the swimming.) One of these years maybe I'll make it all the way through.

[@BaryNusz]

Y'all have awesome taste in food.

[@JerryArizona]

El Patio is GREAT food. We hit up that place every chance we have.

[@kyleessert6025]

We did it a few years ago from cash tank to bull pen. It was amazing took three days for us.

[@JerryArizona]

Awesome! Recently went to the Red Box (between HG and Maiden.) Amazing as usual. But super, super rugged.

[@Ashley_Schaeffer]

I've explored Clear Creek from the HWY87 side on my way back from Winslow... It is definitely the one of the most undeveloped regions in AZ... Imagine the canyons of Zion COVERED in thick vegetation... This is definitely my least explored part of AZ... I will definitely be back...

[@JerryArizona]

It's the harshest country I've ever hiked. I would spend 10 minutes contemplating how to move 50 yards forward. Do I swim? Can I make it through the thorn bushes on the side? Maybe I could climb the rocks around it....If I could get through the thorn bushes....forget it, I'll just swim....

[@RAMtrails]

I enjoyed the contrast of how beautiful the scenery is with how miserable you are XD...thanks for the video!

[@JerryArizona]

Ha! I was actually really psyched when I got to camp. I'd made really good time. But staying all night shivering was no bueno. I'll go back and section hike it. Love the place. Even more because of how rugged it is.

[@Rawvirgin]

I’m sorry this hike was not an ideal one but you made it back safely. The canyon is beautiful however. Be safe and be well. Send a big hug to Tina❤️

[@JerryArizona]

Thank you. It wasn't the result I wanted, but still such a special place. Tina will be back out there soon.....

[@Rawvirgin]

@@JerryArizona ❤️

[@thomassanio8745]

Gerry don’t go down there alone, I won’t venture in there alone again. Crazy rugged, your legs looked like mine did after being down there🙄

[@JerryArizona]

Yeah, probably not the smartest decision. Super rugged country. Also, I can't wait to go back!

[@BackcountryExposure]

I wanna go! If you want some company on a section I’d love to check that place e out!

[@JerryArizona]

I'll let you know, man. I'm definitely going back. I still need to find the Red Box....

[@RobinT-treehugger]

That landscape tells me that you were right by the Gila Wilderness in New Mexico. You and Tina need to come over here next April and we'll backpack the West Fork trail for a few nights. You'll both love it, similar but not swims and heavy enough use (it is the CDT) that you won't look like you had a fight with a cat. Seriously, invitations open.

[@garypalmer2066]

West Oak Creek is near Sedona not anywhere near the Gila Wilderness.

[@garypalmer2066]

Oops my mistake, I didn't read the title right, thought it was the West Oak Creek Canyon...

[@l.e.phillips]

@@garypalmer2066 This is in central AZ, so you’re still correct; not technically near NM.

[@JerryArizona]

West Clear Creek.....Outside of Camp Verde in AZ.

[@RobinT-treehugger]

@@JerryArizona thanks

[@walkitoffarizona887]

Curious on your footwear/socks to avoid blisters being in and out of the water so much ? We have never done any of west clear creek yet . Funny thing my boss just told me about the Maxwell trail head this week. Of all the sections or trailheads on west clear creek name your favorite? Why did I know you were eating Mexican food after that hike ? Love the way you keep it real !! Thx Jerry !

[@JerryArizona]

I had wool socks and La Sportiva TX4's for this. Worked great. It's tough to pick a favorite section down there. The Maxwell side is definitely mellower. It just got rougher and rougher as I went. I imagine the next 15~20 miles, if I'd kept going, would've been just as rough as the part from camp to the Wilbur exit. It's all beautiful, but the learning curve is....steep.

