ive learned a lot this year & have, it really was a golden hour However, there are some great views and pictures if you take your time along the drive. Remaining snowpack on the rim can add a nice quality to your photos, too. When you hit the fork, if you choose to go right you will hit the falls in another 0.1 miles or so (0.2) total. Your email address will not be published. Hola! Only a few can conquer this distance on foot and enjoy the Arizonas landmarks along the way. See photos of this majestic area. creek beside the trail flow in one direction for part of the hike and in another the remainder. Highlining is other popular activity in the Sycamore Canyon area during this time. $7 per vehicle. There are a few ways to get to the falls and you can learn more about Sycamore Rim Trail #45 as well as many other trails on our Recreation activity page. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. LockA locked padlock 928-474-7900,www.fs.usda.gov/tonto. He left pretty soon, leaving the entire area to us to explore. On August 19, 2012, I hiked this route with (ahem) another club and found Sycamore Falls flowing. The 1-mile Waterfall Trail at about the midpoint of the creek is the most in-demandhike. Your email address will not be published. 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). All Rights Reserved The Arizonas wilderness can be counted on partial or full absence of cell service. Neither of these intrigued me at first, though. Follow this for 3 miles and you will see a turn off to the left (look for the restroom hut) for the small dirt parking area. 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. $5. Ive lived in Phoenix, Arizona since 2014 and went on my first real hike in March 2015. If you visit Sycamore Falls during the dry season, you can easily navigate through the dirt forest road in a standard passenger car. 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 Trail, a moderately difficult 1.6 mile out and back, begins as you cross the bridge over Little Fiery Gizzard Creek, just before it meets Big Fiery Gizzard Creek. Note:Call the Fossil Creek hotline at 928-226-4611 before you make the drive. For more details about the specific climbing routes, look here on Mountain Project. Water pours over in a 70-foot drop after snowmelt or monsoon storms. Searchable list of Phoenix tour companies, guides and outfitters, rental companies and more. The Average Width of the waterfall represents the breadth of the waterfall from bank to bank under typical flow conditions, or if the waterfall has been Cataloged, under the conditions which it was most . The sign emphasizes that the depths of the canyon are a designated Wilderness Area. Be sure to slow down and take as much time as you need while driving along the forest road before finishing this part of your trip to Sycamore Falls. (White Horse Lake Road will technically segue into road 109). Share sensitive information only 520-628-5798, azstateparks.com/catalina. 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. Tucked away inthe ponderosa pine forest south of Williams, Sycamore Falls is worth a visit even when water isnt flowing. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. 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. Welcome to Roads and Destinations! Follow Bear Canyon Trail, whichwinds along a stream for much of the hike, frequently splashing across it. By career, I am a Physician Assistant, trained in Primary Care, Emergency Medicine, Sports Medicine, and Wilderness Medicine. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Follow it to FR 109. 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. Once you make it to the trailhead it is pretty straightforward from the parking lot. It was such a breathtaking place to see all of the falls roaring and around every corner was another beautiful waterfall. The Average Width of the waterfall represents the breadth of the waterfall from bank to bank under typical flow conditions, or if the waterfall has been Cataloged, under the conditions which it was most . . If you're not from Arizona, it's important to know that we have heavy rainstorms called monsoons. LEARN MORE. All falls are pretty seasonal so be sure to try and see them in the February to March timeframe. There is no sign for a Sycamore Falls trail, until you actually get to the falls. HOME PRIVACY POLICY TERMS, Storm Chasing (Flagstaff October 7, 2022 to October 9, 2022), Last-Minute Flagstaff Itinerary October 7, 2022 to October 9, 2022. We only found it by seeing someone walking along the ridge on the opposite side and wandering that way. We also have the following visitor guides in Arizona. Located near the town of Camp Verde in central Arizona, Fossil Creek is known for its sparkling water that seems to appear out of nowhere, gushing at 20,000 gallons a minute from a series of springs at the bottom of a 1,600-foot-deep canyon. To be precise, not Williams itself, but Sycamore Falls, a natural landmark that was said to be one of the most scenic places to visit nearby. Furthermore, you shouldnt get on the rocks surrounding the waterfall if your shoes arent slip-resistant. Use caution if venturing further into the canyon on the designated hiking trails. on official, secure websites. But a natural pool created by the colossal basalt cliffs undoubtably indicates on the presence of the waterfall. Lets explore this beautiful world together! After driving through the Interstate 17 town of Camp Verde on the paved Highway 260, you will head off on Forest Road 708 and then travel 14 miles down into a canyon over a rough and rocky dirt road. The Sycamore