How to Hike With Kids on Clover Creek

Fifty miles south of Flagstaff, Arizona is the Coconino National Forest, home to the West Clear Creek Wilderness area. This forest full of pine trees and animals is host to some of the most beautiful and secluded areas that the southwest has to offer. With swimming and fishing holes galore, there is a true incentive for the kids to come along without any debate.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Snacks
• Trail map
• Water
• Comfortable shoes

1. Prepare your backpack with plenty of water and comfortable shoes for this 8-mile hike. Include some lunch and snacks for the kids while on the trail.
2. Bring fishing poles for the kids and adults for along the way. The Arizona fish and game department stocks the waters with trout for your campfire dinner--or you can always catch and release.
3. Tell people where you are going and, what trail will be hiked, and how long the trip is expected to take. This is not a long trail, but it may take longer than expected due to the overgrowth.
4. Start your hike at Clover Creek Trailhead. There are several roads to access this area depending which direction you are coming from. From Payson, drive 32 miles to mile marker 285, and turn left on FR 142. From Flagstaff, use FR 214 and 215, which are off Farm Road 618. All these roads are paved and OK for cars.
5. Hike down the old road for less than half a mile until you reach the bridge. At the old washed out bridge turn west and follow the creek to the trail.
6. Follow the trail as it goes along the creek. If you're not able to catch trout, you might get lucky and step on one while crossing the creek several times. The creek ends after 2.5 miles, but jumping into the swimming holes or soaking you feet in the creek makes it all worth it.

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