June GHOTM --Wet Beaver Creek -- 6/28/08

Suz · Joined: 27 Nov 2005 Posts: 3186

* * * June Group Hike of the Month * * *

Let's hike, swim, float and cool off at Wet Beaver Creek near Camp Verde!! We'll eat afterwards at that great Mexican food place "La Fonda" a little ways west of 17 on 260.

Saturday, June 28th
Meet at the trailhead parking lot at 8:30am
Approx 6-7 hours in the area then well head for a late lunch or early dinner. Thinking we'll be back in the Valley by 7pm-ish, if not sooner.

This is a day hike. Wet Beaver Creek really is a beautiful oasis. The trail is wide and easy to follow for the first part, in fact I think it's an old jeep trail. If you like Sedona and love West Fork of Oak Creek, try this creek.The distance is 3 easy flat miles (or 6 roundtrip)to the main waterhole and then however far we can get after that. Elevation gain 280ft. The rest of the hike is in and out of the water. Participants should expect to be wet and prepared for swimming or floating AND a pile of fun.

Driving Directions:
Directions to trail: From Phoenix go North on Highway I-17 to the Sedona Exit which is SR179. Do not turn left to go to Sedona. Instead turn right, this is FR618. Follow FR618 2 miles and turn left onto FR618A. Follow the signs to the trailhead. This is a great trail. Carpools can be set up on an as needed basis.

http://www.hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=7
Some people may want to stop and enjoy this main waterhole while others (like me) will press on through some of the 18 pools of water.

RECOMMENDED GEAR
-water shoes
-dry sack
-tube or other floation device (I like a tube on this one)
-hiking pole
-quick dry clothes or swim suit

More information coming............

wolfmoms · Joined: 22 Nov 2005 Posts: 12 Location: Phoenix, AZ

I love this place, but have only visited in the Fall. Razz

I'll know my calendar better as time gets closer, but wanted to register my iinterest now.
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Hnak · Joined: 06 Jan 2003 Posts: 1766 Location: Prescott, AZ

I'll bring my boat, just in case my ankle isn't up to too much rock hopping. Sounds like fun!!! Yep, it's a swimmer!

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The world is older and bigger than we are. This is a hard truth for some folks to swallow. —EDWARD ABBEY

chihiggs · Joined: 03 Jan 2003 Posts: 565 Location: Gilbert, AZ

Again--gotta check with the boss on this one. Wink

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Suz · Joined: 27 Nov 2005 Posts: 3186

I remember this one to be in the water, out of the water hiking, back in the water at place, and out again hiking. I don't think it was possible to float the whole thing.

I like a small cheap tube with handles or a rope tied around it so I can hook it to my pack with a caribeaner when not in use and quickly pull it off when needed....sort of back and forth to keep hands free. Just something to think about. A boat might be a bit difficult to hold and hike but you decide.

desertgirl · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 3350 Location: Chandler, AZ

My plan to to find a good pool away from the hordes ( if any at the main pool ) and master my floating skills with the tube...

If anyone is not into doing the entire 18 pools you can hang back and pool paddle !
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Hnak · Joined: 06 Jan 2003 Posts: 1766 Location: Prescott, AZ

It all depends on my ankle, if it's up to lots of rock hopping, I'll just put a big dry bag in my pack (for flotation) and swim on through. If not, I'll just lurk in one of the lower pools, and float in my boat....
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The world is older and bigger than we are. This is a hard truth for some folks to swallow. —EDWARD ABBEY

mikehikes · Joined: 10 Feb 2008 Posts: 58 Location: Tucson

I'm with you Sneeder. If I make it at all... Sleeping

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Tucson

MChiker · Joined: 17 Aug 2006 Posts: 116

If I can get all the necessary equipment I'll definitely join y'all! Very Happy

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"Make it happen."

Suz · Joined: 27 Nov 2005 Posts: 3186

Wow! Look at all the interest in this Yep, it's a swimmer!

. Awesome!! I hope it works out for more of you to be able to make it. Fun! Fun! Fun!

Maggie whatever you don't have in the way of gear I'm sure I have an extra of........what size shoes do you wear?????

Hikngrl · Posted: 5/14/2008, 1:29 pm Post subject:

Oh bummer! I would love to do this one! It is a great spot with lots of fun involved! I will however be doing the Nani thing that weekend most likely! Baby

That just means however, that one day I will have a little Miss Hiker to take out there! That will be fun! Maybe I can make it out at another time....
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I want to shine!

MChiker · Joined: 17 Aug 2006 Posts: 116

I wear a size 8 1/2, Suz. Very Happy

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"Make it happen."

Suz · Joined: 27 Nov 2005 Posts: 3186

okay, I can't help with the shoes......................

desertgirl · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 3350 Location: Chandler, AZ

Hikngrl · Posted: 5/14/2008, 4:50 pm Post subject: