White Mesa Trail No. 86
Established in 1984, the Wet Beaver Wilderness encompasses much of the Wet Beaver Creek and surrounding canyons. A perennially flowing stream in a desert environment, Wet Beaver Creek offers a unique and precious habitat for wildlife and plants. Closer to the creek, cottonwoods and sycamores dominate. As you traverse farther up the canyon walls, these give way to junipers, prickly pear cacti, mesquite, and catclaw before opening up to grassy plateaus with scenic views. Or, if you decide to travel in the depths of the canyon, a number of coldwater pools stretch between canyon walls of sandstone, shale, and, in some sections, basalt. Whether you ascend the plateaus, navigate the canyon floors, or enjoy a mild hike to a favorite swimming spot or viewpoint, the Wet Beaver Wilderness has plentiful opportunities for solitude and unconfined recreation.
Wilderness areas are rare, wild places set aside by Congress where the land is allowed to retain its natural state, serving as a natural haven for humans to escape modern civilization and for nature to be itself. To help minimize human impacts in wilderness and maintain its character, several laws and regulations have been put in place and we ask that visitors practice "Leave No Trace ethics."
Most visitors spend their time in the wilderness’s lower, more accessible areas, such as the first several miles of the Bell Trail. Hiking, fishing, swimming, wildlife viewing, and running are popular forms of recreation for this area.
At a Glance
Usage: | Light |
---|---|
Closest Towns: | Camp Verde, AZ |
Operated By: | Red Rock District 928-203-2900 |
General Information
Directions:Location: 43 miles south of Flagstaff on paved and all-weather graveled roads.
Access: From I-17 turn east at exit 298. Go approximately 2 miles to FR 656. Turn left and drive the the parking lot. Hike 2 miles to the junction of Bell Trail and the Wier Trail.
GPS (Map): 34°40'25.5"N 111°42'48.0"W
Maps
- Forest Service Topo Map (FSTopo Geo-enable PDF):
Click map thumbnail for larger view.
General Notes:
Rating: Moderate
Hiking Time: 1 hour
Trails
- Bell Trail #13: the only developed route into Wet Beaver Creek Canyon and the wilderness area it shelters.
- Apache Maid Trail #15: starts at the mouth of Wet Beaver Creek Canyon, then splits from Bell Trail to climb the canyon's north wall.
- Wier Trail #85: contours from near the information board on the Bell Trail before dropping to creek level.
- White Mesa Trail #86: on the west side of Casner Canyon.
Notes:
- Pets must be on leash.
- Do not disturb cultural/archeology sites. (Antiquity’s Act 1906)
- No motorized equipment or vehicles allowed. (Wilderness Act 1964)
- No motorized or mechanized transport (ie... bicycles, strollers, etc) allowed. (Wilderness Act 1964)
- Day Use Only. (No camping or campfires on the Bell Trail and Wet Beaver Creek Wilderness Areas - See Forest Order and Map [PDF])
Wet Beaver Wilderness-Specific Regulations:
- No camping or campfires on the Bell Trail and Wet Beaver Creek Wilderness Areas. See Wet Beaver Creek Camping and Campfire Prohibition: Forest Order and Map
- Please do not deface ruins.
- Public nudity is prohibited. See the Public Nudity Prohibition Forest Order and Map. This prohibition applies to Beaver Creek campground and surrounding area, West Clear Creek in the Bullpen area, and Clear Creek Campground.
Leave No Trace: Recognize your role in preserving wild lands by practicing these Leave No Trace principles:
- Plan ahead and prepare.
- Travel and camp on durable surfaces.
- Dispose of waste properly.
- Leave what you find.
- Minimize campfire impacts.
- Respect wildlife.
- Be considerate of other visitors.
Additional Resources
Wilderness.net
Leave No Trace
Red Rock Ranger District Visitor Center
Code of Federal Regulations
Coconino National Forest: Forest Orders