Maiden Falls - A Beautiful and Brutal Hike in West Clear Creek

Maiden Falls - A Beautiful and Brutal Hike in West Clear Creek
Yes, I used to have a video of this up and I took it down. I didn't really want to pack this place with a ton of people. But there have been a lot, I mean a LOT of those junk accounts online posting pictures of it with absolutely no information. The comments are enthusiastic because it's beautiful and unique. The problem is that doesn't give you any idea what you're getting into. And you're getting into a lot. When we went on this hike, we saw 3 three other people going in. 1 made it to the falls. We never saw the other two again.
So the intention of this video is to show you what you'll be getting into. If it is a little light on details, that's on purpose. If you're going to attempt this, you should have leveled up your research skills to the point where you don't need any more info than what is provided. I'm not doing this to gate keep. I'm doing this so you don't go before you've developed the skills needed to do this hike safely and successfully. Those skills come from practice and honestly they're not super complicated. They just take some time to build. I don't want to discourage you; I'd just prefer you not get into trouble.
All of that said, Maiden Falls (also known as Indian Maiden Falls) in West Clear Creek is beautiful. Everything I've seen in West Clear Creek is beautiful. But this is an especially scenic section, including the majority of the hike. So definitely worth checking out.
Just know what you're getting yourself into.
Oh, yeah. Watch out for rattlesnakes. I've literally stepped right over one down there.
Music by Artlist
Adamant - Christoffer Moe Ditlevsen
We Found Each Other - Birraj
Arisaig - Ian Post
Aftershocks - Ardie Son
Letting Go - Almost Barely

[@jwhoward182]

I am always awestruck by your music choices for your episodes. Then the cinematography is incredible. The narration, along with the dynamic of you two, makes a new video a highlight of our days. Bravo!! Really appreciate the time, thought and effort you put into these videos!!❤

[@billbishop580]

The hike that has everything. Bushwhacking, scree, elevation gain and loss, bouldering, swimming, poison ivy, moss covered rocks and above all beautiful scenery. Thank you for sharing yet another wonderful adventure!

[@BreakOutOfTheAlgorithm]

I don't understand how this channel doesn't have a million subscribers by now? Maybe you need to put we found this place on Google maps and the algorithm will pick it up and give you the subscribers you deserve. Desert Dweller, The POV channel and the Trck planner have all started channels within the last year and they all have close to 100k subs. KZbin sucks! The algorithm sucks! Next month when I move into the RV, I am starting a channel to let people know the best underrated channels on KZbin. This is by far one of the most underrated and under subscribed channels ever! Keep up the great work Jerry and Tina. 👁️🙏👁️💓👍🔔

[@SSL0707Star]

Maybe Jerry wants to keep the hidden gems somewhat hidden.

[@BreakOutOfTheAlgorithm]

@@SSL0707Star I'm not trying to be rude but this has to be one of the worst replies to a comment that I have made. If Jerry wants to keep his hidden gems hidden he will just keep out the location which he often does. He encourages people to do their research before they go into any trip and also have respect for the land. My comment is about the frustration of the KZbin algorithm. Jerry could be making really good money off of this channel which he deserves. As a full-time caregiver I spend hours a day watching KZbin and I have seen channels that put in 10% of the work and have grown 10X as much. My comment was not about what Jerry wants it's about how KZbin cherry pics certain channels and promotes them, while leaving the hidden gems, hidden. 👁️

[@JerryArizona]

I've talked to the POV guy a little bit. Really nice dude and seems very passionate about conservation as well. I've seen a couple of Desert Drifter's vids and he seems legit too. Don't know the other one. Yeah, they've absolutely blown up. I don't blame them or the algorithm. They're doing a different type of thing that has a much larger audience than me. I've actually thought about doing something similar, but I would rather just make the content I enjoy making. I refuse to do the goofy surprise face thumbnails or click baity titles that seem to work. Sometimes, like in this video, I'll even title it something bland to reduce views. (SECRET SWIMMING HOLE with a WATERFALL and NO PEOPLE! or something like that would bring a lot more views.) It feels goofy asking for subscribers. So I guess I do as much to hinder my growth as I do to help it. It's just what it is. I do however, appreciate the comment and am glad you like the videos. So, uh, make sure to tell all your friends and smash that like button and all that, I guess?

