I was disappointed not to get to see Cheyava Falls or the Obi Canyon ruins, but the adverse weather prevented that.  Maybe I can come back another time for a longer visit.  I didn't have any knee, toenail, or blister problems.  My trip highlights were:

• The snowy, winter scenes at the top.  Although cold, it was quite pretty.
• The wonderful views at the Phantom Overlook and at the top above it.
• Zoroaster Temple, Bradley Point, Demaray Point, and the entire Clear Creek area.
• The very pleasant walking conditions to and from Clear Creek.

     If you are headed this way, I have the following recommendations:

• There is no water on the Clear Creek Trail.  If you decide to do a dry camp along the trail, you are required to do it east of the Sumner Wash cairns.

• This is an easy walking trail once you get above the initial climb out, but it is a long 9.1 miles.  The descent into Clear Creek is considerably easier than it first appears, but it is not for the faint of heart.

• The mice and ravens are renown for their destructiveness at Clear Creek.  The Park Service announced beginning January 1, 2006, they would be removing the metal ammo food storage cans at Clear Creek.  Although they were still there for my trip, you would be well advised to bring some kind of food protection measures.  I brought a Ratsack Cache bag, a mesh stainless steel bag, which comes in three sizes.  Another bag that is popular is the Ursack.  I prefer the Ratsack because it is larger, cheaper, and has a superior Velcro closure system.

• The trail is slightly uphill to Clear Creek, so the trip there will take a little longer than the return trip.

     I am looking forward to two hikes next month: a Dripping Springs - Waldron loop hike and a Grandview-Tonto-Bright Angel hike. 

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