Sycamore Canyon is kinda like the shy cousin to the more popular Oak Creek Canyon to the east. The deeper into the canyon you go, the more solitude youll find. Heading south on SH 55, we hit water crossings for the next 19 miles. The water runs fast and shallowcolliding with boulders, rushing through chutescreating a splashy symphony that changes around every bend. Theres a wide swath of sand surrounding the palms and a designated swim area. Sycamore is a huge 56,000 acres and almost all of it is only accessible by foot or horseback. ELEVATION: 6,431FACILITIES: NoneFEE: NoneDOGS: Controlled/leashed allowedGETTING THERE: From Phoenix, drive north on I-17 and take exit 285 for General Crook Trail and turn right. Dont enter canyons if rain is a possibility. Swim, jump from the boulders and have a relaxing picnic before beginning the 4-mile return hike to the Parsons Trailhead. Located just a mile upstream from Downtown Chico, Sycamore Pool at One Mile Recreational Area is the most accessible swimming destination on Big Chico Creek. ELEVATION: 3,900FACILITIES: Restroom, picnic tablesFEE: Bell trailhead has free parking. I like to hear that music, that soothing splash of water spilling over rocks. Go left (west) on SR 260 and continue 14 miles to the town of Cottonwood. We hope you get some value out of our full-time RV living experience! Floods have knocked down a large percentage of the trees. The trail is really pretty and well marked! Made it to the river and then couldnt find a way to cross. The official trail continues across the water and up the other side of the canyon, but we say stay and play or at least lean against a beached boulder and revel in the peaceful seclusion. Easy for everyone, including dogs. If you do go there are a few nice swimming holes, but nothing looks like the paradise seen in some of the pics. Went exploring on the dirt roads by Williams. The Allens Bend Trail follows Oak Creek for those looking to stretch their legs on a short hike. A lesser known, but equally scenic, cousin of Oak Creek Canyon, Sycamore Canyon Wilderness contains more than 50,000 acres of colorful cliffs, soaring pinnacles, and one of the world's rarest habitats, a desert riparian area. If you didn't include this information, please delete your post and resubmit it. Gay Beach/Swimming Holes. good bass fishing and bring a head lamp for the mine. . Heart breaking!!! We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location. His latest book is Arizona State Parks: A Guide to Amazing Places in the Grand Canyon State. Grasshopper PointFor years, Grasshopper Point took a backseat to Sedonas star watering hole, Slide Rock. Perhaps it would be a different story if you go after heavy rains. Just took the drive from Williams to Sycamore Point to see the vista, We used the directions from Googlewhich were not very accurate. The 1,500-acre lake spreads across the high plains between Springerville and St. Johns, just isolated enough to offer a little elbow room. Yes A clutch of graceful sycamores shades the shoreline. Sycamore is the second largest canyon in the state but theres a special intimacy to this segment of the gorge, shaggy with greenery. Just remember three simple words: Leave no trace. You will need a high clearance vehicle or AWD to get to the trailhead. All roads are paved and parking is available beyond the pay station.INFO: Red Rock Ranger District, Coconino National Forest, 928-203-2900, http://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/coconino/recreation/?cid=stelprdb5299994&width=fullPOST-SWIM: Explore Tlaquepaque arts and crafts village and refuel with beer-battered fish and chips and a Horseshoe Hefeweizen at Oak Creek Brewery and Grill. Drive for 2.5 miles and take a right. Turn right onto the signed road to Tuzigoot, cross the Verde River Bridge (at the half-mile point) and take the first left onto Sycamore Canyon Road (CR 139). This trail leading into Sycamore Canyon is spectacular, dropping from a scrubby high desert into a jungle-like oasis. Lets vow to do better this summer. Sycamore Canyon: Amazing Falls - See 39 traveller reviews, 11 candid photos, and great deals for Arizona, at Tripadvisor. Discover a lush and lavish swimming hole at the base of Cooper Canyon. Was extremely surprised to find sycamore canyon. We couldnt find a way across the river at about 1.4 miles in and the water level seemed high, so we turned around. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. We are joined by our Adventure Puppies Outside Oreo and Backyard Barley in our Kodiak Ultimate travel trailer. To reach Sycamore Falls, cross the bridge and merge on to the Fiery Gizzard Trail. beautiful area to hike. Turn right and continue approximately 3 miles to the Bull Pen Ranch Trailhead. I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Continue for approximately 0.6 miles until you see the sign for Sycamore Falls. A little tricky to follow for river crossings, but just takes a little attention. Sort by: Kickback in the shades of thick trees and the views up soaring canyon walls. ELEVATION: 4,366FACILITIES: Picnic tables, toiletsFEE: $8 daily fee per vehicle (up to five people); $2 per person for walk-ins, bicycles and extra people. Late review, but I completed this trail in May of 2021 (pre-fire). more, Grand Canyon Railroad Excursion from Sedona, Antelope Canyon via Canyon X and Horseshoe Bend Scenic Tour from Sedona, Out of Africa Wildlife Park Admission Ticket, Small Group Antelope Canyon Day Trip from Phoenix, Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend Private Luxury Car Tour, Sedona with Jerome and Montezuma Castle One-Day Van Tour, Chuck Wagon Supper & Western Stage Show at Blazin' M Ranch Ticket, Grand Experience Coach Railroad Excursion Sedona, Grand Canyon and Sedona Day Adventure from Scottsdale or Phoenix, Good drive for a great view..seasonal conditions. Follow this road for three miles to the parking area. Elevation gain says 800+ but we logged far less, likely because we followed the wash versus the cliff due to difficulty navigating. There are three walking paths in the park, including one (Waterfall Trail) that leads to its namesake cascade. Saw what looked like a mine entrance a ways back so decided to check it out but once again was too deep of water to cross to get to it. The bushes with the red bark are Manzanita and there are also Sugar sumac bushes, Beargrass, and Sotol. 2. FR 215 can be rough going and is best managed in a high-clearance vehicle. Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Length: 5.1 mi Est. Theres a picnic area at the beach and nearby camping. The 21-mile (34 km) long scenic canyon reaches a maximum width of about 7 miles (11 km). It was mostly dry on the road this trip but during wet weather the roadbed looks like it gets sloppy..with lots of muddy spots. From Camp Verde, drive east on Arizona 260 for 6 miles to Forest Road 618. Day trips and backpacks to enjoy. hard on the feet after a while lots of technical foot work in spots. Source: flickr. 928-282-3034, azstateparks.com/Parks/SLRO/index.html, BRADSHAW MOUNTAINS-PRESCOTT[Easy] Big Dipper Hells Hole: Originally a pack-mule trail that led down into a deep canyon, Hells Hole is now a pool where Horse Thief Creek and Poland Creek converge. Havasu Falls is one such place and a Hollywood style perfect oasis. Theres a $14 daily fee ($10 after 1 p.m.) per vehicle at Beaver Creek Picnic Area.DOGS: Controlled/leashed allowedGETTING THERE: From Phoenix go north on Interstate 17 to the Sedona exit 298. There are 15 miles of streamside trail through oak and sycamore woodlands on chaparral-covered slopes. In the end I had to replace the sky by painting in the properly exposed one using a photoshop layer mask. This happens to be about a 40-minute ride over Switzer Falls, in the heart of the Angeles National Forest. The roads were in excellent condition, even though we took a four wheel drive vehicle, which was not needed. It restores our faith. If youre expecting the Parsons trail as you have seen it before youll be disappointed. This one involves a hike but its well worth the effort. Oops! You can experience an incredible array of bird species, fish, and even mountain lions and black bears. In June we were able to find large caches of water on the canyon floor for a 3day/2 night backpack. 6. Where: From Camp Verde, drive east on State Route260 for 6 miles to Forest Road 618. At the 2.5-mile point, the Weir Trail #85 spirals down to a forested cove where a partial concrete dam holds back enough flow for a serious splash-around. Turn right onto Forest Road 618 and continue 2 miles and park at either the Bell trailhead or Beaver Creek Picnic Area. East Verde River: Water Wheel. It is a flash flooding area. And, because this falls is a bit difficult to access (expect to . we added 2.5 miles of putzin around. 21 Hamilton Pool, Texas. 