[@moretoliving2236]

I can share my view on this whole thing. I am on my 9th channel now. KZbin hates people who provide value. First time they took me down it hurt like hell. That was 5000 subscribers in 2006 when having 5000 was unheard of. 2nd channel was 1300. 3rd channel was 46,000 subscribers. 4th-8th was about 1200 subscribers. 9th channel just had a huge purge of 1200 to 156.... AND I am also shadow banned. My channels keep being taken down via shadowbanning by using youtube music library.... then artist breaks contract with youtube and every single video gets copyrighted. You then get shadowbanned. I have followed Jerry since a really really really long time ago and I have watched his subscribers climb at the pace of snail despite content that warrants a million. The algorithm warfare is what is keeping channels like this one off the books. You know who gets 500K views per video? Dr. Hannah whatever her name is... by clickbating OF content thumbnail in every video. They deprioritize amazing channels to promote obligatory tits and ass channels. Even when their content absolutely sucks. Catherine Gregory is an amazing hiker channel and she has been BARELY growing... no matter how absolutely amazing her content is. She is producing professional videographer content and her subscriber base is like 69K.... 3 years later 72K.... KZbin does this. I have seen even channels with 250K subs be deprioritized like that.

[@BreakOutOfTheAlgorithm]

@@moretoliving2236 I have seen the exact same thing. Sorry to hear about your hard work going down the drain. Doctor Hannah sucks although she is gorgeous. You're right her content is terrible and she doesn't deserve the subscribers. I do have seen countless channels be destroyed or shadow band but that is normally political or going against the message type of channel. The content Jerry is putting out is priceless and should definitely be promoted. 👁️

[@jonathankuhn483]

Buttkicker of a trail but yet you still took the time to film it 👍 my hat is off to y'all! We did cathedral wash today and it was all you promised!

[@JerryArizona]

Love Cathedral Wash. Glad you got to check it out.

[@libertyvilleguy2903]

Best KZbin channel, by far, for AZ & UT hiking.

[@kenlodge3399]

Whenever I've floated whatever the circumstance I always wanted a unicorn, but could never find one, and now I know!?! I'll tell ya I heard about Clear Creek or Maiden Falls and at the time - a long long time ago I was not able to find it. So what you're telling me is when you take into account the trek getting there I might not have missed much... on balance. Yet I have to agree that it is absolutely beautiful (and I've put up with more hazardous hikes to discover less incredible sites, ahh IDK, maybe hmm? Have to get back with you on that. At my age memory is tricky)

[@nebc_yukonyeti]

The rainbow unicorn floaty with finger was the best! 😂

[@JerryArizona]

They're meaner than you'd expect, unicorns.

[@mjhahs]

20 years in AZ, with the last 10 more avidly camping and on trails, I’ve seen five rattlesnakes. Three were this year. Jerry and Tina are responsible for most of my adventures this year, love the message, love the videos ❤

[@ScubaSteveCanada]

You certainly captured how difficult that trek can be ... but the scenery is worth it.

[@JerryArizona]

It is except for those times WCC completely chews you up and spits you out....but that's only about every fourth or fifth time, so it's fine.

[@Allen-yv3ue]

Beautiful editing Jerry - Please people pack ALL your stuff out.

[@nicksmacro]

It's the little touches that really put your videos over the top. Like at 7:53 when you mute the music a little for the underwater shots. So good!

[@stalar2892]

Agreed! I appreciated the attention to detail and was looking for someone to have noticed in the comments :D

[@dominez702]

I honestly love that this hike is tough, keeps away the riff raff. Have done it once and lucked out big time with clouds and shade on that last 2000' otherwise, this was a great hike don't mind the slow going at all if it means a bit of solitude and swimming to stay cool. We are a normally steady group and did this in less than 9 hours with stops etc. I remember liking the hike itself a bit more than the waterfall at end, was more of an experience haha.

