Walker Gulch to French Creek

Trail Overview

Departing the Backway to Crown King trail from Cow Creek Road at Upper French Creek Road, you'll find yourself at the base of Sheep Mountain. Here's the beginning (or end) of the Walker Gulch to French Creek Trail, depending on which way you're coming/going. Cruising northward up the canyon, you'll cross through bedrock-controlled washbeds, carrying the eroded bits of the Silver Mountain back towards Lake Pleasant. The creekbed and the jagged bedrock play host to javelina, mule deer, and an assortment of desert wildlife. Depending on the season, you may see myriad plants and flowers in bloom. At the top of the canyon remains an old well, pump head, and cattle cistern. A stop here affords you a look back down the canyon before you pass through the only gate on this trail. Be sure to follow proper gate etiquette. Passing through the gate, you are confronted with a majestic full view of Silver Mountain, from its foothills to its peaks, over 6,000 feet high. There are a few hiking trails to old mine workings if you feel like hiking. Winding through the undulating alluvial foothills of Silver Mountain, you'll begin your descent towards Walker Gulch. Once you pass the Craig Ranch, on the south side of the road, you'll know you're halfway through. On a hill just past the ranch is a turnout. There you'll find the gravestone of John H. and Juanita Russel. The view alone can stir one's imagination to the lives they must have led. Wind your way through brilliantly colored mountains and hillsides, seeing the red sandstone left over from an ancient inland sea, and creep across sections of shelf road above cattle pastures, before you connect with Walker Gulch. As a reminder, this trail crosses in and out of Private, Arizona State Trust, and BLM land. Be sure to know where you are, and have the appropriate permits/permissions before venturing off-trail.

Photos of Walker Gulch to French Creek

Want to see more?

Login

Difficulty

This is a fairly easy and straightforward trail, when maintained. Due to the many wash crossings and steep grades on parts of the trail, large storms may increase the difficulty until maintenance is conducted.

Technical Rating