Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest
Woods Canyon to Chevelon Canyon Lake

This 18-20 mile trail is rated as "most difficult." It sees light use in the spring, summer and fall.

Elevation: 7,500' to 6,400'

For most folks, this is a 3-5 day backpacking trip down a creekbed/canyon bottom in an area that really doesn't have a marked trail. Starting at the Woods Canyon Lake dam, the route wanders along the creek bottom until the canyon joins with Willow Spring Canyon to form Chevelon Canyon, a rugged and spectacularly scenic canyon.

You'll have to cross the creek at several points so you might want a pair of light shoes along. There's lots of areas for camping and the fishing is pretty good but you'll also want to carry your drinking water, or at least have something to treat the creek water with. This is a "pack it in - pack it out" area.

You might also want to have some one pick you up near the head of Chevelon Canyon Lake at Forest Road 180 or near the dam at Forest Road 169B.

Access: From Winslow take Forest Road 34 south to Forest Road 300, turn left and go 6 miles to Woods Canyon Lake entrance. From State Road 260 go north on Forest Road 300 for 3 miles to Woods Canyon Lake entrance.

USGS Maps: Woods Canyon, Porcupine Ridge, Weimer Point

Area Map