[@walkitoffarizona887]

@@JerryArizona thank you . I grew up here and moved away . USVI ,Alaska and Florida and never hiked West Clear Creek . Thx for poking me in the side with your experience! You must check out the Crack at wet beaver wilderness! Close to laHacienda ha ha ! 8 miles RT and mostly flat . I can’t believe I never k ew of this place growing up here . By the way Tina would have kept you warm! Happy Trails !

[@JohnPaul-ts8dq]

When did you do this hike? Beautiful country. Another time, there is always Mexican food. 👍👍

[@JerryArizona]

Last weekend. Apparently I should have waited a little later in the season. But I have other trips planned and saw a window, so I went for it.

[@robertprovo777]

West clear creek i know has some really big brown trout in those big pools , should have had fresh trout for dinner

[@JerryArizona]

Was just back there and it definitely does. And tons of crawfish too.

[@Ashley_Schaeffer]

I ALWAYS keep an "emergency" jacket in my pack for times exactly like this... even if I am already wearing one... There are several compact pack types you can get... BTW that exit looked sketchy...

[@JerryArizona]

The exit was sketchier than I remembered. But I was happy to see it. Been kicking myself for ditching the puffy jacket. I had it packed....

[@MrLocom100]

Dude i think I've watched every video you have done. thanks so much. What would be a good first hike and car camp in west clear creek?

[@JerryArizona]

Thank you! Go in Bullpen Ranch off the 260 outside Camp Verde. Your feet will get wet, but nothing like this. Go in as far as you want, then back out the way you came. It'll give you a feel for what it's like without really committing to the brutal parts. You can't camp at Bullpen, but there are areas up there off the forest road you can pull off and camp. You could also try the Maxwell Trail by Happy Jack that I took in on this trip and turn around when you want. I think you can camp all over up there, but not 100% sure on that because I haven't tried it. Maxwell does have a lot of elevation loss going in and gain coming out though. The other side (Bullpen) is much more flat.

[@Briefmeasurement61]

Camping next to water, or in a canyon, or even worse both, will make it cold just about any time of year.

[@JerryArizona]

I knew that, but damn. Never expected it to be THAT much colder. Live and learn. So many mistakes here.

[@joshe.5431]

Amazing work!!! Do you ever try to fish this creek?

[@JerryArizona]

I haven't. I need to take up fishing again. Plenty of fish and crawfish down in WCC.

[@joshe.5431]

@@JerryArizona my son and I were thinking of hiking into it to fly fish but have never been on it any spots you’d recommend accessing ?

[@TimA3167]

Great video! Next up- The Maze!

[@JerryArizona]

On the list. One of these days.

[@JSees]

The worst case of poison oak I ever got was down there, entered at 4 D I think. I was wearing long pants and long sleeved shirt to avoid it. Horrible.

[@JerryArizona]

Lots of poison ivy down there. And a rattlesnake or two.

[@jerryphillips7330]

I think this hike is doable later in the summer when water levels are lower.

[@JerryArizona]

I'll keep that in mind. I was trying to wait until it was warm enough but not get into monsoon season. The water wasn't that bad, surprisingly. It was those night time temps and that damn bivy. And lack of warm clothing.

[@xanderarena]

I almost wish no one would see this so it remains as pure as it is…

[@JerryArizona]

That's the good thing about West Clear Creek. Saw 6 people on this trip in two groups. The country is rugged enough to keep out the crowds in most parts. It certainly handed my a#$ to me despite how many times I've been down there.

[@carriepile7025]

This has been a bucket list item for me for a few years. I'll definitely keep your tips in mind if I try to attempt this. What time of the year did you go?

[@JerryArizona]

This was a few weeks ago. The weekend before I published. I would recommend doing some section hiking down there to know better what to expect. It's a steep learning curve. It's fairly easy for a while at both ends, but gets rough in the center. It got really slow going right before the Wilbur exit. And after that, you're committed for maybe 10 miles before the next exit. I haven't hiked the section between Wilbur and the White Box, or from Meadow Canyon to Maiden Falls. So not sure what to expect there. I do know that there are sections where you can't find enough room to camp; so if it starts getting within 1~2 hours of dark, you definitely want to start looking for a spot to camp or you risk hiking in the dark.