[@JerryArizona]

You definitely earn this one. Like just about everything down there, come to think of it.

[@mikegrier2829]

Another great video. What a beautiful place. You guys take us to places some of us will never get to experience, and we’re so grateful. Many thanks from Atlanta.

[@machinethesun9243]

Most beautiful falls I've ever seen.

[@wimotten8353]

What a little paradise. Good that is so hard for humans to reach! I would have loved to see Jerry float with that unicorn🤣😜

[@JerryArizona]

She was not about to share that unicorn.

[@PeggyRoberts-et5ks]

Wow -- Simply in awe of you and Tina and the beautiful scenery, cinematography and hiking adventures that you share. Thank you and Bravo Bravo!!

[@BackcountryExposure]

Tina is never ready. I love it! That place is beautiful man!

[@JerryArizona]

One of my favorite spots.

[@hooperbloop7625]

Great hike. Beautiful area. Not for everybody. Thanks for taking us along.

[@mattwelch9757]

This is fantastic. I kinda live vicariously through channels like this, as I'm out in Texas and don't have the resources to travel often to where I'd rather be. There's a hike in Colorado I did once years ago that I feel the same way about. It's beautiful, one of the loveliest hikes I've ever done but it's also off one of the busiest trails around, boils down to getting across a creek at the right place and then finding your way up onto a hanging valley. You need to be able to route find and know how to get around the cliffy spots (I suppose Nick would just climb them), there's also some pretty sections of tumbling creek to be found a ways off where you're climbing, and two of the lovelier falls in the area are just below and up in the hanging valley. It's not nearly so long, remote and difficult as West Clear Creek and it doesn't have the same issues you faced, but it's also not a simple trail walk either. The most peaceful time up there I've ever experienced, I think, just me, a friend, and a bunch of elk until we got back down to the main trail. I dream about that day a lot. At the time my wife and I had a single camera between us and I let her keep it because the friend I was with had a camera, but his camera had a problem and it lost many of his photos so most of what we have is memory. In any case, part of the magic of it is the solitude. Some parts of the wild need to remain so, I think. This hike is doable and findable if you have the know how and as you say, mostly it's not difficult to learn. Cheers to you and Tina.

[@JerryArizona]

That hike sounds awesome. I hear you on the Texas thing. My buddy Clint lives there and I'll catch myself complaining to him sometimes and need to shut up. You got a whole lot of flat out there.

[@mattwelch9757]

Lots of it sure is flat but parts of it sure aren't. I just have a preference for mountains, snow, and all that and it's all a fair drive from the Texas Triangle. Have Clint take you to Santa Elena Canyon in Big Bend or Palo Duro up in the Panhandle sometime. I think you'd both enjoy it. Maybe I'll bump into one of you some day.

[@KarlDeckerPresents]

That place is awesome! Hope you’re almost all healed up? Will you ask Tina if I can borrow the unicorn for the Black Hole? Please. . . Nice job!

[@ScramblinJim]

I so enjoy your videos. Thanks for taking us along the adventure. You guys ROCK!!!

[@robinwilson9537]

Absolutely beautiful

[@alessandrobeargryll1230]

Wow Thats An Amazing Place Congratulations Jerry Thank You For Sharing

[@MadameX_]

Swimming in those slots in west clear creek is one of my most treasured memories of AZ. We did not have floaties. We put our gear inside water-tight bags then put them in our packs. They floated perfectly.

[@TimmyCramer]

Sedona tomorrow and fossil Creek Wed. This bachelor will drive to the water and jump in....happily! When the heck is that happy hour taking place?! Timmy C Arizona

[@SummitSeeker546]

I’m itching just looking at that poison ivy… Beautifully shot!

[@JerryArizona]

It's all over down there.

