Wet Beaver Wilderness, Protected wilderness area in Coconino National Forest, Arizona.
Wet Beaver Wilderness is a protected area in Coconino National Forest in Arizona, carved by deep canyons with reddish sandstone walls and layered shale. A creek runs through the gorge all year long, threading a strip of green through an otherwise dry and open desert landscape.
Congress designated this area as wilderness in 1984 under the Arizona Wilderness Act, one of several protections passed that year for land across the state. The designation locked in protection for the canyon and its creek, preventing any future construction or development inside the boundaries.
The name "Wet Beaver" refers to the creek running through the area and sets it apart from the nearby Dry Beaver Wilderness. Visitors walking along the trail quickly notice how the water draws dense plant growth that looks and feels completely different from the dry land surrounding it.
The main trail follows the creek valley and involves crossing the water multiple times, so sturdy footwear is a good idea. Spring and fall tend to offer the most comfortable conditions, as summer heat in the canyon can be intense.
Although the creek flows all year, its water level can change a great deal depending on recent rainfall, making some crossings difficult or impossible after heavy rain. Checking current conditions before heading out can make a real difference in how far into the canyon a visitor can go.
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