Backpacking West Clear Creek - Arizona

Backpacking West Clear Creek - Arizona
West Clear Creek is brutal. Some of the most rugged country I've ever experienced. Yet despite near hypothermia, tons of scrapes & scratches, constant risk of twisted ankles and many other risks, I keep finding myself back here.
Music by Epidemic Sound:
Silver Maple - We Are Giants
Gavin Luke - Feeling Alright
Jobii - Dust Blaster
Franz Gordon - Air on the G String
Music by Artlist:
ANBR - City of Light
To the Valley - We'll Keep Running

[@brianvititoe8721]

Love the content of your relationship on trail! Thank you so much for sharing your life’s adventures with us! You two inspire me and have lead me to plan so many of my own adventures to follow in your footsteps!🎉

[@westzonal]

Great storytelling once again, thanks Jerry 👍

[@darrellv7988]

Awesome hike Tina. Thanks for sharing your adventure. Jerry too😉

[@greentourkh]

Hello you ❤️❤️🤗

[@sonsofthesportsguy]

It wasn't raining. That was popcorn on the fire.

[@Aptster1939]

My hiking days are long passed. Thank you for filling in the gaps. Really enjoyed Orderville Canyon (sp??)

[@JerryArizona]

Glad to take you along. Orderville was absolutely amazing. That whole trip was amazing, actually. Can't wait to get back to Zion.

[@Zaitz17]

Beautiful vid as always Jer! Glad you didnt lose any toes and your ankles survived!

[@dixielambrecht7009]

Beautiful scenery and entertaining content 😂

[@bobburk9797]

Beautiful! Looks like it did 50 years ago! A special place. Though, don’t recommend spraining an ankle and having to splint up and hike out…

[@JerryArizona]

I've also had the pleasure of spraining an ankle down there. That place is rough. But I keep finding myself back down there.

[@dmerth]

Three words... Video editing poetry.

[@RusselynConnor]

Nothing like finding an unexpected great campsite! That's a good one.

[@christiankilmer7416]

Me and my buddies Mike burk and Steven Gridley built that camp last 4th of July

[@JerryArizona]

Great camp chair! What was the lean to for?

[@tinaschwettmann6342]

Hello, Jerry and Tina. First and foremost, thank you both for the honest and beautiful videos. In particular, this portion of the West Clear Creek wilderness looks enticing. In looking closely at the trailhead entry between 48 and 52 seconds for the specific trailhead, I am trying to determine which section you hiked on this trip. I cross referenced the map/pin with your previous video of "attempting" the through hike. Could you please post here the forest road you took and the trailhead where Tina is signing in? Highly appreciated.

[@JerryArizona]

Not sure what roads we took, but this is the Maxwell trailhead. Up by Happy Jack. You should be able to find directions from a quick search. The road gets kinda rough in spots though, so keep that in mind. Still much better than most West Clear Creek Roads.

[@tinaschwettmann6342]

@@JerryArizona Thanks so much for the info. Maybe we'll see you out there!

[@westcoastislander6699]

Admiring the very nice braiding job Tina did on her hair... Oh yeah, the view of the canyon is pretty spectacular too! First thing the hubby said when he saw the hike in was: "That looks like a killer hike out!" Thanks for this.

[@JerryArizona]

She takes a lot of time on that. Not that I don't appreciate it. It was definitely like a 700' tall staircase...if it were built by someone on acid who made all the steps different heights.

[@Allen-yv3ue]

Jerry - GO THRU WEST CLEAR CREEK ! it's calling you. I think some changes down there after the good snow/rains last winter. This year I'll be 77 and will take one more day hike ( thru hiked in 1995) this summer, truly a amazing place. I fell in the first day and got my camera wet, no pic's... keep on keeping on 😊

[@JerryArizona]

I've tried and failed miserably. But I need to do it. I want to see the fabled 'red box'. Maybe later this year.

[@rosatraveller3874]

Ein tolles Abenteuer 👍.

[@briennanichols2090]

This happened last night…so this happened this morning 😂😂😂 SAME it’s 10:35 and I’m YouTubing the trail 😂😂

[@oldboater]

Well, once again Jerry & Tina….nobody does it better. Great video.