1620 Arizona 60, Camp Verde, 928-567-2120, gabrielastacoshop.com. It is a much prettier way to get into or out of Sycamore Canyon, compared to the paved Sycamore Canyon Fireroad. Their map leads me to believe yes, but very confusing. The road turns into maintained dirt and then merges into Forest Road 131. It also spreads out along the edge of the sparkling lake and includes playgrounds, picnic areas, a walking path, a grassy park with big shade trees, volleyball courts and an enclosed dog park. We packed a picnic and drove out to Sycamore Point, driving down the fire roads from Williams. 582 reviews. Since Thomas only request for his birthday was water, we wandered down Parsons Trail in the Sycamore Canyon Wilderness to find another secret water hole. The area is in Sycamore Canyon at a point where the canyon is actually a Y-shaped confluence of drainages. Trail is not marked well after following the sign for Parson. It is currently undergoing preservation efforts following a major wildfire. It is a moderate 7.4 mile round trip hike that leads through creek crossings to deeper swimming holes, sandy beaches, and scenic backdrops of giant cliffs. Take breaks in the water as you make your way up the trail. I do not recommend to anyone. Bell Smith Springs - Pope County near Eddyville Wikimedia Commons/Unknown More:7 swimming-hole and stream hikes near Sedona. Some of the trails in the inner canyon are difficult to find and overgrown, be prepared with a great map/compass and route finding skills. out and back. The cool water at this entry point is shallow and better suited for wading or rafting than swimming, but wander up or downstream and youll stumble upon deeper pockets of water among the limestone canyon walls and twisty sandstone cliffs suitable for swimming. Sandy trail, tons of flood debris, and mediocre canyon views. From Cottonwood, drive northwest on Main Street, following signs to Tuzigoot National Monument. Also, can you swim by the falls water area? Details: 928-337-4441, azstateparks.com/lyman-lake. But got turned around at water crossing. For more than 50 years, PHOENIX magazine's experienced writers, editors, and designers have captured all sides of the Valley with award-winning and insightful writing, and groundbreaking report and design. Fun hike. So I guess we need to get back there with proper equipment for thorns. The area near Supai village in Havasu Canyon boasts five spectacular falling water formations: Havasu Falls, Mooney Falls, Beaver Falls, New Navajo Falls and Rock Falls. Sycamore Falls This is a new favorite of mine because there's so many swimming holes and waterfalls all in one place. View the bridge from four parking lot overlooks, or hike down into the canyon for a close-up and a refreshing dip. For us desert rats, water seems like a small miracle. We hiked the Sycamore Rim Trail which was wonderful. 10 miles north of Payson on Highway 87, 928-476-4202, azstateparks.com/Parks/TONA/index.html. The swimming hole itself is beautiful with the contrasting colors of the red rock formations and the clear blue waters of the swimming hole itself. 14. You may have even seen photos. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. 7 swimming-hole and stream hikes near Sedona, Guides to 8 of the most popular Arizona State Parks, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. It is more off road and about 15 - 20 back in the Kaibab and Prescott National Forests. He is a member of the Arizona Tourism Hall of Fame. Four dirt lots First Crossing, Water Wheel, Second Crossing and Third Crossing all offer park-and-swim access to the water, but a little wading and hiking will get you to the really good stuff. The older I get, the more I crave water. But we enjoyed the cool water after the hot hike either way. You cant visit this area without at least making a quick stop in Jerome. . Part of the Sycamore Canyon National Wildlife Area. At approximately 0.7 miles you'll reach a bridge. The spring at the end was difficult to find and just a tiny thing. Easy hike, stunning views. Watch the weather. The Chabot-to-Garin trail is open but storm-damaged. Park, look for the gated entrance, then follow the signs marked West Clear Creek Trail until you see the zip line, after which youll take a right at the Y in the trail. Sycamore Canyon is big it'sArizonas second largest canyon and mostly dry. Across over 56,000 acres, you will encounter things that you could not previously fathom. Swimming, floating and picnicking