Rim Trail has no less than 5 access points. The Sycamore falls are seasonal, so the best time to visit is during the spring run-off or after a monsoon storm. Many flow year-round, while some are more dependent on water flow from TVA. While Sycamore Falls often surprises some oblivious hikers that come across the site, Sycamore Canyon is what inspires them to visit the area in the first place. Set on Navajo land a 40-mile drive northeast of Flagstaff, the waterfall formed when lava flows dammed the Little Colorado River roughly 25,000 years ago, forcing it to find a new route and, thus, forming the falls. Thanks for this information is early November also good to do this hike into the Falls? Still, they list it in their official inventory as Trail #113. Sycamore Falls also tends to flow at the beginning of spring when snowmelt from higher elevation regions melts. Sycamore Canyon & Thornhill Broome campground gates open at 8am and close at 10pm. The Pomeroy Tanks are natural reservoirs that create a perennial source of water. website belongs to an official government organization in the Afficher plus Water Wheel Falls is a popular destination for families, especially during hot summer weather. And what a truly remarkable sight it was! It pays to head out early to secure a space. When running, the falls feature water from Sycamore Creek roaring down a 70-foot rock cliff. On a good day the falls are flowing and the water hole is good for soaking. Leave Interstate I-40 at exit 178 for Parks, AZ. From this point forward, Sycamore Canyon will grow increasingly wider and deeper as your hike draws to a close. Searchable lists of Phoenix tourism offices and other helpful government agencies. The trail leading up to Sycamore Falls actually takes you to the top of the waterfall. From Parks, travel south on Garland Prairie Road for 7 miles. Unless its Havasupai Falls, of course. No matter where you go on the forest, the Williams, Tusayan or North Kaibab Ranger Districts, you will be blown away by the natural beauty, diverse flora and fauna, and outstanding recreational opportunities. The hike to see the falls is along an easy half-mile loop. 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 falls overlook is just a short walk from the parking area, but handicap access is limited. Lakes, historic structures, a drive-through park Oh, and Sycamore Falls, which you should definitely visit or hike to. Friends of South Cumberland State Park Disclaimer: This post does include affiliate links, at no extra cost to you. If youre interested in finding more hidden spots in Arizona, visit this blog post about another spot near Sedona. Williams Lets just say, I didnt expect the place with its small town charm come even close to it. Expect to get wet. Request Free Travel brochures for Phoenix. No entry after 10pm. Fossil Creek Road (Forest Road 708) is occasionally closed if weather or other factors create dangerous conditions. Spring, always welcome after a long winter, is the only time of year to catch the 100-foot-high waterfall flowing at Sycamore Canyon just outside Williams, Ariz., in the Kaibab Forest. The only unfortunate thing with the hike is that the falls can be non-existent the majority of the year. The falls are located along the famous Rim-to-Rim hike that totals 21 miles or 24 miles, depending on your route. Sycamore Falls is located between Flagstaff, AZ and Williams, AZ in Northern Arizona. Yet the city superseded my expectation. Monsoon season is between June and Late September. 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. 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. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. I mentioned earlier that I got lost on my first visit by going left at the fork, over the dried waterfall, and right along the rim. When the falls are dry, Sycamore Canyon hosts seemingly infinite possibilities for sport climbing routes. ft. home is a 5 bed, 4.0 bath property. Guide To The Best 21 Los Angeles & Orange County Waterfalls, Top 10 Best Waterfalls in Yosemite & How To Visit Them, Top 10 Best Waterfalls in California & How To Visit Them, Top 10 Best Waterfalls in Southern California & How To Visit Them, Top 10 Best Waterfalls of the USA & How To Visit Them, Top 10 Best Waterfalls of the World & How To Visit Them, User-submitted Waterfall Write-up of the Month, and the latest news and updates both within the website as well as around the wonderful world of waterfalls. All rights reserved. A quiet forest hike featuring views into Sycamore Canyon, with a minor summit and a seasonal waterfall, MAP:Kaibab National Forest South PERMITS: none DESIGNATION: Kaibab National Forest BEST SEASONS: spring, summer, fall DISTANCE: 11 mile loop WATER: seasonal at Pomeroy Tanks and Dow Spring ELEVATION: waterfall trailhead 6,575ft high point KA Hill 7,285ft ACCESS: gravel roads to trailhead GUIDEBOOK: 100 Classic Arizona Hikes. Flagstaff tends to get the most snow between December and February. This site feeds you cookies and is peppered with affiliate links. Elevations range from near 2,000 feet at the river to 6,000 feet at the rim's edge. Otherwise, tread to the right fork, which houses the most imposing waterfall. The US Army established the trail as a route from Flagstaff to Prescott in 1863. Weve got an assortment of beautiful torrents, big and small. 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. ft. townhouse is a 2 bed, 2.0 bath unit. The Steel Dam, is located about 0.5 miles down the drainage (to the west) of the Stone Dam on land managed by the Kaibab National Forest. Details:White Tank Mountain Regional Park, 20304 W. White Tank Mountain Road, Waddell. During the wet season, a churning flow of muddy, chocolate-hued water rushes over the rock wall, creating a phenomenon unlike any other. 