CLEAR CREEK 
ROUTE INFORMATIONVIEW PHOTOS!

Overview:
Clear CreekThere aren't too many official trails in the upper East Canyon, but who says you can't wander around and do your own exploring? Clear Creek is the main dry streambed that follows Route 9 throughout the East Canyon. If you can ignore the occasional sounds of motorcycles and RV's coming from above, this is really quite a beautiful canyon to explore. Many sections actually do loop away from the road, so you can get that sense of being away from it all in only a few minutes.

Detailed Description:
This is one of the few hikes that I have written about that doesn't have a real starting point or a destination to reach. Clear Creek runs throughout the upper East Canyon alongside the Route 9 road; it is hikable from the Canyon Overlook Trail parking lot all the way to the east entrance of the park, although the most interesting part of this canyon is probably the stretch between the two tunnels.

There are many easy entry points into Clear Creek at just about every pull-off along Route 9. Find a spot that looks interesting (and reasonable as an entry point) and start hiking! (There are many spots east of the second tunnel that allow very easy access.) The hiking in Clear Creek is usually dry and relatively easy with sections of sand alternating sections of rocks. Many side washes provide opportunity for further exploration as well. The most striking dark slot canyon section of Clear Creek is behind the Canyon Overlook parking lot, but there is also the possibility of stagnant pools here.

One good spot to start is just to the west of the second little tunnel. Hike down the hill and through a little side wash to join up with Clear Creek. Hike either up or down the wash as you wish. Another possible starting point is the Canyon Overlook Trail parking lot. Scramble down the steep sandy hill into the wash and hike upstream. (There is a good chance that you may encounter unpleasant stagnant pools here, so you may be in for an early retreat.) Warning: Do not hike downstream from this parking lot as this is the start of the Pine Creek technical canyoneering route and is not suitable for hikers.

IMPORTANT! On any approach down to Clear Creek, please stay on the well-worn trails or slickrock to avoid trampling plant life or cryptobiotic soil. Please respect any "do not hike here" signposts and minimize your impact on the area.

Joe's Spin:
Clear Creek is the perfect opportunity for anybody to take a little stroll that is as short or as long as you wish. It's quite easy for many non-hikers to experience the joy of canyon hiking without wandering too far from the car.

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Clear Creek Topo Map