[@lenariuss]

Btw your old Maiden falls video is the reason I’m married 😅 I watched it & thought how cool is this place & how cool that you go on such adventures together. Organized a camping trip there during lockdown in 2020. That hiking turned into something special & in September 2020 we got married, been happily hiking everywhere ever since that maiden falls trip.

[@JerryArizona]

That's awesome! Congrats!

[@libertyvilleguy2903]

Gorgeous. But poison ivy - that’s a dealbreaker.

[@JerryArizona]

If you're highly allergic, this is not the place for you. It's unavoidable in spots.

[@AlanDayley]

Amazing beauty. Thanks for the hike!

[@delvinmorales9458]

Yay another Jerry Arizona video. We were on Mingus mountain this weekend. If you haven't done the Woodchute trail. I highly recommend it. Couldn't do most of it with the kiddos. But you get a view of the verde valley, Sedona, and the San Francisco mountains a short distance in. Should be much better at the top.

[@JerryArizona]

Thanks for the tip. I'll add it to the list.

[@robertwilson5575]

‘Sharing is caring’! Always a five star couple…

[@westcoastislander6699]

Always appreciate the reality you bring to these beautiful places... enjoy them but getting there usually comes at a price: challenging hikes, rugged remoteness and early starts to beat the crowds. And might I say, green ring thing vs. Unicorn...kinda says it all. Thank so much for your efforts. Most beautiful.

[@JerryArizona]

I learned my lesson on taking a 'joke' floatie when I went to the Red Box with Nick and ended up trying to float using a kid's Spiderman floatie.

[@russward2612]

I've said it before, I'll say it again. You take us to such beautiful places. Thank you for sharing this with us. 🏜️✌️🖖

[@inqwit1]

Astounding. Happy you did the hard work for us.

[@brianbeames]

This is a video which proves that unicorns exist which have gone underneath evolution to do what they just did in this video. just kidding. You guys are seriously doing what i wish I were doing.

[@edjones2199]

Nice shot at 6:50

[@lynnnorthrup8914]

Great job to do this hike and capture all the great footage. It was beautiful. I’ll view it through your lens because my days of doing hikes like this are over. You guys are something else!😀👍

[@destinationdezz1588]

I did this hike based off your first video! My first official off-trail hike! Beautiful area! I haven't been back since! lol! The hike out got me! Kudos for going again, but I'm done with that hike!

[@JerryArizona]

Tina agrees with your assessment. It took a lot of bribery to get her to do it again.

[@mojopahitvlog8473]

Agree it ❤❤ 😮😮😮 so beautiful Maiden falls 😮😮 take a lot of energy visited there😊 it ‘s great hike 👍👍 Thank you

[@narkilet]

Jerry, Thank you for all the adventures and places I still need to visit. Great ideas for my son to go and explore.

[@davidgarcia2491]

One of the best made videos out there. It really shows the work one needs to put in. Thank you! Does anyone know, can you backpack that? Go in one day and come out the next? Thanks again

[@NClegg]

You can, and people commonly do given the time and effort required to get in and out of there.

[@davidgarcia2491]

@@NClegg Thank you!

[@JerryArizona]

You can backpack anywhere down there. The problem becomes dealing with an overnight pack in that rugged, off trail (sometimes swimming) hike. I've tried it. I made it one night on an easier section of the creek. Still, people do it. Nick doesn't though. Nick would probably hike the entire 35+ mile creek in a day, then hike back upstream because he got tired of waiting for his ride.

[@westzonal]

What a great hike and what a great spot! Thanks for showing, I am afraid this is nothing I can manage without hurting myself, greetings from Germany Martin

[@robertscranton8293]

Those falls are so beautiful.

[@deputyowl]

Let's start with that not only would I not do this trail, even though it has a lot to offer, just that I would not be able to make the 1 mph pace instead it would be a 2 day trip 😂. Great video y'all made and Tina got off a couple of flying fickle fingers 😂. Y'all take care and keep those videos posting. 😊

[@tonyreinke987]

Beautiful! Nicely shot.