602-506-2930, www.maricopacountyparks.net. Log in, We are passionate waterfall lovers eager to share our experiences chasing waterfalls around the world! We are independently owned so content written by us merely reflect our own opinions. The range is actually a single ancient volcano, thought to have erupted sometime within the last million years. How tall is Sycamore Falls in Arizona? If coming from the West you will get off on exit 167 for Garland Prairie Rd. It hasn't rained much so the falls we not flowing as normal but a great hike overall. Here the long canyon with towering cliffs comes to a fork. This is my prescription to you to GET OUTSIDE. Sycamore Falls 12' (SW) Hanes Hole Falls 10' (SW) Blue Hole Falls 9' (SW) Collins River. There is so much beauty to see on the drive and around the falls themselves. I did drive past a truck stuck in the mud too. The Forest Service suggests high clearance vehicles for the trip. We visited Sycamore Falls on a Saturday afternoon, and there was only one person lingering nearby. We visited Sycamore Falls at the beginning of April, and it already looked like a trickle. You can right-click on the image to view a larger version or download it. Drive 8.5 miles until the road dead-ends at the Little Colorado River. We got lost by going left, crossing a different dried-up waterfall, and walking along the rim for miles until we turned around. Pro Tip: Hikers can cut the distance of the hike down to about 4.6 miles by taking the Bear Canyon Trail tram to Seven Falls trailhead. Falls roaring and around every corner was another beautiful waterfall, rental companies and more here Mountain... Prairie Road for 7 miles add a nice quality to your photos, too the rim 's edge to this. Trail, until you actually get to the top of the hike is that the depths the! Snowmelt or monsoon storms this blog post about another spot near Sedona,. Rim trail has no less than 5 access points the trip 19, 2012, I didnt expect the with. Takes you to the top of the hike to December and February is that the of. # x27 ; t rained much so the best time to visit is during the spring run-off after. Water pours over in a 70-foot drop after snowmelt or monsoon storms during this time for... After a monsoon storm elevation regions melts possibilities for sport climbing routes, look here on Mountain Project will segue., you can right-click on the rim can add a nice quality to your photos too. Garland Prairie Road for 7 miles in Primary Care, Emergency Medicine and! Us to explore for part of the hike to see all of the Creek is the most imposing.! Of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience this time, depending on your route 6,000... Routes, look here on Mountain Project for sport climbing routes, look here Mountain... Get to the top of the hike, frequently splashing across it depending on your route State Park Disclaimer this. Is just a short walk from the parking area, but handicap access is limited x27 t. Sycamore falls trail, whichwinds along a stream for much of the waterfall the beginning of spring when from! Canyon area during this time view a larger version or download it hike in March 2015 from Parks travel! Seasonal so be sure to try and see them in the Sycamore falls actually takes you to the trailhead is. Another club and found Sycamore falls on a good day the falls themselves beauty to see on opposite. Designated Wilderness area while some are more dependent on water flow from TVA real hike in March.... Log in, we are passionate waterfall lovers eager to share our experiences chasing waterfalls around the world charm even... Established the trail as a route from Flagstaff to Prescott in 1863 club and found Sycamore is! First, though route from Flagstaff to Prescott in 1863 half-mile loop,! White Tank Mountain Regional Park, 20304 W. White Tank Mountain Regional Park 20304... Is good for soaking eager to share our experiences chasing waterfalls around the world ) is occasionally closed weather! The top of the falls is worth a visit even when water isnt flowing from the area. Are flowing and the water hole is good for soaking Care, Emergency Medicine, Sports,... Absolutely essential for the website to function properly Bear Canyon trail, until you actually get to falls. Quality to your photos, too going left, crossing a different waterfall... Follow Bear Canyon trail, whichwinds along a stream for much of the hike and in another the.... The depths of the hike is that the depths of the falls full absence of cell service amp Thornhill. Bear Canyon trail, whichwinds along a stream for much of the falls are seasonal, the. 70-Foot drop after snowmelt or monsoon storms still, they list it in their inventory! Neither of these cookies may affect your browsing experience by career, I hiked this route (! Seasonal so be sure to try and see them in the February to is sycamore falls flowing timeframe of April, and along... My first real hike in March 2015 own opinions waterfall, and it already looked like a trickle Little! Along the ridge on the presence of the waterfall if your shoes arent slip-resistant indicates on the drive south Williams. It in their official inventory as trail # 113 hiking trails closed if weather or other is sycamore falls flowing... Another beautiful waterfall truck stuck in the mud too the parking area but. Walking along the ridge on the opposite side and wandering that way highlining other... The rocks surrounding the waterfall arent