[@ucmed5]

I really enjoy these videos Jerry, best channel on KZbin in my opinion. Thanks!

[@hikinganddrone]

Nice trail and beautiful scenery 👍👍👍

[@adenweisenhunt3933]

can you do a video on everything you bring with you in youre personal pack?

[@JerryArizona]

I have one, but it's out dated. One of these days I'll make an updated one.

[@DyanEsoap]

Beautiful spot! Always making me want Mexican food!

[@JSees]

Which trail did you go in on?

[@JerryArizona]

Maxwell. One of the easier ones.

[@bsbobber]

i was wondering if you were gonna give it another go !!! nice video

[@JerryArizona]

Still working up the courage (or stupidity) to try the entire through hike again. This was a short bit to show Tina what it's like. One of these days.....

[@stevekalan6198]

Beautiful place

[@trailz520]

what kind of shoes do you have? looks comfortable

[@JerryArizona]

Altra Olympus. Absolutely love them. They are much more comfortable and hold up better than the Altra Lone Peak. And they're the only shoes that don't give me blisters.

[@JSees]

I do what you do, drive in and out in sandals. I don't like to drive hiking boots

[@moretoliving2236]

A month later catching up on your videos. Can't go wrong with bringing a hammock!

[@jitendrakhare9219]

Lovely mild flirting in mid forest......We love you both....

[@Mebeknob]

Can you get to the trail head with a car? Or do you need a 4x4?

[@desert-walker]

I was there a long time ago didn’t make it too far but nice place some good campsites😊

[@JerryArizona]

West Clear Creek is always a challenge. And always beautiful. I need to explore more upstream of this area. I think it might be a lot easier hiking. Of course, it's WCC, so I could be completely wrong.

[@thetommantom]

It's a shhh storm randy

[@JerryArizona]

Sometimes I'll just yell "Randy!" at Tina while she's in mid sentence. I miss Lahey.

[@CastroN9ne]

Was that really a Jim Lahey reference? RIP to a legend. They have a huge mural up of him in my city. Awesome vid as usual!

[@JerryArizona]

I swore I responded to this, but it's not showing up. Anyway, every city needs a Lahey mural. Absolute legend. Randy!

[@CastroN9ne]

@@JerryArizona shitstorms coming randy. Cheers

[@CameronCox_1969]

Gosh that place is divine, thank you ❤

[@JerryArizona]

Love WCC. Also hate it. So beautiful, but so punishingly rugged.

[@5wheels521]

Short and sweet! 👍🏻👀

[@BaryNusz]

I'm curious about those creek trails in AZ. Do y'all ever have to worry about chiggers?

[@JerryArizona]

Haven't had a problem with them. The gnats can come out and be super irritating (they'll fly straight into your ears, eyes, nose and mouth) and mosquitos. Bugs weren't bad on this trip though.

[@MattNowell]

you make my day Jerry!!!! love it!!!!!

[@Mandarin110631]

love el patio!

[@TheDieselApartment]

Omg, the Leahy impression 😂 RIP to a legend. This is why we watch your videos...like a shit hawk.

[@JerryArizona]

I’m the monkey in charge of the bananas!

[@JSees]

I used to go there over 20 years ago. Went in 2 different ways, short and steep drops into the canyon. I loved that place.

[@tandlsarizonaadventures9119]

So beautiful as always. Love your videos. Looks like you two hiked up canyon to where Clover canyon and I think it is called Willow canyon create the start of West Clear Creek. Been there, so cool to see where WCC begins. Have you ever thought of trying the some what crazy bush wack adventure down Clover to WCC? Never saw you do any of ECC. If you want a lightly traveled, easy, beautiful ,semi off trail over nighter, the water level is perfect now and you creek hike until your hearts desire and not get your feet too wet unless you want to. Lots of camp site opportunities as you get further up canyon, no stone chairs though. Start at Jones Crossing and head up canyon to your right at the bridge over ECC.

[@JerryArizona]

I've been wanting to check out ECC for years. I'm thinking Jones Crossing is in my near future. Thanks for the tip.

