Clear Creek

(nr Eagle Nest NM)
Before leaving Cimarron Canyon, I took a hike up the mountain on a trail following Clear Creek. There were supposed to be a couple of waterfalls to see. Numerous cascades made the trek enjoyable; but, after an hour in, no falls of reasonable size were found.

Cimarron Canyon, Clear Creek

Clear Creek

A rest and snack was had before heading back down. The tumbling water, rocks, aspens and pines made pleasant surroundings. All of that splendid nature was just for me; as I saw no one else on the trail until almost out of the woods.

Cimarron Canyon, Clear Creek

Two drops in the creek

Cimarron Canyon, Clear Creek

Cool, clear water

Since my legs held up, and I was feeling good, I anticipated another similar hike along Tolby Creek. But alas, that trail was closed May 15 thru July 31; I’m guessing due to birthing season for the elk herds in that area.

Cimarron Canyon, Clear Creek

Trail in the forest

Cimarron Canyon, Clear Creek

Clear Creek with side feeder

I checked out the Tolby Campground which didn’t seem as nice as Maverick where I stayed. Still, it was near to the headwaters of the Cimarron River. At that point, it was then a meandering stream with a mass of wildflowers.

Cimarron Canyon

Cimarron River Headwaters & Wildflowers

So then, it was on to the little mountain village of Eagle Nest for lunch and to my next camp at the lake.

Camp: Eagle Nest Lake SP drycamp
Scene: Creek, cascades, wildflowers

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7 Responses to Clear Creek

  1. Sam January 14, 2019 at 11:10 am #

    Hi. What side of the road did you start your Clear Creek trail? The parking lot side? Pretty pics.

    • Pleinguy January 14, 2019 at 9:26 pm #

      The trail is on the south side of the road; can’t remember where I parked. Glad you liked the photos.

      • Sam January 16, 2019 at 6:46 am #

        Thank you for your reply. I had went two years ago to clear creek but entered on the side where I could park my car and there is a big “Colin Neblett” sign. So I am guessing you entered the trail on the opposite side of the road

        I will be there in March with my niece and nephews and think this is a good hike for them.

        The “two drops in the creek” looks like a nice area where I can have the family take a break and sit down (if there is an area to sit nearby) and have sandwiches and snacks. Would you happen to recall how far in this area is?

        Thanks

        • Pleinguy January 18, 2019 at 5:43 pm #

          I believe the double drop was about two miles in.

      • Andy April 8, 2019 at 9:48 pm #

        The falls start after the steep hill just past the ‘double drop’ so you probably barely didn’t make it to them. There are two modest but gorgeous waterfalls of about 30 ft tall to the right of the trail (about a mile apart) after that.

  2. Sam August 4, 2019 at 4:46 am #

    Hi. It’s been a while. I just returned from Clear Creek trail at mile Marker 292. I parked at the big sign. I proceeded to the trail start that is parallel to the guard rail. The hike was harder than I had remembered. I did not see anything that looked like your beautiful photos. At the very least I went three miles in. There were a lot of trees down.

    • Pleinguy August 4, 2019 at 10:15 am #

      Not sure you were on the same path, as the trail pretty much follows the creek on up the hill. Andy said the big fall is beyond where I stopped.

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