Part of living in Phoenix is knowing there is a certain amount of suffering that comes with making it through the summer months. High temperatures routinely around 110°F take most outdoor activities off the table, sending active Valley residents all over the state seeking respite from the heat. One such oasis is West Clear Creek, located about halfway between Phoenix and Flagstaff, which a friend and I selected for a recent weekend backpacking trip.
The creek sits deep within a red rock canyon, requiring a steep and rough descent to access, with very little shade. Once down to the water, however, we were transported to a seemingly different world. The creek was full and aptly named as trout swam freely between flowing sections and deep pools of water. Lush trees lined the banks while red canyon walls towered above.
We proceeded upstream with a combination of creekside scrambling and boulder hopping on our way to our ultimate destination of Maiden Falls. About a quarter mile from the falls, we came to a spot where the canyon narrowed and the creek deepened. Some swimming would be required from this point forward, but we paused to take in the remarkable scene before us.
Standing in the middle of the creek, I pulled my camera out from my dry bag along with a wide-angle lens and a polarising filter. I like the view through the canyon from the creek-level perspective, and the trees throughout the scene help provide a sense of scale. What a gem of a place!
