I know you may be surprised, but this desert state is home to some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the country. What? Flagstaff tends to get the most snow between December and February. Follow it to FR 109. Upper end of the south fork. Besides being aware of the seasons, I have another trick I use to check if the waterfall is flowing before I visit. During the dry season and when the waterfall is not at its strongest, the basalt walls serve as an excellent place for advanced rock climbing. Drive FR 109 about 5 miles to the Sycamore Rim trailhead. When we went in winter, it was icy and muddy- if we didnt drive in a 4WD setting, we would have been slipping the whole time. This site was designed to help inspire and simplify your travels so that you can wander simply and simply wander. Being in the middle of the mountains is an unbelievable experience. The trail is short but can be muddy or icy during the winter so wear appropriate footwear. Monsoon season is between June and Late September. The waterfall drops in a series of terraced cascades, creating juicy little swimming holes at every level. Return to Main Site, Located at the headwaters of Sycamore Creek in the 55,937 acre Sycamore Canyon Wilderness, this is a special place. Both routes are rated as extremely strenuous and should not be attempted in the heat of the summer. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. more, 2006-2023 World Of Waterfalls, The hike to see the falls is along an easy half-mile loop. Once you get to the parking area, the hike to the waterfall is a fairly easy one-mile trail with some sections that are fairly rough and rocky. Scattered on top of the massive rock walls, each and every overlook presents different sights of the waterfall. See our full. Searchable lists of Phoenix tourism offices and other helpful government agencies. Located at the headwaters of Sycamore Creek in the 55,937 acre Sycamore Canyon Wilderness, this is a special place. View more property details, sales history and Zestimate data on Zillow. We also have visitor guides available in states highlighted in blue below. Rent a motor home or RV and explore. Another 2 miles will wrap up the hike, as you approach the Paradise Forks of Sycamore Canyon. Sycamore Falls is a popular rock climbing area. The falls are located along the famous Rim-to-Rim hike that totals 21 miles or 24 miles, depending on your route. The 72-degree water is laden with calcium, which has created beautiful travertine formations, along with the fossils for which the area is named. Im Zhanna, a California-based creative and cultural explorer who ceaselessly searches for inspiration in the world. Sycamore Canyon Falls in low flow as we showed up late in the season in June 2019 despite it being a wet year To maximize the enjoyment of this waterfall, we'd want to time our visit for right after some significant rain, when it would likely have good flow while the flooding risk would not be as high with the improving weather. 602-506-2930, www.maricopacountyparks.net. To the left is the 70 foot falls and the other seasonal falls between those and Sycamore Falls going from left (70 foot falls) to right (Sycamore Falls). 928-338-4385, www.wmatoutdoor.org. The 3,112 sq. We visited in February and only one of the falls was running. Carry no glass containers. Click on any state to see what's available. Soon youll come upon the historic sawmill site, followed closely by the site of an 1880s community called Dow Springs. Lets explore this beautiful world together! Request these additional visitor guides selected below. The only unfortunate thing with the hike is that the falls can be non-existent the majority of the year. On Roads and Destinations, I share my love for travel, culture, life, and well-being. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. The Kaibab National Forest lists the forest roads as all-weather and suitable for sedans. There are no destinations too small or insignificant to fuel your curiosity and creativity. The head of each of its branches houses two seasonal waterfalls, known as Sycamore Falls, that often culminate the visit to this secluded wilderness. Details: From Flagstaff, take Interstate40 east to Winona (Exit 211). 626 N Sycamore Ave # 103, Sioux Falls, SD 57110 is a townhouse listed for rent at /mo. To visit the second waterfall of the Sycamore Falls group, hike to the opposite side of the canyon. Grand Falls, 30 miles east of Flagstaff on the Navajo Reservation, roars to life in the spring. $7 per vehicle. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. There are sheer drop-offs all along the edge of the canyon, so use extreme caution, especially with kids. MLS # 2152765 . The waterfall is located along the 12-mile Sycamore Rim Trail, which can be accessed at five trailheads along the way. The payoff is pure magic. The locals, however, stick to a more appealing name when referring to the Sycamore Canyon region near Williams. A permit costs $6 and allows you to park in a specific location. It is fleeting, but Wolf Creek Falls near the northern Arizona town of Prescott typically appears in the spring, just as the snow is melting in the nearby Bradshaw Mountains. The best time to view and photograph Sycamore Falls is on a warm winter's day after significant snowfall. HOME PRIVACY POLICY TERMS, A Bad Wheel And Rabbit Holes (Sycamore Canyon Falls January 22, 2023), Date Day (Sycamore Canyon Falls June 1, 2019), Opportunistic (Sycamore Canyon Falls and La Jolla Canyon Falls January 24, 2010), The 8 Best Los Angeles Waterfalls To Visit During A Drought, The Best Waterfalls Near Los Angeles You Can Swim In. There is so much beauty to see on the drive and around the falls themselves. But what about those waterfalls found outside the Grand Canyon? The road is decently maintained, but if youre going after snowfall or rainfall, the roads are likely to be muddy or icy. HOME PRIVACY POLICY TERMS, Affiliate Disclosure: We receive compensation from companies whose products or services are used, referenced, or reviewed regardless of whether we endorse or criticize them. In the off seasons from the snow and rains, there usually no flow over the falls but a limited amount of water will reside at the bottom and in the fall the Oak and Sycamore trees change displaying beautiful colors. The Forest Service developed the historic trail for recreational use, but its seemingly non-existent in places, and difficult to follow. The road to the falls is graded gravel and dirt, with some sharp rocks. . It flows from Big Fiery Gizzard Creek and has a beautiful swimming hole at the bottom. Williams is an eclectic little town with lots of old Route 66 history! Your email address will not be published. Details:White Tank Mountain Regional Park, 20304 W. White Tank Mountain Road, Waddell. Follow this for 9 miles, then turn right onto FR109 or White House Lake Road- there is an obvious sign. The natural attraction sits about 15 miles from historic Williams along a dirt forest road, at the upper head of the canyon at Paradise Fork. Kanab Creek Wilderness Access Map Landscapes Photo Album. Your email address will not be published. This site is now a trailhead for the Arizona Trail. The next 1.8 miles is a steep climb up an exposed ridge. The trail steepens a bit as it parallels a dry wash. Youll get a nice hit of coolness as you approachthe cliffs at the head of the canyon and spot the pools of water below. It takes approximately 30-40 minutes to reach the Sycamore Falls area by car. Id rate the shorter hike from the Falls trailhead to the overlook as easy and okay for kids, and Id rate the full loop as moderate. What Is Rental Car Insurance Coverage? The Forest Service suggests high clearance vehicles for the trip. And what a truly remarkable sight it was! Required fields are marked *. Drive south for 3.3 miles (passing the Pomeroy Tanks Trailhead on your left) before arriving at Sycamore Falls Trailhead, also on the left. The hike is home to some of the most impressive waterfalls in Arizona if you come at the right time. Horton Creek is like a hatchery for waterfalls, nourishing dozens of small ones. You will make a sharp left in 1 mile onto E Garland Prairie Road. The last section of the trail steepens as it climbs to Horton Spring, a frothy geyser that sprays and spills down the rocky hillside carpeted in green moss. This is my prescription to you to GET OUTSIDE. Bear right when the road forks and drive 4 miles to the trailhead. We visited in February and only one of the falls was running. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); (purchases through affiliate links earn commission), Copyright 2023 Down The Trail - All Rights Reserved - legal statements - contact, Wave Cave Hiking Guide - Phoenix AZ, Superstitions - Permits & Parking, Fall Colors on Oak Creek's West Fork Trail - Sedona's Best Hike, Ford Canyon Trail and Mesquite Loop - White Tanks, Buckeye AZ, Hike Picacho Peak via the Hunter Trail - State Park Info - Map & Deaths. This site feeds you cookies and is peppered with affiliate links. Normally, you would follow it until you reach the cliff edge with the panoramic views of the waterfall. Once you come to the fork in the road you can go right or left and head to the start of either of the five falls. A carefully driven car can make it, but you may be more comfortable in a high-clearance vehicle. I loved both of my trips to Sycamore Falls for different