[@DeniseVioletta]

Love Tina's unicorn floatie!! That looks like quite the hike- I would love to do that one. It looks like the way to get there is the FR618? We live about a quarter mile from the entrance to that one, but would definitely need to rent something to make it out there. Great video!!!

[@JerryArizona]

My GPS says 214 to 214A. When it changes to 214A, it gets gnarly. I think it adds maybe 1 mile each way to the hike to park before the gnarly part. Up to that point it's not bad at all.

[@DeniseVioletta]

@@JerryArizona ok, good to know! Thank you!!

[@oldboater]

Yet again, another amazing video, nobody does it better.

[@BruceEliason]

My god that is magnificent again Jerry &Tina thank you so much for taking us to these wonderful places👍👍👍👏👏👏

[@SherylAZ]

Tina is such a good sport to be your lead actress in these videos! You 2 are a perfect match❣️

[@JerryArizona]

I'm a lucky man, for sure.

[@arizonaoutdoors1465]

Did you know that its actually called “Indian Falls”? On the top north rim there is Indian Tank One and Two. And somewhere in between these tanks and this waterfall is another special gem. I will leave it at that…😉

[@JerryArizona]

Hmmmm.....I wonder what that gem is. I finally found the last one I knew about in there a while back. Haven't done the stretch between that and upstream of these falls.

[@Janette___]

Attempted to make it to the falls 3x. Ended up with steri strips holding my forehead together 2x, actually made it there 1x. I have modified my gear and bought more steri strips for the next trip.

[@CleanAirOutsideFamily]

Thanks for that tip… add steristrips to family medical field kit. 🤔 Glad you’re ok, and I hope you stay safe! 🍀 🎒

[@JerryArizona]

It's brutal down there. Almost got hypothermia twice, twisted an ankle once.....You gotta watch every....single....step. Even then, you don't always get lucky.

[@hikewithmike4673]

wow!....what a beautiful place!

[@walkingwithawookie1097]

Lovely area. Gotta love Tina’s “hiker amnesia”. Give enough time and we forget how bad the suffering is😂

[@JerryArizona]

Tina didn't have hiker's amnesia. She just got sick of me being grumpy and this was the only way she could make me get out of the house.

[@walkingwithawookie1097]

😂That’s true love.

[@maryannsimms7189]

I love the channel, I loved living in Arizona, I still feel it’s the most beautiful place. Your videos are fun interesting and informative. TY 💓💓💓

[@michaelyates3424]

Glad to see you are able to carry a larger pack again. I like these day hikes you've been showing. One question, did you say baby heads? Really, you are walking on baby heads!!! And that wasn't a unicorn, it was just flipping you off. Thanks again Jerry.

[@JerryArizona]

First time I heard them called baby heads, I looked at the guy funny. But it stuck. And that unicorn was salty.

[@JSees]

Love that magical tree root at 5:16! I have been down to several spots in west clear creek but never there. I know that road you were on, it has always been just awful, even 30-35 years ago. It is a paradise but I got the worst case of poison ivy ever down there and I had long pants and sleeves the entire time. What a gorgeous spot , those smooth bouders are so sensuous and the unicorn is a nice touch. Hiking through all those logs and brush would be daunting and not at all fun. Too bad you and to turn right around to get out before dark. Nice video, you are making me really miss AZ, I am in NM now and haven't yet found a spot that gorgeous. Thanks Jerry and Tina.

[@JerryArizona]

Those West Clear Creek roads can be notoriously horrible. I've been one a couple that put this to shame. I keep hearing Gila Wilderness is amazing, but haven't had the chance to check it out. Love White Sands too. We haven't done much in NM, but I know there are some gems out there somewhere.

[@climbjt]

Some things are worth the work. Nice job guys

[@ronr7623]

Wow, pretty spectacular! It looks like the journey is as specatcular as the destination! I guess it's better to make a youtube video than to watch it.. you are lucky.. seems like it was worth every step! Thank you. Peace

[@drone_boss]

Incredible spot. This is adventure!