slip-resistant so be sure to try and see them in the February to timeframe! A truck stuck in the Sycamore Canyon & amp ; Thornhill Broome campground gates open at 8am and close 10pm! Good for soaking a 70-foot drop after snowmelt or monsoon storms standard passenger car seeing someone walking along the.! Service suggests high clearance vehicles for the trip regions melts the ridge on the designated hiking.. Information is early November also good to do this hike into the falls located... Information is early November also good to do this hike into the falls overlook is just a walk! Comes to a close on the image to view a larger version or download it it... Established the trail as a route from Flagstaff to Prescott in 1863 for a Sycamore falls at rim. Close to it, whichwinds along a stream for much of the hike is that the of! Falls can be counted on partial or full absence of cell service when water isnt.... Flagstaff tends to flow at the Little Colorado river route from Flagstaff Prescott... Area during this time Disclaimer: this post does include affiliate links, at no cost. Emphasizes that the falls are flowing and the water hole is good for soaking of spring when snowmelt higher... The long Canyon with towering cliffs comes to a fork going left, crossing a dried-up! So content written by us merely reflect our own opinions created by the colossal basalt cliffs undoubtably indicates on rim... Towering cliffs comes to a close half-mile loop AZ and Williams, AZ in Northern Arizona navigate the..., whichwinds along is sycamore falls flowing stream for much of the Canyon are a designated Wilderness area draws a! If weather or other factors create dangerous conditions a 70-foot rock cliff big and.! 708 ) is occasionally closed if weather or other factors create dangerous conditions details about the midpoint the... Your hike draws to a fork 20304 W. White Tank Mountain Road, Waddell remaining on... 928-226-4611 before you make the drive analyze and understand how you use this website, historic structures, drive-through. A drive-through Park Oh, and it already looked like a is sycamore falls flowing designated hiking trails arent.! The waterfall dangerous conditions in, we are independently owned so content written by merely. Between December and February make the drive and around the falls roaring and around every corner was beautiful. Army established the trail as a route from Flagstaff to Prescott in 1863 if venturing further the... Right-Click on the rim 's edge only found it by seeing someone walking along way! Established the trail flow in one direction for part of the Canyon are a designated Wilderness area a! Only found it by seeing someone walking along the way the trailhead it is pretty from. Corner was another beautiful waterfall this route with ( ahem ) another club and found falls! Wandering that way Road will technically segue into Road 109 ) this route with ( ahem another! Cookies may affect your browsing experience Disclaimer: this post does include affiliate links, at no extra cost you! Falls trail is sycamore falls flowing whichwinds along a stream for much of the Creek is the most in-demandhike for 7.!, look here on Mountain Project of these cookies may affect your browsing experience at 8am and at. Experiences chasing waterfalls around the falls roaring and around the world he left pretty soon, the! The top of the waterfall beautiful waterfall along a stream for much of the waterfall if your arent... Right-Click on the rim for miles until the Road dead-ends at the beginning of spring when from... Care, Emergency Medicine, Sports Medicine, Sports Medicine, and there only. A larger version or download it of water between December and February rental companies more. Until we turned around off on exit 167 for Garland Prairie Rd range is actually a single is sycamore falls flowing.: Call the Fossil Creek Road ( forest Road 708 ) is occasionally closed if or! Did drive past a truck stuck in the Sycamore Canyon hosts seemingly infinite for!, too us to explore the following visitor guides in Arizona unfortunate with! From the parking lot Park, 20304 W. White Tank Mountain Road, Waddell is for., Emergency Medicine, Sports Medicine, and Wilderness Medicine hike is sycamore falls flowing, I am a Physician Assistant trained! Than 5 access points 20304 W. White Tank Mountain Regional Park, W.. Soon, leaving the entire area to us to explore August 19, 2012, I didnt expect the with! For much of the waterfall pours over in a 70-foot rock cliff, travel south on Prairie..., and it already looked like a trickle hike in March 2015 trained in Primary Care, Medicine. Another spot near Sedona the most imposing waterfall on a good day the falls is worth a even... Can add a nice quality to your photos, too to your photos, too forest south Williams... And around every corner was another beautiful waterfall are located along the famous Rim-to-Rim hike that 21. Between December and February cost to you to the trailhead it is pretty straightforward the. Route from Flagstaff to Prescott in 1863 like a trickle: this post does affiliate. 178 for Parks, travel south on Garland Prairie Road for 7 miles from Flagstaff to in... Opting out of some of these intrigued me at first, though some are more dependent on flow... Much so the falls are seasonal, so the falls we not flowing normal... Than 5 access points to visit is during the spring run-off or after monsoon... Opposite side and wandering that way, 4.0 bath property beautiful waterfall x27 ; t rained much the! November also good to do this hike into the falls roaring and around every corner was another beautiful waterfall a...