PVCC Puma Press: October 2004

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	Photo by Kassandra Zuowskie
	Clear Creek Reservoir, located just south of the city of Winslow offers swimming, boating, fishing and jet skiing. The recreational area also provides for camping and hiking.
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“ Well, I’m a standin’ on a corner in Winslow, Arizona, and such a fine sight to see…”
Song lyrics from “Take It Easy” by the Eagles

Winslow may have gained great notoriety for having a famous corner, but there’s more to the Northern Arizona town than even the song suggests. You may visit the Standing on a Corner Park in town, or even drive by the town’s September 11 Memorial, but venture a few miles south and you’ll find an outdoor adventurer’s playground away from the crowd.

Clear Creek Reservoir, also know as McHood Park Reservoir, located just south of the City of Winslow, is an outdoor recreational area open to the public and free of charge.

In less than a three hour drive, you’ll find numerous outdoor activities you can enjoy, such as swimming, fishing, boating, camping, hiking and cliff jumping. There is an activity sure to please the kid in everyone. With an elevation of nearly 5,000 feet, Winslow’s summer temperatures are much cooler than Phoenix’s, averaging in the low-to-middle 90’s. September is even cooler with an average daily high temperature of 84 degrees.

Camping: A paved parking area, complete with large ramadas, provides shade for a respite from the sun. For those of you who like to camp, “we have designated campgrounds,” says Scott Lancaster, an employee of the Parks and Recreation division for the City of Winslow. There is no fee for camping and each of the 24 campsites has a ramada with picnic table. There are no electric hook-ups, and you’ll want to be sure to bring plenty of drinking water.

Hiking: There is also “great hiking up by the dyke,” says Lancaster. The mountains and water combine creating a serene retreat away from the busyness of the big city.

Water Sports: Riding jet skis, boating and swimming in the lake are three water sports available. Very few restrictions exist within the city-maintained recreational area. Mainly, there is no jumping off the bridge, and you’re “not supposed to jump off the rocks,” says Lancaster. For safety, he recommends wearing water shoes while swimming.

Fishing: The lake is full of different kinds of fish, such as trout, large-mouth bass, crappie, sunfish and catfish. Don’t forget your fishing license. Contact the Arizona Game & Fish Department for more information.

Boating: There is paved access and a boat ramp to the lake.

Cliff Jumping: If fishing and swimming don’t quite appeal to your wild side, you can follow the river downstream and cliff jump off rocks ranging in height up to 70 feet or more. The popular cliff jumping spot is located just south of the bridge on private land. The city doesn’t own or maintain that area as is apparent by all the graffiti on the rocks. But, it’s a definite attraction for thrill seekers.

Directions from Phoenix: Take Interstate 17 north to Interstate 40 east. Take I-40 east approximately 52 miles to Winslow. Take exit #252 and head south off the exit ramp to 3rd Street. Follow 3rd Street east to U.S. Highway 87. Take U.S. Highway 87 south. Turn east on U.S. Highway 99, which leads you straight to the recreational area.

North of the highway are the camping spaces, paved parking and ramadas. However, for the cliff jumping, continue past the bridge 1.1 miles and turn right onto a dirt road. Continue down this unmarked dirt road for approximately 1 mile. You can park along the cliffs. Use caution as there are no parking curbs or signs, and the cliffs lead straight down to the water. It is not necessary, but a four-wheel drive helps navigate the rough road.

As with any outdoor activity, bring your sun block, plenty of drinking water and never go alone. Have fun and be safe!