[@christophersloan3836]

Your my hero Jerry🔥🤘

[@winkle99]

Another tremendous video. Thank you!

[@trailz520]

awesome video! I want to come here one day

[@wandaneuschwander47]

Rock the heck on Tina! I have a pink flamingo floatee with a cup holder and I put my tattooed self right on it!!! A video just isn't right if Tina isn't using her Mr. Pointy finger. You are an excellent videographer jerry

[@TattooedGranny]

An epic trek & swim.

[@cuddlegrammie8041]

Thanks Guys ! Another awesome wheelchair Adventure made possible by 4 good legs 😅

[@nonsensequitter]

I’ve done this “hike” multiple times and your video did no justice to the absolute slog it is! 😅Or maybe you two are just in that good of shape. 💪

[@JerryArizona]

I think WCC depends on your experience in WCC. First time we went we rappelled in Meadow Canyon and came out through the White Box. We had to park by the highway and walk in because we didn't think our vehicle would make it to the trailhead. Slog is not an accurate enough term. We got back to the top of the canyon around 8PM. Tina couldn't go any further and she ended up staying with the packs while I walked/ran the remaining miles to the car. In my wetsuit. Around 10PM I ran into some locals trolling for bait fish in a tank out in the middle of nowhere and they gave me a ride back to the truck. I still wonder what they thought of this random dude walking through the dark in a wetsuit, using an iphone as a headlamp. I white knuckled it back to Tina over some of the worst roads I've ever driven on. I think we got back to camp by the highway around midnight. I've gotten hypothermia down there (twice) and twisted an ankle. Heat stroke once coming out. Given all those experiences, this was a mellow trip by West Clear Creek standards.

[@nonsensequitter]

All of that makes it probably my favorite wilderness in Arizona. 😄 It will break you if you’re not prepared but it will amaze you with its beauty.

[@civmar1]

Good one.

[@biri_biri]

Great video. I skipped West Clear Creek on my last trip since I'm pretty sure my car can't make it to any of the trailheads, shame. Not that that's necessarily stopped me before, I've walked plenty of miles of dirt or sand roads, so maybe next time.

[@rogerhaley1133]

Love your production work

[@JerryArizona]

Thank you!

[@erielakemusic]

would have loved to known about that area 30 yrs ago when i had the legs and stamina to do that hike....got to be the prettiest creek/canyon in AZ

[@JerryArizona]

I have a love/hate relationship with West Clear Creek. Every time I go it kicks my butt and I swear I'm not going back. But the beauty keeps calling me back.

[@arizjones]

I never did this as a one day hike. I have always done it as an overnight backpack trip. Usually stay two nights. That way I break the effort into two days and can hit the uphill on the morning before it is too hot. Problem is you carry a heavy pack up that hill. Having a day to explore upstream without the pack is nice. There is no question that this hike is rugged. I have been going there for over 25 years and there used to be very little evidence of people, now it is getting over used. I have experienced it during a flash flood. Lets just say I was swimming in the pool under the falls, and then got out and then an eight foot tall wall of debris filled water came down the canyon. If I had not gotten out when I did I would be dead. It rose to ten to twelve feet of flood water and lasted until the next morning. Getting out of the canyon after that was bad because of the high water and muddy water. NEVER go in there if there is ANY chance of rain. Oh by the way nice video.

[@JerryArizona]

That flash flood sounds terrifying. Never thought about what the walk out afterward would be like, but I bet it was a nightmare.

[@arizjones]

@@JerryArizona Yea, that was stupid on my part. Yea with the water all muddy you cant see the rocks under the water. Plus you are afraid it is going to happen again. I learned my lesson, and never go if there is any chance of rain.

[@WJr_88]

Definitely looks brutal

[@JerryArizona]

We actually needed to use them because we were out there all day. There are gas pumps at some of the marinas, but I'm not super familiar with them all. If you're renting, definitely have them give you extra gas.

