Carrizo and Corduroy Creeks, Arizona
On the Fort Apache Reservation
Carrizo and Corduroy Creeks converge near the Native American community
of Carrizo, Arizona. Carrizo Creek then continues south about 25 miles to the Salt
River. Lined with tall trees, both creeks become lush and green in spring/summer
then morph into meandering swaths of yellow in autumn. You may encounter range
cattle and packs of shy feral dogs (they keep their distance) along both creeks,
but the chances of encountering other hikers are exceedingly slim as there are no
trails, visitor centers, restrooms, ramadas or parking lots desecrating these
wonderfully wild waterways. The muddy banks along Carrizo Creek are also
covered in bear tracks, and if you're lucky you'll actually see a bear.