Chevlon Canyon Forest Road 237

Forest Road 237 lies just west of Forest Lakes Arizona near the edge of the Mogollon Rim. http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/asnf/...44659&actid=34 The road offers many free dispersed camping opportunities with limited facilities. An inexpensive area to set up camp during the summer, the road is just a short drive or hike from Arizona's popular Willow Springs Lake.

This is a great area for many different outdoor enthusiasts. Campers will appreciate the ease of access and large areas available as well as the relative seclusion compared to the nearby 300 or Rim Road.

Hikers and Mountain bikers can enjoy the wildlife protection area immediately west of the southern portion of the road between FR 237 and Willow Springs. The area is closed to motor vehicles and provides many routes to explore. The end of FR 237 provides the fantastic Larson Ridge overlook of Chevlon Creek and primitive but stunning trails provide access to the water below.

Backpackers and Climbers will enjoy the limitless opportunities for exploration found in Chevlon Cayon beyond the end of Larson Ridge.

Jeeps, 4x4's and ATVs will also enjoy the 8 mile long forest road. Though unpaved from start to finish the first six to seven miles though rough are easily traveled by all manner of vehicle including passenger cars and large RV's. The last one to two miles become increasingly rugged and are a fun challenging to off road drivers.

Camping

This road offers many different opportunities for camping. Just a quarter of a mile after turning off the highway campers will free but designated sites dispersed to the right side of the road usually with included fire rings. This is also the location of the one and only restroom in the area. The sites provide great access to trails within the wildlife area and is a short three mile hike to Willow Springs Lake, or a short drive if you prefer.

Continuing along the road stick to the left. FR 237 is a designated dispersed camping area. Though dispersed camping is available all throughout the Sitgreaves, this designated area allows vehicles to stray further from the road than is normally allowed. Nearing the end of the road more scenic camping spots become available as the road follows Chevlon Canyon. Reaching these more scenic camping areas can be achieved in almost any vehicle assuming caution is observed. The road gets steadily rougher near the end and the last half mile requires four wheel drive and will be a real challenge to most vehicles.

Mountain Biking

The Willow Springs Loop Trail head begins at the vault toilet located on the left side of the road just a quarter mile after turning off Hwy 260. The loop consists of abandoned forest roads also commonly referred to as two tracks. Much of the loop is gentle and will not challenge experienced riders but it does offer scenic views, relaxing fitness rides and access to Willow Springs Lake. The entire loop resides within in a wildlife protection area and is completely closed off to motor vehicles.

Although it is open to vehicles FR 237 itself is a great place for mountain bikers to go. Most of the road is wide and grated but the last mile offers more technical obstacles and stunning views. 

Hiking and Backpacking

While you can hike anywhere in the National Forest it is suggested that you stick to the trails. The Willow Springs Loop offers an easy going route as discussed above but there are also great primitive routes available at the end of the overlook. To reach the trail that leads down into Chevlon Canyon you can drive to the round about at the edge of the overlook or park anywhere along Forest Road 237 and start from there. Most vehicles will be able to make it to the end of the graded portion of the road in good weather which will put them within a mile of the actual trail.

Finding the primitive trail that leads down to the water is not always easy as it is very underused. At the very end of the road this is a small round about where vehicles can turn around. Hikers should head over the hill to the right side of the round about and head down the hill to a well defined and rocky ridge. At the end of this rocky ridge is a trail that leads down to Chevlon Creek. There are usually cairns placed every so often but the trail is remote and following it takes some care. Though it is only about a mile down to the water this trail can be a challenge in both directions especially those that are navigating it for the first time. Keep in mind that there is a canyon on both sides of the trail but it is only the canyon to the west (left heading down) that contains water, knowing this is helpful when finding the trail.

At the bottom of the canyon hikers can follow trails along the water in either direction and though the creek is quite shallow in most places there are several good swimming holes along the way.
 Chevlon Creek is rarely visited in this area and as a result is packed with Craw Dads. Those experienced in cooking these small crustaceans will find a feast at the bottom of this secluded canyon.

Hikers and backpackers should be aware that this is a rarely traveled area and it is very difficult for emergency personnel to reach. Anyone venturing into this area should leave a detailed plan of where they are going and when they will be back regardless of how large their group is. Wildlife are also common in the area, mountain lion and bear can present a dangerous situation to hikers who happen to surprise them.

Flooding is also a risk to the area. The canyon is fairly wide but flash floods are still a possibility especially during the monsoon season of July and August.

Jeeps, ATV's and 4x4's

Forest Road 237 offers fantastic views of the forest and of Chevlon Canyon all along the way. Those that do not want to risk the more challenging obstacles of the last mile will still enjoy the safe and scenic drive of the first seven.  Muddy conditions do present a hazard, especially on the last mile and even experienced off road enthusiasts should avoid this section during very wet periods. Luckily mud as much of a problem as it is in other areas of the White Mountains as the soil tends to stick together quite well.

 The more technical section of road starts with rocky some rocky ledges and a tight winding trail. Four wheel drive is required for vehicles especially on the way out. Due to the tight twisting nature of the trail large vehicles will have a very difficult time manuevering between the rocks and trees  along the way.

The first few gentle obstacles will quickly weed out any cars and small cross over vehicles. Some of the obtional obstacles in this section will scrape the bottom of many stock 4x4's including a four door Jeep Wrangler. Stock Jeeps and other four wheel drive vehicles should have no problem negotiating this section as long as they proceed with caution.

The next major obstacle referred to as the S turn is difficult to pass through and a three point turn is often required in two sections of this 25 meter obstacles. Large rocks on both sides will damage any vehicle that is either two large or in two much of a hurry. 

The S turn is followed by more rocky terrain. A large downed tree long since blocked the original road and provides a great place for stock or less capable 4x4's to park and walk the rest of the way.

The trail now heads around to the right. Another tight but beautiful section isn't so bad going down but can be very difficult to climb back out of if not properly equipped.




Loose rock makes returning very difficult. A tall ledge about halfway down the hill requires good ground clearance to descend and is the most difficult obstacle to overcome on the way out.




Those who make it down will be presented with fantastic views. Another loose and tight climb will allow them to reach the convenient round about so that they can return and head back up the hill. Before heading back be sure to take in the view and relax before the challenging return trip.