[@carriepile7025]

@@JerryArizona Thank you! I've only done Maiden Falls and the main trail, both a few years ago. Maiden Falls definitely took longer than I thought it would. Thank you again!

[@cabinvibesebaystore8956]

New sub ! Liked 😀✌️❤️

[@marymamabear5415]

Just wondering about the temp being so different from what you expected. Canyons can be 20 degrees colder than the adjacent rims due to cold air drainage from higher elevations. Do you think that's what it was? Love your channel.

[@JerryArizona]

Thank you. I have no idea why it was THAT much colder. I was watching temps at Camp Verde. But I went in further north. I expected low fifties, maybe high forties, but completely missed the mark on this one. The water wasn't that cold. Pretty puzzled on this one.

[@m.goedeker7381]

I have to agree this is honest but more importantly the awareness of the situation we are in. Egos that force us to move on despite the warnings are what lead to death or at least serious danger. As a pilot and diver, we are taught to know our limitations. It’s not just our limits but the environment that dictate if we can finish a hike. I make mistakes all the time and exit a dive or look for an alternate airport if weather gets bad. It’s the same in hikes. This is why I always come back. I am not interested in insta-famous but in real people and reality.

[@JerryArizona]

So much better to be alive to try again, right?

[@m.goedeker7381]

@@JerryArizona certainly true!

[@454Casul]

Why not build a fire if u were freezing?? You were in prime Mogollon Monster territory, did you hear or see anything strange?

[@JerryArizona]

No fires allowed in that area. But it wouldn't have helped with that dang bivvy. I'll definitely be better prepared if I attempt it again. Haven't run into anything strange out there that wasn't a person.

[@gib_life]

I've heard it takes a week to do. Sleeping out in the open right next to the water like you did is the coldest place you could have chosen. If you can get like 20 yards away it is 5-10 degrees warmer. Try and use natural cover too to hold some of your own body heat nearby. You don't see animals sleeping out in the open like that, they always find a little den or dig a bed under a tree to protect themselves from the wind. I like hiking sandals too instead of shoes and socks that stay wet. Sandals will dry off from your own body heat and then your foot is mostly covered. You lose most of your body heat through your head and your feet so a fleece beanie would have really helped for almost no weight, and always bring dry wool sleep socks. Wool base layers will keep you warm in a high condensation scenario like that since they are a natural fiber more so than synthetic material. Go back and get redemption.

[@JerryArizona]

I wasn't psyched with the site. But this canyon is unforgiving. It was getting close to sunset and I had to make camp and had no idea if it got better if I kept going. (Which it didn't.) I'll be back. I absolutely love this canyon.

[@Allen-yv3ue]

We took 5 days, the last night being Bull Pen campground, no rushing - the Creek is very slippery, and that is one reason why not to rush. Not a place to make mistakes.

[@westcoastislander6699]

Just look at it this way: better to find out your sleep system is inadequate on the first night when you could still easily escape, than to get into real trouble where escape becomes a S&R. So, maybe the bivy was a good thing...in a way.

[@MaylesTrails]

How do you like the TX4s? How did they perform with all of that water? I have a pair and I absolute love them, favourite shoes hands down. Got 500+ miles on them, and will be ordering a new pair. By the way, I appreciate how you post your fails and take ownership of any mistakes that you made.

[@JerryArizona]

LOVE the TX4's. Those will be my go to canyoneering shoes and my Altra Olympus will be my go to hiking shoes. Definitely have to own the mistakes. I make plenty.

[@MaylesTrails]

@@JerryArizona We all make plenty of mistakes! Keep up the great content

[@jeffdana9402]

Through hiking WCC is always a mistake. Because it is WCC. Lucky you knew the Wilbur sneak exit!