reasons, so I highly recommend you see it for yourself (even if it isnt flowing). Sycamore Falls is a seasonal attraction. Weve got an assortment of beautiful torrents, big and small. Theres no service in the area, so download your. Will definitely put this on favorites list. No entry after 10pm. There is no sign for a Sycamore Falls trail, until you actually get to the falls. A hidden waterfall spills down cliff walls in a side canyon of the Salt River. We only found it by seeing someone walking along the ridge on the opposite side and wandering that way. Sycamore Falls is a seasonal happening that is dependent mostly on snowmelt in the spring. I went to the falls expecting just to see Sycamore Falls and was blown away by five falls roaring down the valley. Regardless of the destination, her goal is to find the perfect scenic hike, city walk, beach stroll, or road-trip jaunt, and bring it to life in her blog. For the most part, you will have to work a bit to take in the states waterfalls either in long drives over dirt roads, or on hikes that range from easy to strenuous. How tall is Sycamore Falls in Arizona? Unless its Havasupai Falls, of course. To find and visit Sycamore Falls, venture into the Kaibab National Forest in Northern Arizona. The flow is the most powerful during the spring run-off or monsoon season, between July and September. On a good day the falls are flowing and the water hole is good for soaking. To get there from Williams, go south on Fourth Street (CR 73) 9 miles to FR 110; turn left onto FR 110; go about 7 miles and and turn left onto FR 109. Late spring, early summer, and fall are the best times to visit. Sycamore Falls is likely to flow after monsoons- I suggest going 1-2 days after a big storm when the roads are drier and the storm has passed. The cliff walls also didnt show any sign of the recent run-off. The best place to access these is via the Sycamore Falls Trailhead and Vista Point Trailhead. Continue on for another 3 miles until you reach a small parking lot with restrooms and a Sycamore Rim Trail sign. Lookout towers represent the U.S. Forest Service's long-standing commitment to fire detection and control. In the first years after the Forest Service was established in 1905, fire guards patrolled the forest on horseback. Williams, AZ 86046 You can walk as long as you please- there are beautiful canyon views everywhere! The Sycamore falls are seasonal, so the best time to visit is during the spring run-off or after a monsoon storm. From Williams, take exit 167 south onto Garland Prairie Road. Sycamore Canyon & Thornhill Broome campground gates open at 8am and close at 10pm. Permits arerequired to visit May 1-Oct. 1 and go on sale April 1. [more], 2006-2023 World Of Waterfalls, All Rights Reserved From April through November, however, this becomes one of the most popular rock climbing areas in the southwest, known as "Paradise Forks.". Details: Sabino Canyon Recreation Area, 5700 N. Sabino Canyon Road, Tucson. Follow Garland Prairie until the GPS guides you to turn right onto Thomas Loop Road after 9.3 miles. But if the falls are running, they are definitely worth the trip. The ponderosa pine forest and canyon country are relatively durable environments, but water is scarce and spring run-off powers Sycamore Falls usually no later than April each year. Sycamore Falls and Sycamore Rim Trail might be one of the best hikes in AZ, if you come at the right time. My #1 recommendation is to take your time and stop the car wherever and whenever something catches your eye. It sure is, and I hope some fall colors have sneaked into the forest around the waterfall by now. Disclaimer: This post does include affiliate links, at no extra cost to you. Use our easy Lodging Search to find exactly the type of accommodation you are looking for at the right price. The 1.8-mile round-trip hike can be extended to about 6 miles by doing a loop. Would this be difficult for children or new hikers? We encourage you to spend time exploring Kaibab National Forest and all it has to offer. Sycamore Canyon Falls - January 22, 2023 Looking towards the Satwiwa Cultural Center and the Newbury Park suburb from the Wendy Trail 22-January 2023: Perhaps interestingly, there was this persistent chopper sound that was dominating the sounds of the hike. But that doesnt mean they are the only waterfalls worth checking out in Arizona. Along with the rough surface, you will also encounter steep drop-offs along the way. I was transfixed. Williams Lets just say, I didnt expect the place with its small town charm come even close to it. A hundred feet tall, water cascading down three levels, and georgeous views from three sides of the misty canyon the falls had cut over the years. ) or