Walls Of Jericho Day Hike TR

“I just got back from a day hike of the Walls of Jericho. This was my first trip to the area, so I didn\\\\\\\'t really know what to expect. Upon arriving at the trail head parking lot at 10am, I was surprised to see so many cars in the parking lot. It was almost full. As we left 3 other groups headed out. IMO, many of these people were ill prepared for the trip. The weather was perfect, but the trail was very muddy.

When we got to the creek at the bottom of the canyon there were several groups crossing the creek. The crossing was fairly easy, no more than ankle deep if you rock hopped. My son got his feet wet, but I was expecting that. I was able to keep mine dry.

We stopped in the camp area and took a lunch break. After that we continued into the canyon toward the walls. This trail followed the creek and was \\\\\\\"very\\\\\\\" muddy. Reaching the end there were awesome views (and lots of people). We stayed around for an hour or so. Many of the rocks were very slippery, a lot of folks were slipping down. Me included!

Because of all the mud and so many people, we decided to rock-hop the creek down back to the camp area. This may not have been the best decision, but it worked out. My son fell in the creek once and I thought he was going to get swept away. His treking poles went for a little ride! The other boy with us did several splash entries.

We found an easy way to bail on the creek (pun intented) and get back on the trail. We were only about 100 yards from the camp area anyway.

As we headed back out of the canyon, we were faced with the fact that we are not as young and as in shape as we once were. I was amazed at the number of groups still heading down into the canyon as late as 3:30pm.

I\'ve created an album of the trip in the pictures section”

“I see from one of your pictures that the creek is down several inches from yesterday. It is good to see it going down. This place is going to be the hot spot for the next several years. Was the stray dog still down there.”

“There was a dog in the parking lot. She acted like it was lost. She was wearing a tored collar.”

“With 12,500 acres to explore, it's fun to get off of the beaten path at the walls. I did a solo yesterday and made it to the Hurricane Creek crossover in 26 minutes via the incline route. That is the route we used to take 20 years ago when the knees didn't get as weak as they do now. The creek route back is preferable to me, just as you took.
It still amazes me the number of people I pass going up, who are headed in, around 3pm. Mostly, they appear very unprepared.
I'm going in another 2 weeks.”

“mountainmist - there is a group from this board going in 2 weeks. Check out the trips page. We're going 1/14-16.

I can't wait to check out this area. I've been reading about it for several months now and am looking forward to exploring it first hand.

What is the incline route?”

“The incline is what is left of a 1920's logging operation. It consisted of rail and cable and goes "straight down". It is located to the right of the trailhead. The trail crosses it twice. It appears as an old "right of way". It will take you approximately 150 - 200 yards north of where the creek crossing is located.
I'll be taking some beginners with me on the 16th. Perhaps we will see you there.”

“Thanks for the info.

We'll probably set up camp around the field. I brought the trip page up on this board so that it would be easy to find.

If you see a group of 5-10 folks then it's likely us. Come up and say hi if you see us though you might pass us on our way out if you're coming in on Sunday.”