[@helenemc3]

Thank you so much for this video. It is very helpful I have not done the Hike yet and I’ll repost after I’m done but a lot of good advice here I have everything I need except a floaty so I will be getting a floaty. Thank you.

[@JerryArizona]

I would add GPS/PLB device too. If you have not hiked in West Clear Creek, I do not recommend starting with Maiden Falls. Maybe go in Bullpen Ranch and just hike as far in as you can. Get past the first mile or two where there's an established trail and it'll give you a feel for what you're getting into. It's hard to describe how rugged it is down there.

[@daniel-espinoza-roa]

Super hard hike, not sure it's worth it, but the scenery is beautiful!

[@JerryArizona]

It's not worth it while you're doing it, trying to not slip, fall, die, overheat, freeze, climb or whatever current event in West Clear Creek is trying to kill you with. It's worth it after you've gotten home, showered, eaten and start talking about what a great time it was.

[@daniel-espinoza-roa]

@@JerryArizona Well said Jerry! Perfectly described.

[@theicangram]

An almost perfect hike!! Thanks for sharing! Did you just simply follow the creek, choosing the path of least resistance to get to the falls? Assuming so.

[@JerryArizona]

Exactly. Go upstream via whatever route looks like it'll work.

[@RezNemati]

Beautiful!

[@NorwayHikesTrails]

Great hike and video 👍

[@cyndylee147]

Excellent video

[@josegutierrez4233]

We hiked that last year, and let me tell it was a tough hike. It's a beautiful place. Not recommended for beginners.

[@JerryArizona]

That's the main reason I wanted to make this video. I keep seeing people post shots of the falls and then all these comments from people wanting to hike there. This is definitely NOT a beginner hike. Saw 5 people (including us) headed to the falls this day. 3 of us made it.

[@ucmed5]

Outstanding video Jerry! My wife and I just did the Zion Subway from the bottom up. Looks like some similarities to this hike, steep descent to start, unclear difficult path through creek with bouldering and way finding, and steep ascent out of canyon n the afternoon heat. I wonder how these compare as you’ve done both?

[@JerryArizona]

Done the subway about 3 times and this twice. The hike from Keyhole Falls/the Subway to the exit is no fun. It goes on waaaaaay too long and that climb at the end is no fun. But West Clear Creek is worse. I think this is 2 to 3 times more elevation gain on the exit and the walking is even worse than the subway in most parts. Of all the places I've gone, I think West Clear Creek is consistently the most rugged.

[@danielc.8006]

You had me until the rattle snakes. I just cant with snakes.

[@JerryArizona]

Tina and I were hiking down there years ago and the conversation went like this: Tina "You hear that rattlesnake?" Me "Those are cicadas." Tina "No, that's a rattlesnake" Me "No, those are cicadas" About 5 minutes later a couple we'd talked to before caught up to us and said "Did you see that rattlesnake in the middle of the trail right back there?" Moral of the story is my wife is usually right, but don't let her know that.

[@FoolWithACamera0]

👍👍👍

[@karenpichette7090]

Jerry, have you done the Reflection Canyon in Lake Powell? I’d love to see your video on that

[@JerryArizona]

We did it a long time ago. Before I made videos. Maybe we'll make it back someday.

[@danielc.8006]

I think that's a kiwi.

[@JerryArizona]

I don't eat kiwis, butI drink a lot of margaritas. It was definitely a lime.

[@mikesimonson7860]

Headed to the WCC White Box soon. Was this recorded in May 2024? How cold was the water? No poison ivy?

[@NClegg]

White Box is at an elevation about 1000' higher than Maiden Falls and in a canyon with high walls and much longer, deeper pools. It will still be cold in May and personally at minimum I would take a thin wetsuit (i.e. 3/2mm). Poison Ivy is everywhere throughout WCC wilderness.

[@JerryArizona]

Yeah. Sure. Listen to the guy who made me swim through the white box in November.....