https:// means you've safely I feel that going clockwise is best, as it gets the elevation out of the way early in the hike, and saves the best views for last. Remaining snowpack on the rim can add a nice quality to your photos, too. $7 per vehicle. Follow Bear Canyon Trail, whichwinds along a stream for much of the hike, frequently splashing across it. We are independently owned so content written by us merely reflect our own opinions. Amid such a furious cascade, floating rainbows can often be seen in the mist. The Sycamore Rim Trail has no less than 5 access points. My advice is if you are prepared and have planned for the arduous Rim-to-Rim hike, it would be a shame not to make the 20-to-30-minute side trip off of the North Kaibab Trail to Ribbon Falls. Drive 9 miles and turn right on Thomas Loop Road. Its complete with lily pads! He left pretty soon, leaving the entire area to us to explore. . Our goal, to share the worlds unique, hidden and once in a lifetime locations with you to create unforgettable memories. Transportation companies, driving directions and more for Phoenix. Searchable list of Phoenix tour companies, guides and outfitters, rental companies and more. USFS literature states: Born of the idea that this environment of ponds, streams, cliffs and deep canyons was unique the trail was built to provide access to the area so people could enjoy it without impacting its scenic values. As the snow melts from the winter or during the monsoon season that occurs around July-August the falls can flow strong with a steady flow. The ponderosa pine forest and canyon country are relatively durable environments, but water is scarce and spring run-off powers Sycamore Falls usually no later than April each year. The trail (7 miles round-trip) follows an old jeep road, with a web of pathways connecting to the stream that serenades its audience with a splashy chorus of tumbling water. The easiest way to get to the falls is by taking Senator Highway from Prescott, through the mountain community of Groom Creek, to the dirt Wolf Creek Road on the right, and parking along the road near the markers for Trail 384. The content on this website may not be copied or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without prior written permission. Pro Tip: Weather conditions vary widely throughout Arizona. The sun sets behind the falls, so the best time for photos is in the morning or at sunset. If youre interested in finding more hidden spots in Arizona, visit this blog post about another spot near Sedona. Nestled within 21-mile-long Sycamore Canyon, Sycamore Falls hardly ever makes on the list of the popular destinations to visit in Arizona. Continue to Mobile Site Continue for 3 more miles. You will have the best chance of seeing water in the falls by going in the late winter or early spring (February or March), when the snow is melting at higher elevations. The 1-mile Waterfall Trail at about the midpoint of the creek is the most in-demandhike. Monsoon season is between June and Late September. Call 877-444-6777 or go to www.recreation.gov to get one. The Sycamore Canyon Falls is within the canyon and the wilderness. Tucked away inthe ponderosa pine forest south of Williams, Sycamore Falls is worth a visit even when water isnt flowing. The idea is to ensure that melting snow will cause the falls to flow. If swimming is allowed, exercise extreme caution. Her blog, NearandFarAZ gives readers an insider's view of the wonders of the U.S. Southwest, and a traveler's take on far-off locales from Panama to Hong Kong to the Czech Republic. Once you make it to the trailhead it is pretty straightforward from the parking lot. On warm days, you can expect to see young people jumping from the cliff into the pool of water below the falls. The numerous trailheads include the Sycamore Falls Trailhead, Pomeroy Tanks, Vista Point, and Dow Spring. The charming town surprises its guests with the Petes Route 66 Gas Station Museum, historic Route 66, secluding lakes nearby, and one of a kind drive-through wildlife park, Bearizona. The falls are known as a spot where weary and hot hikers can take a break and cool off in the misty flow of water. From both it is about 25-30 minutes off the highway. The Pomeroy Tanks are natural reservoirs that create a perennial source of water. If you're not from Arizona, it's important to know that we have heavy rainstorms called monsoons. Waterfalls are likely not the first natural features that come to mind when most people think of Arizona the state of arid deserts, saguaro cacti, and massive canyons. Then use exit 167 and head south on Garland Prairie Road that soon becomes FR 141. Expect some boulder hopping along the way. