The Edge of Wet Beaver

The US Congress designated the Wet Beaver Wilderness in 1984 and it now has a total of 6,155 acres. Winding on a serpentine course through the (western) rim of the Colorado Plateau, Wet Beaver Creek twists through a steep-walled canyon of Supai sandstone and shale. Beyond lovely red cliffs in the lower section, the canyon widens and opens onto the Rio Verde (River Green.) It originates about 12 miles east of the Beaver Creek Ranger Station at an elevation of about 6,200 ft and enters the Verde near 3,000 ft. Here you'll find pristine riparian habitat dominated by cottonwoods, sycamores, and water-loving alders. Wet Beaver Creek is one of AZ's finest and rarest natural resources: a perennially flowing desert stream. The year-round waters attract large numbers of wildlife: elk, deer, bears, lions, reptiles and birds are most frequently seen. Also, some lucky visitors catch Rainbow trout, or perhaps a rare glimpse of a river otter or lonesome beaver. This is a magical place. August 26, 2008