[@rosatraveller3874]

👍

[@ForgottenHero87]

That looked like a kiwi not a lime. 10:24

[@JerryArizona]

Shhhhhh. It's a kiwi shaped lime.

[@dekcarc]

Did you see any spots near the falls that were clear enough to set up a tent (one that requires stakes)?

[@JerryArizona]

I didn't look around a ton for camping spots, but the ones I saw were on solid rock right at the falls. There definitely are spots down there that will work, but not sure any are right by the falls.

[@caripayne32]

What gear are y'all wearing in the water? I've hiked through WCC and swam in the cold water, but not for extended periods of time. Is it worth it to get neoprene clothes for long swims?

[@JerryArizona]

Depends on the time of year and the route. For this day, I had a light neoprene vest and rain coat and was fine. If you swim through the white box or something where you're in the water longer and it's cooler outside, a full wetsuit is a good idea.

[@caripayne32]

@@JerryArizona sounds smart, thanks!!

[@doublevisionary5926]

Great video! and kudos to you for staying in the game in your middle age, no offense intended.. just praise! I am 61 and did that some 30 years and we actually camped on clear creak then day hiked up to the falls. A very difficult terrain to navigate chocked full of poison ivy and slippery ankle busting rocks. One of my very very favorite hikes.Thanks for the wonderful video and reigniting such wonderful memories! Even trying to talk myself back into another visit.

[@JerryArizona]

Go for it. I love West Clear Creek. But you're right. It makes you earn it.

[@jewellofdenial]

I have a very athletic dog who swims extremely well. I wasn’t seeing anything he couldn’t do unless there was an injury. Is there any reason he couldn’t go? Would I have to lift him up or down in some places?

[@NClegg]

Lots of reasons not to bring a dog here and to stick to the more established trails. This is mostly a wilderness bushwhacking and boulder-hopping endeavor coupled with a steep, loose, and highly sun-exposed approach and exit. I love dogs, but this is not a dog-friendly environment and technically you are required to keep them leashed the entire time, which is completely unrealistic given this terrain. A better and frankly more responsible plan would be to hike up the trail from Bull Pen TH and explore the many swimming holes down that way.

[@JerryArizona]

I hate to admit it, but I agree with Nick here. He also forgot to mention the rattlesnakes that are down there which is less of a concern than the other hazards unless...well, unless you come across one and it becomes more of a concern.

[@SSL0707Star]

Can someone teach me? What’s the best way to frequently hike through rivers/streams? Bring a pair of water shoes? I don’t like to hike with wet socks and shoes. Thanks

[@JerryArizona]

I always do what I did here. Wool socks, breathable trail runners/hiking shoes, hop right in. Sandals get full of little rocks while you walk. Taking off your shoes isn't practical with this much creek walking. I guess if you don't like walkign with wet shoes, you could bring a second pair (shoes and socks) then put them on when you're past the crossings, but it doesn't bother me.

[@christmasjones9183]

Looks fantastic! Just a suggestion for the trekking poles. It is better to put your hands through the loops upwards. Kind of hard to describe but it helps avoid injury if you fall, gives better stability, and support. This video does a good job explaining it- kzbin.info/www/bejne/baKViqqFepmioaM.

[@JerryArizona]

Yeah, I'm just stubborn and/or stupid with some things. I actually watched that exact video and instantly went right back to doing what I was doing before. He's got some great tips for knee pain that I've actually used, though.

[@christmasjones9183]

@@JerryArizona Cool. Just wanted to make sure you guys knew. It was way too long until someone told me how I could stop my water bladder from sloshing around by turning it upside down and sucking the air out, lol.

[@edjones2199]

OK, I’m gonna quick commenting about how beautiful it was at 7:33 also, this place is just freaking gorgeous

[@JerryArizona]

It is beautiful. And diverse. And really, really unforgiving.

[@edjones2199]

The Little Rock at 4:31 look kinda like a moose face✌️👀

[@orchestratedpassage9468]