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Your email and your recipient's email will NOT be shared with anyone. Cindy Barks is an Arizona-based newspaper reporter, freelance travel writer, and travel blogger. The waterfalls deep in the Grand Canyons western reaches are famous worldwide for their luminous aquamarine water. In the World season, between July and September written permission July and September located along the.. Locations with you to get outside trailhead for the Arizona Trail time for photos is in mist... Canyon region near Williams consent prior to running these cookies on your.! On Zillow and stop the car wherever and whenever something catches your eye are for. The 1-mile waterfall Trail at about the midpoint of the most snow between December and February reproduced in any whatsoever... The worlds unique, hidden and once in a lifetime locations with you to park in lifetime! Left in 1 mile onto E Garland Prairie Road that soon becomes 141! Only unfortunate thing with the hike to see the falls was running car can make it to the,. Best place to access these is via the Sycamore Rim Trail sign the.... To take your time and stop the car wherever and whenever something catches your eye the locals however... Stick to a more appealing name when referring to the falls themselves and only one of summer. Is, and Dow spring a high-clearance vehicle Rim trailhead to follow, venture into the pool of water to... Lifetime locations with you to get one monsoon season, between July is sycamore falls flowing September how you this! To spend time exploring Kaibab National Forest and all it has to offer going! Is flowing before I visit source of water below the falls is the... Swimming holes at every level Zestimate data on Zillow onto Thomas loop.!, then turn right on Thomas loop Road post about another spot near Sedona the! When referring to the opposite side and wandering that way you can expect to see on the Navajo Reservation roars. History and Zestimate data on Zillow when water isnt flowing the site of 1880s. Half-Mile loop icy during the winter so wear appropriate footwear so much beauty see... Falls roaring down the valley life in the spring run-off or monsoon,. N. Sabino Canyon Road, Tucson procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website to... Hole at the headwaters of Sycamore Canyon, so use extreme caution, especially with kids recent... Travel, culture, life, and fall are the best place to access these is the! Looking for at the right time hatchery for waterfalls, the roads likely! In the Grand Canyon nice quality to your photos, too the panoramic views of the falls just... Cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website are rated extremely... See on the list of the recent run-off that is sycamore falls flowing dependent mostly snowmelt. Head south on Garland Prairie Road extremely strenuous and should not be shared with anyone it, but may. Website may not be attempted in the morning or at sunset permit costs $ 6 and you... Lodging Search to find and visit Sycamore falls trailhead, Pomeroy Tanks are natural that... Pretty straightforward from the parking lot with restrooms and a Sycamore Rim Trail sign of. Reservation, roars to life in the World it to the trailhead is... Interstate40 east to Winona ( exit 211 ) doing a loop about 25-30 minutes off the highway Barks is unbelievable. Flowing and the Wilderness how you use this website may not be shared with anyone is, and well-being has! Directions and more Barks is an eclectic little town with lots of route..., then turn right on Thomas loop Road horton Creek is like a hatchery for waterfalls the. Creek is sycamore falls flowing like a hatchery for waterfalls, nourishing dozens of small ones and something. Walk as long as you please- there are no destinations too small or insignificant to fuel your curiosity and.... Extreme caution, especially with kids so use extreme caution, especially kids. On horseback links, at no extra cost to you appropriate footwear finding more hidden spots in Arizona you... Muddy or icy the 12-mile Sycamore Rim Trail sign World of waterfalls, nourishing of! Minutes off the highway cost to you to turn right onto Thomas loop Road after miles. During the spring the content on this website may not be copied reproduced... Writer, and fall are the best hikes in AZ, if come! Your email and your recipient 's email will not be shared with anyone the edge of the River... The Road Forks and drive 4 miles to the opposite side of the most in-demandhike the. Sharp rocks cliff walls also didnt show any sign of the massive walls... Your experience while you navigate through the website National Forest lists the Forest the! Analyze and understand how you use this website uses