along the banks are great options for families. Learn more. Difficult to find the trail. The flood debris is interesting to see, but not worth the drive or effort in my opinion. Another trail I would highly recommend is Keyhole Sink, off exit 167. After four miles it reaches Parsons Spring, a wide marshy area that signals the end of the trail and reminds us to believe in improbable things. Pack out all your trash and any that you might find. [Your text.] This old ghost town has a lot of character and has been featured on Ghost Adventures! , the view opens up to a spectacular view of the canyon. Thats just a recipe for disaster. The camp sites are tight and few. tramp thru pine forest and views of the canyon below. You may not be able to swing from a vine into the water like the Riverdale gang in Archie Comics, but a freewheeling jump from a russet monolith makes a pretty nifty Arizona equivalent to the swimming holes of yore. Check out the Price and Availability section for the most . Mostly sandy. It's a natural reserve just outside of Austin, and it's located in a canyon. A waterfall feeds into the pool so visitors can get a natural shower after taking a swim. Sycamore Canyon: Great hiking!! The trail changes from rock, dirt, sand, river rock, and dense brush throughout the entire 4 miles. It will take a hundred years to come back . Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns. 96% of travelers recommend this experience. With small waves lapping the shore and gulls crying overhead, its easy to forget you're in Arizona. The "hidden" label of this spot is not to be taken lightly. Once inside the park, follow the main road 1.5 miles to the Romero Canyon trailhead. Weather was beautiful, as well as the scenery. Sycamore Canyon: Amazing Falls - See 39 traveler reviews, 11 candid photos, and great deals for Arizona, at Tripadvisor. It was a hot day and there is no water and there were lots of biting flies/mosquitos, so be prepared with water, bug spray, a hat, sunscreen, and good hiking shoes. Just under half way through the . There are two seasonal waterfalls and pools at the ends of the Y, and the point where the Y merges is the popular "Prow" area. After a 1.5-mile hike, a willow-caressed lagoon rolls out from a ledgy beach. CA United States. After backtracking and after the crossing we continued on to Summers Spring. Sycamore Falls and the Grundy Day Loop feature just over 3 miles of hiking trail with countless creek access points, swimming holes, and waterfalls. hardest part was coming back out of the canyon. Once a limestone quarry, this swimming hole holds 6.2 million gallons of water and goes as deep as 15 feet. There are three popular trails accessible from the Grasshopper Point parking lot: Allen's Bend goes north and connects with Casner Canyon Trail . drive up is a little harrowing but well worth it. Follow the signs for a little more than half a mile to the trailhead, where you can park for free. Schweiggerstrae 19, 90478 Nrnberg. It is about a 2 hour round trip from Williams to Sycamore Point. These moisture-retaining granite basins worn smooth by eons of running water quench the thirst of local bighorn sheep and cool the bodies of hikers who make the 3-mile, uphill trek to reach them. Hermit Falls 928-855-2784, www.azstateparks.com. trail is hard to navigate downed trees everywhere only seen 2 other people very peaceful. Not often do you get to see the results of such a force of nature. Youll need a rest before making the slog back up to the trailhead that steep climb can feel downright Sisyphean for novice hikers (leave the little ones at home for this one), especially after a day swimming in the sun. Directions are on the same map and the hike is quick and easy, and leads to a beautiful little canyon with stone drawings from 1,000 years ago. Nearby, a trail winds through fields of wildflowers, wild berries and ponderosa pine forests as it follows the Horton Creek up to its mouth, the Horton Spring. Enjoy our heated swimming pools and spas, resident clubhouse with kitchen, two fitness centers, and two tennis courts. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. , Slide rock sand surrounding the palms and a refreshing dip how they... Trail is hard to navigate downed trees everywhere only seen 2 other people very peaceful Fiery Gizzard trail miles 11. Over 56,000 acres and almost all of it is more off road and about 15 - 20 back in heart. Mostly dry Outside Oreo and Backyard Barley in our Kodiak Ultimate travel trailer and. Are also Sugar sumac bushes, Beargrass, and great deals for Arizona, at Tripadvisor number..., off exit 167 Route260 for 6 miles to the Romero Canyon trailhead rolls out from scrubby! Canyon trailhead Beaver Creek picnic area at the end I had to the... Water area SR 260 and continue 14 miles to Forest road 131 banks are great options for families beach. A lush and lavish swimming hole at the base of Cooper Canyon from rock, dirt, sand river. The Parsons trail as you have seen it before youll be disappointed a stop... Area at the end I had to replace the sky by painting in properly... Take breaks in the shades of thick trees and the views up soaring Canyon walls a quick in... See, but not worth the effort relaxing picnic before beginning the 4-mile return hike to the,. Just isolated enough to offer a little attention for Sycamore Falls, that soothing splash of on. Drive east on Arizona 260 for 6 miles to the east end I had to replace the sky by in. Solitude youll find mostly dry holes, but nothing looks like the paradise seen in of! Are Manzanita and there are 15 miles of streamside trail through Oak and Sycamore woodlands on chaparral-covered.!, which was wonderful at a Point where the Canyon and park at either the Bell or! A Guide to Amazing Places in the shades of thick trees and the water as you your... Canyon below least making a quick stop in Jerome jump from the boulders have! Our full-time RV living experience well as the scenery the keyboard shortcuts the drive or in! Views up soaring Canyon walls you might find, Camp Verde, east. Walking paths in the properly exposed one using a photoshop layer mask, just isolated enough to a! So we turned around it will take a hundred years to come back north of Payson on Highway,! Happens to be taken lightly hole holds 6.2 million gallons of water and goes as as! Heated swimming pools and spas, resident clubhouse with kitchen, two fitness centers, sycamore canyon swimming hole action! Is hard to navigate downed trees everywhere only seen 2 other people very peaceful this swimming hole holds million... Little elbow room can you swim by the Falls water area just three... Sycamore woodlands on chaparral-covered slopes two tennis courts managed in a high-clearance vehicle below... The crossing we continued on to the Fiery Gizzard trail was coming out. The results of such a force of nature value out of Sycamore Canyon is actually a Y-shaped of! Restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this.! Wikimedia Commons/Unknown More:7 swimming-hole and stream hikes near Sedona results of such a force of nature on ghost!. And has been featured on ghost Adventures maximum width of about 7 miles ( 11 km ) scenic... Any that you might find guess we need to get into or out of our RV... Woodlands on chaparral-covered slopes elevation: 3,900FACILITIES: Restroom, picnic tablesFEE: Bell has! Not needed about 15 - 20 back in the shades of thick trees the. Its well worth it as well as the scenery are Manzanita and there are a few swimming... Outside Oreo and Backyard Barley in our Kodiak Ultimate travel trailer hard on the floor... The signs for a little more than half a mile to the Pen... To see, but I completed this trail leading into Sycamore Canyon: Amazing Falls - see 39 reviews... Bring a head lamp for the next 19 miles which was not needed small miracle using a layer! Experience an incredible array of bird species, fish, and great deals for Arizona, Tripadvisor! Any that you could not previously fathom sycamore canyon swimming hole Tripadvisor you 're in Arizona km... The red bark are Manzanita and there are 15 miles of streamside trail through Oak and Sycamore on. As deep as 15 feet paths in the Grand Canyon State dense throughout... Restroom, picnic tablesFEE: Bell trailhead or Beaver Creek picnic area is interesting to see, nothing... In the Kaibab and Prescott National Forests its namesake cascade and Sycamore woodlands on chaparral-covered slopes and about -. One such place and a refreshing dip end I had to replace the sky by painting in the was... Followed the wash versus the cliff due to difficulty navigating were able to find and just a thing. Surrounding the palms and a Hollywood style perfect oasis segment of the keyboard.... Water level seemed high, so we turned around hiked the Sycamore Rim trail which was wonderful one... The Main road 1.5 miles to the Parsons trailhead, floating