This is an example of including an "off trail hike" with an official wilderness trail. On this hike you will follow an old existing trail into the bottom of a deep canyon and drop off the trail and follow the canyon downstream to a waterfall.
- Miles... 2 miles to Big Dipper Falls
- Time... 5 to 6 hours but we suggest longer or spend the night.
- Difficulty... moderate for those in shape, difficult for those not.
- Elevation drop... According to Google Tracks... 1282.
- Notes... During the years while talking with different ranchers in the area, they have always warned me about feral cattle within Hells Hole. This was recently confirmed again by another rancher. Warning do not approach cattle within upper Poland Creek because they could be wild.
There are quite a few Hell's Holes around the state of Arizona. This one was originally a pack mule trail, that led down into this deep canyon. Hell's Hole is said to be named by those leading packed mule trains during the late 1800's. In those days many pack animal trains were led on foot. Leaders probably didn't look forward to the trip down and back up into Horsethief Basin, and named it appropriately.
This is another one of my favorite Bradshaw hikes. It receives little use, partly because of its location. The other reason is, as someone peers down into this deep canyon from the Crown King Road, they might say to them self ... "No way I'm going down there." But let me assure you the trip is worth it and its not actually as bad as it looks. For those who don't hike often, pace yourself and take breaks. Water can be filtered at bottom for drinking or bring plenty.
Fog in Hell's Hole.
Recently I took an older gentleman with bad knees down into the "Hole". He did quite well and only needed to take his time and rest those bad knees often. This trip was a day after a storm, and clouds, fog and snow still lingered, making it uniquely beautiful
Official wilderness sign in box on top. Hell's Hole is located in the Castle Creek Wilderness.
- Scenic beauty
- Exercise
- Large pools of water
- Cascades
- 35' waterfall and large pool
- Wildlife viewing opportunities
- Solitude
- Beautiful flowing AZ creek
- Official Wilderness
Trail into Hell's Hole
Directions
Take the Crown King Road 18 miles toward the town of Crown King. Once you climb the switch backs and pass the old train tunnel, the small trail head parking lot appears on your left. Its about two miles before you enter Crown King.
Part of the trail wanders through the recent Gladiator fire.
Red-tailed Hawk
Watch for wildlife along the way such as... birds of prey, deer, javelina, mountain lions, bobcats, coyotes, fox's, rock squirrels, scrub jays and other birds.
Trail markers near the bottom. Recent work has been done making it easier to walk.
Once at the bottom (about 1000' drop), cross Poland Creek and follow the trail eastward for another 1/4 mile. Poland Creek flows year around.
Trail along Poland Creek.
When the trail turns sharply to the south, make a left and follow a faint brushy trail down to the creek. Horse Thief Creek and Poland Creek converge. Some refer to the pools of water here, as Hell's Hole.
Refer to Google Track below for directions.
Poland Creek is a unique and beautiful place. The variations in rock forms, plants and large pools make this canyon a gem worth visiting.
Buckthorn berries often referred to as coffee berries, because of the two seeds within the berries that look like coffee beans, are prevalent throughout this canyon.
W. C. Fields rock along Poland Creek. Photo by Keith Paul.
Flower growing from a crack in the rock along the creek.
Less then 1/2 mile down you reach the main attraction, Big Dipper Falls or "The Big Dipper".
Perfect topside tub with a view for sitting in during summer.
It can be very slick at the top. Be careful!
As Poland Creek floods each year the pools can change over time.
Never attempt this hike during high water.
Falls in background.
If you work carefully downstream you will find more pools.
Pools down stream.
After exploring for the day we headed back out of the canyon at sunset and walked out by flashlight in the dark. Should have just spent the night because we wanted to see more.
Return the way you came.
Other hike options
- One can hike downstream. At the Silver Christmas Mine (about 2.5 miles) an old jeep trail appears, making walking easier. Three more miles exit the canyon, creek left and walk north to Cleator, about 2.5 miles on a jeep trail. A vehicle can be left here, with prior made arrangements at the store/bar.
- Return to the Trail and walk uphill (about 3.5 miles) south into Horsethief Basin, where a vehicle can also be left.
Google Track
Please forgive errors in grammar or spelling as we type from our phones.
