The West Clear Creek Roadless Area lies within the Coconino National Forest in central Arizona (fig. 1) and includes parts of Yavapai and Coconino Counties. Camp Verde, the nearest population center, is approximately 7 miles (11 km) west of the area. West Clear Creek canyon begins on the east at the confluence of the incised gorges of Willow Valley and of Clover Creek and is joined toward the west by Black Mountain Canyon. The canyon of West Clear Creek is very rugged; in several places it is more than 1,900 ft (580 m) deep. Creek elevation ranges from 6,100 ft (1,860 m) near the junction with Clover Creek to 3,200 ft (975 m) at the mouth of the canyon. The elevation of peaks and ridges near the canyon range from 4,000 ft (1,220 m) to 7,000 ft (2,135 m). Uplands at the head of Willow Valley and Clover Creek reach elevations up to 7,100 ft (2,165 m) above sea level.

The greater part of the surface is underlain by late Tertiary volcanic rocks, mainly alkali olivine basalts. These overlie Lower Per i an sedimentary rocks consisting mostly of dolomite, limestone, and sandstone strata that dip gently westward. Late Tertiary and Quaternary sedimentary rocks and deposits mantle several ridges (terrace gravels) and cover basalt flows in Verde Valley at the west end of the area (Verde Formation). Quaternary alluvial deposits occur in the main West Clear Creek drainage and its larger tributaries at the west end of the area.