Clear Creek Campground
Clear Creek Campground Day Use Area offers easy access to the well named Clear Creek, a perennial creek in the desert. The narrow riparian corridor of sycamores, alders and cottonwoods that line the creek quickly gives way to junipers and mesquite and then to desert scrub providing a variety of habitats within a small area. Away from the creek, the expansive views offers good opportunities for spotting raptors which might include Common Black Hawk, Zone-tailed Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, American Kestrel, Cooper’s Hawk (nests along the creek) and occasional Golden Eagles. Several interconnected (obvious but unmarked) trails run parallel to the creek with connections that lead out into the desert. Walking the entrance road can also be productive. This ebird hotspot lists 155 species.
Site Information
Region: North Central
County: Yavapai
Directions: From Interstate 17 take exit 287 onto Hwy 260 towards Camp Verde and continue east about 8.7 miles. Turn left on FS 626, and drive approximately a half a mile (you will pass the campground on the left) to the picnic area. The entrance road is gravel and can be a bit rough in places.
Latitude: 34.518433
Longitude: -111.768283
Operational Hours: Open all year, 24 hours a day
Admission or Fees: None (for Day Use)
Best time to visit: The birding is very good any time of year but mid-April though June is best for nesting species.
Habitats: Desert, Pinyon-juniper Forest, Stream or river
Know Before You Go
There is a vault toilet in the day use area.
Safety First! Arizona has many beautiful places to explore and we’d like to help you make it a safe and enjoyable experience. Check out our recommendations for hiking precautions.
Species Highlights
Speciality: Common Black Hawk, Juniper TItmouse, Lucy’s Warbler, Yellow-billed Cuckoo
Charismatic: Phainopepla
Contact Information
Coconino National Forest
Red Rock Ranger District
8375 State Route 179
Sedona, AZ 86341
Website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/coconino/recreation/camping-cabins/recarea/?recid=55274&actid=29
Additional Resources
Learn more about birds reported at this location at eBird:
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L1997308
Additional Resources:
Arizona Watchable Wildlife Experience (AWWE) Tour
