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

* * * 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............

oliverr99 · Joined: 04 Jul 2006 Posts: 632 Location: Glendale

Unfortunately, I have to unregister, my sis in law needs me that day, Sad

I was looking forward to floating in water and seeing you guys! Sorry!
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Anne
"Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened" -- Dr. Seuss

jdahling · Joined: 19 Jul 2007 Posts: 233 Location: East Valley

Bummer - I will now be out of town that weekend, leaving Sunday. Is this a day trip or a weekend trip ...

Jeannine
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Cheers,
Jeannine Cool

"Life is an adventure ... Made for an adventurer ..."

Suz · Joined: 27 Nov 2005 Posts: 3186

Hey, it's just a day trip! Go, it'll be fun.

Hnak · Joined: 06 Jan 2003 Posts: 1766 Location: Prescott, AZ

Yea, it's only day trip... It'll be fun!
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jdahling · Joined: 19 Jul 2007 Posts: 233 Location: East Valley

Sweet - it's only a day trip? I may be in again... Multi

As soon as I hear from the travel agent what the new itinerary is, I'll see if I can do this...
_________________
Cheers,
Jeannine Cool

"Life is an adventure ... Made for an adventurer ..."

Davis2001R6 · Joined: 12 Dec 2003 Posts: 5591 Location: Italy

Yes it's just a day trip. This will be my first time to the area so I won't be the greatest leader/organizer on this one. Been super busy too, but did get to do a bit of research on it last night.

A car can make it to the TH with no problems from what I've read and been told. I already had previous plans of camping that night with some friends that will be 4x4'ing in the area (Sedona or Flagstaff) so I won't be able to make any post hike festivities or be included in any carpooling.

With gas the way it is I would think everyone else would want to try and set-up a carpool up there.

I'm still planning on meeting at the TH at 8:30am.

Sande J · Posted: 6/22/2008, 9:56 am Post subject:

I haven't really looked at a map but is this the Bell Trailhead or something different? If anyone wants to carpool, pm me and we can meet at the Park and Ride off the I-17. Laughing

I keep hearing that song..."Gimme some Water!"
_________________
And this our life, exempt from public haunt,
Finds tongues in trees, books in the running brooks, Sermons in stone, good in everything..
-William Shakespeare-

Davis2001R6 · Joined: 12 Dec 2003 Posts: 5591 Location: Italy

Yes it is the bell TH, the same exit as you would for Sedona, you just turn right instead of left.

Sande J · Posted: 6/22/2008, 10:18 am Post subject:

Tim, I have done this trail numerous times and am familiar with the trek up to the tongue. As far as going beyond the it, I have never really taken that route, but I bet we can figure it out together... Surprised

(like, just follow the water Laughing

)
I do know this can be a very busy trailhead, especially this time of year when folks want to go swimming. Also, the first part of the hike will be HOT and it is every bit of 3 miles so everyone should be prepared for it. I was planning on bringing my water filter too as I tend to drink alot when it is warmer.
Looking forward to it!
SJ
_________________
And this our life, exempt from public haunt,
Finds tongues in trees, books in the running brooks, Sermons in stone, good in everything..
-William Shakespeare-

Suz · Joined: 27 Nov 2005 Posts: 3186

Oh, it's tough to not be joining you all on this one. You've gotta slip down that water slide once or twice for me!

Doc has given me strict orders to stay out of all water (except shower water) for 2-3 weeks and then he wants me in protective clothing if I continue this hiking thing (I'm in for a big change) ..........so I'm shopping............. Rolling Eyes

Doesn't it seem with the abundance of shopping all of us do that we need a little shopping smiley??

His recommendation for clothing is:
http://www.sunprecautions.com/

RedRoxx44 · Queen of the Walkabout Joined: 15 Jan 2004 Posts: 1167

Suz, do more caving and you won't have to worry about sunblock. It's like hiking in a canyon except underground, oh except for the crawling for miles --it seems---part.
Crazy

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You can rest when you're dead

Davis2001R6 · Joined: 12 Dec 2003 Posts: 5591 Location: Italy

Ha, nice suggestion Letty, Suz I'm sure you'll be back on the trail in no time if I know you. I little sun protective clothing wont hurt you much unless you can't get it color coordinated. If you need a shopping partner I'm sure Jen could help you out there.

_TIM_

Suz · Joined: 27 Nov 2005 Posts: 3186

Yep, caving and deep dark slotty canyons are sounding doable after I heal up..........as is the gym Crying or Very sad

or basket weaving (hence the devil's claw) or quilting....been talking about that one for years...LOL.

Hoping to get the protective clothing covered by insurance as a "medical device" now that I have a condition and doctors orders.

Does shopping with Jen involve a trip to Italy? If so, sign me up!

Tom Treks · Gear Addict Joined: 12 Jan 2003 Posts: 3347

You guys still meeting at the trailhead at 8:30?

May head up there Fri night and camp out somewhere close to the trailhead.

paintninaz · Joined: 06 Jan 2003 Posts: 3515