[@JerryArizona]

Right? Gorgeous, but brutally unforgiving. I definitely wouldn't have attempted it without some good bail out points in the first couple nights.

[@narwhal004]

Last time I wet the bed, I wished I thought to blame my camping gear. Damn it! :P

[@JerryArizona]

I swear it was condensation. Probably.

[@troywildy800]

What kind of backpack do you have? It's looks like you could float it along like a canoe.

[@JerryArizona]

I have an Osprey and this was a Gregory (I think 75L.) What I did was put the rain cover on it and turn it upside. The rain cover acts like a canoe and you can float it. Works for my Osprey too. It has to be calm water and you want to test it in the shallows before committing, but it has always worked for me.

[@ScubaSteveCanada]

I was thinking a complete stranger happened by to pick you up ... nope. Wise decision to cut the hike short.

[@JerryArizona]

The Garmin Mini is invaluable. Saved our behinds more than once. Would've been a loooooooong hike on forest roads otherwise.

[@ScubaSteveCanada]

@@JerryArizona Yes, I have one myself.

[@Aptster1939]

That is so beautiful but RUGGED! Amazing.🤐

[@sfar-gaminglounge1563]

west clear creek is amazing, i hiked from the bull pen area to almost to the indian maiden falls, do you know the distance from hanging gardens to the bull pen area? If you ever need a hiking partner would love to hike with you ! You got to do hells gate :) I can send you some amazing videos of it if your interested.

[@switchflare]

It's about 3.5 mi to the falls.

[@JerryArizona]

Hellsgate is on the list! Another area I know is super rugged. I'll make it there some day. Not sure on the distance from Bullpen. I've done Maiden from the rim, further upstream. I'd need to go back and look at the route to see mileage, but I still had maybe 20~25 miles to go to Bullpen with HG and Maiden in between. (Not to mention the White and Red Boxes.)

[@sfar-gaminglounge1563]

@@JerryArizona Thanks man, love your videos ! If you ever interested in looking at some footage of hellsgate to get an idea i video taped most of the areas.

[@bernardcrane750]

Mexican makes it all better!

[@maryannsimms7189]

Never been as cold in my life camping out in AZ. Misery

[@JerryArizona]

Yeah. I wasn't expecting this cold snap.

[@marlonxxi1]

I am fan of you 2 question backpacking ag is water proof , and you should think inviting me for a hike I am from new York

[@jbagley77]

You could have deleted all of this footage and we’d never have known. Thanks for sharing. Curious though…what was your plan in case of injury in one of those isolated stretches? Do you have a satellite phone or something?

[@switchflare]

His Garmin InReach

[@JerryArizona]

Yep. Love that thing. It's saved both Tina and I on more than one trip.

[@scottpatterson8896]

At 5:09, you do know that you're putting your clothes in Poison Ivy?

[@JerryArizona]

I went back and watched it again.....I really don't think that's poison ivy. Regardless, I didn't get any rashes from it. There is plenty down there though, so maybe I got lucky.

[@scottpatterson8896]

@Jerry Arizona It's poison ivy. I am extremely sensitive to the stuff so keep a sharp eye out for it. Some people aren't very sensitive to it. For example my wife and I can do the same hike and she won't get any rash, while mine is bad. My son isn't sensitive to it either, but my dad is. It might be that you aren't sensitive to it, but that's poison ivy in the video where your clothes are and it's best to stay clear. Anyway, I was hoping to backpack West Clear Creek soon so came across your video. I hope the poison ivy is avoidable!

[@moretoliving2236]

Hiking is fickle. You can do same trails in different weather and they are completely different beasts. As for gear stuff... negative reviews never lie. I have found that the one time when people are truly honest is when they are upset and so let that be an unfortunate lesson to carry forward.... if bunch of people said X... its a pattern. If a bunch of people carved a channel and paved the road to raising awareness of product flaws... I would be very apprehensive about it. For me those are lessons learned with my RV... because I had bought things for it that were clearly a failed product so I had to pay twice to get what actually works.

[@JerryArizona]

Definitely. I knew it too. But it was the only bivy at REI.....ironically a return from online because they said they didn't keep it in store normally. I got mesmerized by how small it was and, wanting to go light, I somehow convinced myself that I could avoid the problems with it. And I was proven wrong in a spectacular (and slightly dangerous) way. No way I could've gone on through country this rough on 1 hour sleep. Especially just to spend another miserable night in that death trap.

[@ericcorbin7576]

Borah gear!!!!!!! Best Bivvy ever and most lightweight The bug bivvy is like 6 oz

[@JerryArizona]

I'll look into it. Unfortunately, I read reviews on this and saw that it might have condensation problems. But it was all they had at REI and I waited until the last second, so I convinced myself it would be fine. It was not.

[@TimmyCramer]

Watching this from Carlsbad state beach campground and just bbqd a steak and also put ketchup on it. Next time call me...I'll do that stretch with you and bring along some scotch! Timmy C Arizona

[@janefromthecountry1820]

Timmy - You are a good man! ♨️😊👍🏻

[@stevewright2241]

At least you got some Mexican food

[@JerryArizona]

Poor Tina. She had to drive about 5 hours for it.....

[@l.e.phillips]

Jerry makes mistakes so we don’t have to. 😄 (I definitely still will though)

[@JerryArizona]

Right? Learn from my mistakes, and make different ones. I kinda like that aspect of this stuff though. It's fun figuring it out as you go sometimes.

[@l.e.phillips]

@@JerryArizona For sure! As long as it doesn’t kill ya, lol. 😜

[@JSees]

That hike is a bitch, I only did parts of it,love Clear creek

[@JerryArizona]

Been all over down there. Well, not ALL over. But it's definitely some of the roughest country I've ever encountered. I need to dial in my kit and give it another shot when it's warmer.

[@richardbeee]

The only bad fail, is the one you didn't try. Cudos

[@JerryArizona]

That was my thought going in. I've been intimidated by this trip for years. But I had a window and figured I'd try. I felt like my chances of making it were pretty slim, but I wanted to just rip off the band aid and go for it. No regrets at all.

[@308lastname3]

Hammocks

[@switchflare]

In many section of WCC hanging a hammock is not possible.

[@JerryArizona]

I was thinking about it. But I gave myself too short notice to try it out. I actually had a hammock, but it was more for relaxing than actually sleeping....And the set up I brought wouldn't have helped with the cold. Maybe next time. I've seen people down there through hiking with hammock set ups. Solid option. If you can find the right campsite.

[@308lastname3]

@@JerryArizona I really enjoy my eno double wide hammock. Super comfortable and I can put my sleeping bag on the inside if it gets cold. Love your videos 🌵

[@JerryArizona]

@@308lastname3 thanks! I had an ENO Sub 7, but it wasn't made for sleeping....Maybe next time.

[@byronlemay2166]

With all due respect, you started the hike with the wrong attitude. You seemed to have no enthusiasm whatsoever and you really weren't prepared. I've done this same hike twice...in 2002 solo and 2012 with a girlfriend. It was magnificent. Why did you even go? To make a video? Sorry if it seems like I'm giving you a hard time...but if you start the hike with a frownie face you're likely doomed.

[@JerryArizona]

No offense taken. I was actually pretty happy when I made it to camp. I was making much better mileage than I expected. The cold and lack of sleep just got to me. And if I'd gone on, I had to make it about 10 miles to the Hanging Gardens before I had another exit. So I took the conservative route and bailed. If I'd brought a shirt, my puffy jacket and didn't have the bivy issue, I would have stuck with it, for sure. I did the hike because I love this area. But I also respect how harsh it is. How long did it take you for the full through hike? Curious, because I'm not giving up on this one, although I'll probably do it in sections.