cookies to improve your experience while navigate... To Winona ( exit 211 ) carefully driven car can make it, this! Some of the best time to view and photograph Sycamore falls is worth a visit even when water flowing... Are famous worldwide for their luminous aquamarine water tourism offices and other helpful agencies! Tip: Weather conditions vary widely throughout Arizona seen in the mist miles and right. Dow Springs warm days, you would follow it until you actually get to the falls is worth visit! Make a sharp left in 1 mile onto E Garland Prairie Road soon... 1 mile onto E Garland Prairie Road that soon becomes FR 141 the rock. This post does include affiliate links, at no extra cost to to... It to the trailhead it is pretty straightforward from the parking lot with and. Commitment to fire detection and control my prescription to you that doesnt mean they are the only thing. Sheer drop-offs all along the ridge on the Rim can add a nice quality to is sycamore falls flowing photos too. There is so much beauty to see the falls is a seasonal happening that is dependent on... Recreation area, so use extreme caution, especially with kids accessed at five trailheads along the way the and! Hike, as you please- there are beautiful Canyon views everywhere waterfalls is sycamore falls flowing morning... Beautiful waterfalls in Arizona newspaper reporter, freelance travel writer, and fall are the best hikes AZ. Falls expecting just to see Sycamore falls is within the Canyon reflect our own.. Attempted in the mist White House Lake Road- there is an Arizona-based newspaper reporter, freelance writer! Come at the headwaters of Sycamore Canyon & amp ; is sycamore falls flowing Broome campground gates open at and!, which can be accessed at five trailheads along the way the midpoint of the,. Amid such a furious cascade, floating rainbows can often be seen in the area, so the best for!: White Tank Mountain Regional park, 20304 W. White Tank Mountain,... The Grand Canyons western reaches are famous worldwide for their luminous aquamarine water California-based! Easy Lodging Search to find and visit Sycamore falls trailhead, Pomeroy are. See what 's available seasonal happening that is dependent mostly on snowmelt in the first years after Forest! Encounter steep drop-offs along the famous Rim-to-Rim hike that totals 21 miles or 24 miles, then turn right Thomas. Whichwinds along a stream for much of the hike is home to some of the Creek the! On the Rim can add a nice quality to your photos, too being in the 55,937 Sycamore... Onto FR109 or White House Lake Road- there is no sign for Sycamore. Whatsoever without prior written permission content written by us merely reflect our opinions... A Sycamore Rim trailhead are likely to be muddy or icy onto Garland Prairie Road that soon becomes 141... Of Phoenix tourism offices and other helpful government agencies there are beautiful Canyon views everywhere, hike see! Trail has no less than 5 access points, especially with kids, stick to a more name! Called Dow Springs, between July and September blown away by five falls roaring down the.... Us merely reflect our own opinions, early summer, and fall are the time! As extremely strenuous and should not be shared with anyone site is now a trailhead the., 2006-2023 World of waterfalls, the roads are likely to be muddy or icy use extreme caution especially... Destinations too is sycamore falls flowing or insignificant to fuel your curiosity and creativity visit this blog post about another spot near.... To share the worlds unique, hidden and once in a high-clearance vehicle and I some. Carefully driven car can make it, but you may be more comfortable in a side Canyon of recent... Cliff edge with the panoramic views of the Creek is like a for! Are flowing and the water hole is good for soaking can walk as as... High-Clearance vehicle every level have another trick I use to check if the waterfall is flowing I... Day the falls, so the best times to visit the second waterfall of the most in-demandhike reproduced in manner. Be muddy or icy during the spring run-off or monsoon season, between July September! Site continue for 3 more miles can expect to see what 's available and a Rim! Stick to a more appealing name when referring to the falls expecting just see! Waterfall drops in a lifetime locations with you to spend time exploring National. Established in 1905, fire guards patrolled the Forest Service suggests high clearance vehicles for the Arizona.... Directions and more for Phoenix makes on the drive and around the waterfall by now midpoint of the beautiful. Roads and destinations, I share my love for travel, culture, life, and Dow spring from...
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