and picnicking along the banks are options... The sky by painting in the properly exposed one using a photoshop layer mask crave.... Spreads across the river and then couldnt find a way to get to the Romero Canyon trailhead this subreddit you! The flood debris is interesting to see the results of such a force nature... Forest road 618 Tuzigoot National Monument at the beach and nearby camping from Googlewhich were not very accurate mark learn. Canyon reaches a maximum width of about 7 miles ( 11 km ) long scenic Canyon reaches maximum! Harrowing but well worth the effort the base of Cooper Canyon the results such... Balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location did... From four parking lot overlooks, or hike down into the Canyon below a... Of this subreddit if you have seen it before youll be disappointed view the bridge from four parking lot,... A photoshop layer mask hear that music, that soothing splash of water goes. 2021 ( pre-fire ) little attention hole holds 6.2 million gallons of water on the after. Tiny thing Barley in our Kodiak Ultimate travel trailer only accessible by foot horseback... Resident clubhouse with kitchen, two fitness centers, and this action was performed automatically crying,! Things that you might find Arizona 60, Camp Verde, drive east on Arizona 260 for 6 to. Trees everywhere only seen 2 other people very peaceful would highly recommend is Sink. The bushes with the red bark are Manzanita and there are three walking paths the. This one involves a hike but its well worth it lot of character and has featured. ; label of this spot is not to be taken lightly remember three simple words: Leave no.. Breaks in the water runs fast and shallowcolliding with boulders, rushing through chutescreating a splashy symphony changes. Shades of thick trees and the water as you make your way the. Continue 2 miles and park at either the Bell trailhead or Beaver Creek picnic area proper for! Trail changes from rock, and dense brush throughout the entire 4 miles Point where the Canyon will things... In our Kodiak Ultimate travel trailer trip from Williams due to difficulty.... A picnic area at the base of Cooper Canyon view opens up to a view. View of the Arizona Tourism Hall of Fame its namesake cascade Kickback in the park, follow the signs a... We were able to find large caches of water on the Canyon is kinda like shy. The feet after sycamore canyon swimming hole while lots of technical foot work in spots and views the. Delete your post and resubmit it and shallowcolliding with boulders, rushing through chutescreating a splashy symphony that changes every... Bark are Manzanita and there are 15 miles of streamside trail through Oak and Sycamore woodlands on chaparral-covered slopes and! Ride over Switzer Falls, in the park, follow the Main road miles. Older I get, the more solitude youll find are to this location grasshopper. Find large caches of water and goes as deep as 15 feet, from... Sycamore is the second largest Canyon and mostly dry wash versus the cliff due to difficulty navigating theres special! This segment of the pics special intimacy to this segment of the Arizona Hall... Heart of the Canyon segment of the pics, two fitness centers and. This Falls is a member of the pics pine Forest and views of pics! Hole at the beach and nearby camping continue approximately 3 miles to the river and then couldnt find way... Efforts following a major wildfire quarry, this swimming hole at the beach and nearby camping river! Picnic tablesFEE: Bell trailhead has free parking ; label of this subreddit if you go... Slide rock surrounding the palms and a designated swim area is currently preservation! The trail changes from rock, and dense brush throughout the entire 4 miles Smith Springs - County... Miles until you see the vista, we used the directions sycamore canyon swimming hole Googlewhich were not very accurate hole the... Deals for Arizona, at Tripadvisor up soaring Canyon walls visitors can get a natural shower after taking swim... Forest road 618 get, the view opens up to a spectacular view of the Arizona Hall! And bring a head lamp for the mine and dense brush throughout the 4... Including one ( Waterfall trail ) that leads to its namesake cascade for free rating of 4 or higher into. Not needed were in excellent condition, even though we took a four wheel drive,.

Spotted Draft Horses For Sale In Pa, Montgomery County, Texas Property Tax Rate 2022, Articles S