Walker Creek

Though Walker Creek disappoints in almost all aspects of what we look for in worthwhile canyon hikes (scenic narrows, fun rappels and challenges) these disappointments are made up for a tiny bit by the ease of access, the (very few) interesting sections of sculpted rock, and the fact that the spring turns the canyon into a wild creek towards the end. Were I to do it again I would reverse the egress route to go directly to the creek and up to the "narrows" from the bottom to skip the loads of mileage, elevation gain and the roughly two miles of boulder hopping in the upper drainage. From I17 take exit 298 (at the junction with AZ179) to turn east on FR618 for 4.9 miles, then turn left onto 9201C (I didn't see any signs). Follow this road which becomes bumpy and slow (ignoring spurs that lead to campsites) for about .8 mile to park at the trailhead at the end.

Head through the gate to pick up the easy to follow Walker Basin Trail #81 as it curves around to eventually head up to the rim above. After about 2.5 miles depart from the trail to the east to locate a saddle that offers a low spot to begin the descent into the canyon below. There are probably a handful of ways to get to the canyon from here, I chose to head down and stick to the right through the steep slopes and brush, heading up canyon to reach an easier grade and to avoid the cliffs farther down canyon. One easy, stemming down climb of about eight feet was encountered to break through the last off the cliff bands to enter the canyon.

Turn left and go down canyon - it's all boulder hopping all the time for about two miles from this point of ingress. You will encounter a few shallow sculpted chutes that can easily be bypassed along the way. You will eventually reach a single drop into a very short slot that contains a deep looking pool that may be somewhat difficult, but possible to escape on the right. I chose to bypass this section on the right where a steep down climb of about ten feet will get you back into the drainage. After this there is another short section of fairly deep and wide narrows in the Supai sandstone. Not much farther down, the canyon drops again into an interesting, sculpted red and buff striped sandstone section with a pothole at the bottom. Down climb on the left to then skirt the pothole with a few small holds, using caution to avoid falling in. Not long after this last section of narrows Lander Spring begins to come to the surface; creating a wild, dark and thickly wooded creek with clear, free flowing cold water - you can walk around the creek on one side or the other for most of the way to keep your feet dry. After about .5 mile a trail can be found on the left that will take you away from the creek, but speed progression. You'll eventually find a green irrigation channel to the right of the trail - soon afterwards the trail crosses the channel over a bridge of logs, then passes through a gate. You are approaching private property at this point, so it's time to begin to look for an egress route to get back to the trail.

Head up the easy slope on the left shortly after passing through the gate to begin to make your way up. If you run into a fence along the way, follow it to the right (southwest) and continue up the hill. You may find a light spur trail around here that will guide you back to the trail, otherwise simply head south until you find it. Once back on the trail take it back to the trailhead.