[@tandlsarizonaadventures9119]

@@JerryArizona you're welcome. once you get up canyon at around 5 miles you will see a deep pool with a lot of white slab rock and a bit of water flowing down it. facing up canyon look back and up a bit to your left. there is a V shaped rock cliff with a big grassy area in front of it. get up on the grassy area and look in the bend of the rock face. small cave, we call it the bug cave, if you venture in you will see why. still pretty cool and you can camp at the enterance. Another nice overnighter is Kinder Crossing on ECC. Yeager Canyon is right by the big swimming hole, cool to explore a bit and you can also creek hike up or down stream too. The rocks at Kinder are SLIPPERY, be careful. If you like Crayfish take a couple of raw chicken legs, some long heavy twine to tie around the legs so you can throw it out like fishing, a sturdy mesh bag to keep them in for the time being(tie it closed, they are escape artists), and a small net. throw your chicken leg into the creek and with in 5 minutes or so it will be covered in Crayfish. wade in with your net and carefully scoop them up. good eating. Don't forget to bring butter and old bay!

[@smallaxe7225]

Not trying to nit pick, honestly just want what's best for you. Tina would get a lot more out of her trekking poles if she watched this video about trekking pole technique. kzbin.info/www/bejne/baKViqqFepmioaMsi=TeuHsH50UxssV6KK

[@richardbeee]

It's not going to rain.....🙂

[@waynescottturner]

Jim Lahey reference from Trailer Park Boys! 😜

[@JerryArizona]

Randy!

[@MoonJuiceHikes]

Ohhhh Mole! Looks like a perfect weekend all around

[@JerryArizona]

One of these days, maybe we'll be by there when it's open. We're 0 for 2.

[@arunphillips6977]

Just watching this now, I'm guessing it will end with a visit to El Patio?

[@JerryArizona]

One of these days I'm going to have to end it with Italian or Chinese food just to throw people off. Nah, that won't happen.

[@shane2808]

Do you need a permit or do you just need to sign that log that you signed in the beginning?

[@JerryArizona]

Just sign and go. No permits needed.

[@solgoode1]

About how much do your packs weigh?

[@JerryArizona]

Usually around 35~40 lbs.

[@solgoode1]

@@JerryArizona Thanks. That's what I shoot for too. Great content btw. Keep it up

[@nickkanaras6360]

Where did you drop in?

[@JerryArizona]

Maxwell trail up by Happy Jack. Super steep, but still one of the easier routes in WCC.

[@kylewillson2087]

​@JerryArizona can you drop the coords of the trailhead you went in from?

[@KenzieJade92]

Do you ever see snakes at west clear creek?

[@JerryArizona]

Yep. Stepped right over a rattlesnake once and my friends have seen them down there. But that’s pretty much everywhere here in AZ.

[@GiuliaontheSummit]

amazing place and great editing ❤

[@BikeGenixAZ]

Hey! I just watched your "epic fail" going by yourself last year and I think you already saw my comment on it haha maybe not but anyways, I'm glad you made the decision to go back! On my 2020 trip, I brought high-top boots for all the ankle twists, a wool fleece for the bushwacking, and high-top compression socks for the water and scrapes. but I'm going to be doing it again this coming week and going to bring what I just mentioned lol. wish me luck and I will give an update when I'm out of the canyon! Happy you made it through this time!

[@JerryArizona]

This was just down and back out the same trail. Still stunning. Just came back from another trip down there and, ironically, twisted my ankle. But so worth it.

[@impctO3]

I love your videos, keep up the great work❤

[@littlebasinkid8642]

I am sad that WCC is going to be closed this summer.

[@JerryArizona]

We were back up there this weekend and got turned away by the signs for the Wilbur fire. Hopefully they get it contained quickly.

[@littlebasinkid8642]

@Jerry Arizona I hope they get it contained, too. I heard somewhere that WCC would be closed until August 30.

[@johns7785]

Scathing product review at the end.

[@JerryArizona]

That thing was horrid. But I saw it and had to try it.

[@Katmai_Bear_480]

@@JerryArizona Ice cream should not crunch.

[@culturehorse]

It looks like real backwoods animal country. Ys and montain cats do you pack bear spray if not .44 mag? Thanks for the wonderful tour (de force).

[@JerryArizona]

Didn’t bring anything for this trip. I don’t for most. Didn’t see anything but birds, fish and crawfish.

[@culturehorse]

@@JerryArizona thanks & thank goodness lol thanks again.