Butterly Canyon Near Sycamore Creek

Location: Mazatzal Mountains / Tonto National Forest, AZ
Rating: Basic Canyoneering Hike 2C III
Length: 4 to 8 hours
Mileage: ~5 miles
Longest Rappel: None documented. Significant scrambling and potential Class 5 downclimbing may lead some parties to carry a rope for safety.
Start: Hwy 87 near Milepost 217
End: Sycamore Creek crossing near Mileposts 212–213
Permits: None
Wet Suit: Seasonal depending on water levels and temperature
Shuttle: Recommended (~4.5 miles)

Note: This canyon should not be confused with Butterfly Canyon near Kaibeto on the Navajo Nation. The route described here is a separate drainage within the Sycamore Creek watershed of the Mazatzal Mountains.

Overview: Butterfly Canyon is a rarely visited tributary of Sycamore Creek that offers a remote wilderness experience despite its proximity to the Phoenix metropolitan area.

Butterfly Canyon is a rugged tributary of Sycamore Creek located in the southern Mazatzal Mountains north of Fountain Hills and Mesa. The canyon descends through granite terrain into the perennial waters of Sycamore Creek, creating a route that combines desert hiking, flowing water, boulder scrambling, and riparian vegetation.

Unlike Arizona's sandstone slot canyons, Butterfly Canyon cuts through granite bedrock and supports seasonal to perennial water depending on conditions. The canyon provides a remote wilderness experience despite its relatively close proximity to the Phoenix metropolitan area.

The route is physically demanding and often slower than expected due to dense vegetation, large boulder fields, creek crossings, and route finding challenges.

Approach:From Hwy 87 (Beeline Highway), drive north approximately 4.5 miles beyond the Sycamore Creek crossing to pullouts near Milepost 217. Park the starting vehicle and locate a route descending eastward into Butterfly Canyon.

Shuttle Setup: Park an exit vehicle near Sycamore Creek where it passes beneath Hwy 87 between Mileposts 212 and 213. From the bridge crossing, turn east onto Forest Road 1704 and continue approximately 0.2 miles to available parking near the lower canyon exit.

Route Description: The route begins with a steep descent from the Beeline Highway into the upper canyon. The upper portion of the route involves steep slopes, thorny vegetation, route finding, and potentially exposed Class 5 downclimbing before reaching the canyon bottom.

Once in the drainage, travel generally follows the creek downstream through granite constrictions, pools, and riparian vegetation. Water is often present and progress may alternate between creek walking, boulder hopping, and bypassing vegetation.

Several obstacles may require scrambling or careful navigation, though technical rope work is generally not required.

Water is commonly present throughout portions of the canyon. Water levels vary considerably following winter storms and summer monsoons.

Exit: Continue downstream until reaching Sycamore Creek and the lower trailhead area near Forest Road 1704. Many parties utilize a shuttle, though an out and back variation is possible for those seeking a longer and more strenuous outing.

Butterfly Canyon near Sycamore Creek offers a rugged wilderness route through granite canyon terrain, combining flowing water, scrambling, and remote desert scenery into one of the more adventurous canyon hikes within the Sycamore Creek region.