Sycamore Canyon (2BIII)

Location: Coconino National Forest, Prescott National Forest, Kaibab National Forest
Rating: Basic canyoneering "2B"
Longest Rappel: None
Permits: Check the USDA website for updates, camping information, and more.
Wet Suit: Not needed

Overview: Sycamore Canyon splits three national forests. This canyon is enormous and very long. The canyon's length is approximately 35 miles from Scholz Lake to the Verde River. There are no technical sections, and the highest rating is a 2B. It could take 5 to 7 days to explore the canyon's entirety.

Sycamore Canyon can be very hot and dry during the summer months. Several natural springs are located near the northeastern Wilderness trails, which generally have water year-round, but hikers should not depend on them for drinking water.

As this canyon becomes more accessible and popular, regulations will get tighter. Always use the pack-in/pack-out method to dispose of litter to keep your Forest clean. Use a digging tool to bury all human and pet waste at least 6 to 7 inches deep and 100ft away from trails and water sources.

For additional resources check out Kelsey Springs Trial Hiking Project.

Sycamore Canyon Headwaters

Length: 5 to 10 miles (as desired)
Start: Sycamore Falls Trailhead
End: There and Back
Shuttle: No

From Flagstaff, head West to Parks, AZ. Exit 178 (Garland Prairie Rd) and head south for 9.1 miles. Around mile 8, Garland Prairie Rd turns West. Then at junction Fs Rd #527 - mile 10, head north. After another mile, mile 11, turn West back onto Garland Prairie Rd. After 13.9 miles, turn left onto White Horse Lake Rd. Head south until you see Sycamore Falls Trailhead. From Parks to the Sycamore Falls Trailhead is 17.3 miles.

The idea is to explore down-canyon for 3 to 5 miles and then head back. Follow the Sycamore Rim Trail to Sycamore Falls. Or, from the parking lot, head south toward the Golden Pond - a tributary to Sycamore Canyon. Head down the canyon as long as you desire. Big Springs Canyon comes in from the North after a few miles. As the canyon makes its way south, you'll find Volunteer Canyon and, eventually, Little Lo Springs Canyon entering from the East. The tributary canyon, Little Lo Springs Canyons, is an ideal turning point.

Upper Sycamore Canyon

Length: 12-16 hours or 2 days
Mileage: 12-18 miles round trip
Start: Kelsey Springs Trail
End: Shuttle or There and Back
Shuttle: Optional

Set up a shuttle at Dogie Trailhead (to do the full Upper and Middle Section) or Winter Cabin Trailhead. To get to Kelsey Springs Trailhead, from Flagstaff, head West on Hwy 40, then turn south on Mountain Rd #231 (Woody Mountain Rd). After 12.1 miles, turn right onto Rd#538 and follow the road for 5.5 miles. Turn left onto #538G. At Jerome Rd intersection, head North (right) to Kelsey Springs Trail. Kelsey Trail is often referred to as Kelsey Spring Trail, Kelsey Winter Trail, or Kelsey-Winter Cabin Trail.

Follow Kelsey Springs Trail about a mile to Little Lo Trial, which runs to the North to access Sycamore Canyon. Explore the southern part of the canyon from Little Lo Spring Canyon to Taylor Cabin (approximately 9 miles in one direction). Explore as much as desired. This part of the canyon contains the only narrow section within the canyon.

A shuttle set up at the Winter Cabin Trailhead makes the trip about 12 miles allowing you to experience the Upper Sycamore Canyon. A shuttle set up at Dogie Trailhead is about 17 miles from the Kelsey Spring Trailhead where you will experience both Upper and Middle sections of Sycamore Canyon.

Middle Sycamore Canyon

Length: 12-16 hours
Mileage: 12-16 miles round trip
Start: Dogie Trailhead
End: There and Back
Shuttle: Optional

From Sedona, head West on Hwy89A about 6 miles to Loy Butt Dr or Rd#525. Follow Loy Butt for approximately 2.8 miles and turn left onto Sycamore Pass. Follow Sycamore Pass approximately 8.3 miles to Dogie Trailhead. Explore the northern section of Sycamore Canyon to Taylor Cabin, about 8 miles from the parking lot. The route to Taylor Canyon will most likely be very hot and dry.

Lower Sycamore Canyon

Length: 3-8 hours
Mileage: 8 miles round trip
Start: Sycamore Canyon Trailhead
End: There and Back
Shuttle: Optional

From Hwy 89A, head toward Clarkdale on Clarkdale Parkway – Just northwest of Cottonwood. Follow Main St. to S. Broadway. Head south (right) on S. Broadway. Turn east (left) on Tuzigoot Rd. Follow Tusigoot Rd. to Sycamore Canyon Rd. Head north on Sycamore Canyon Rd. to the Parsons & Packards Trailheads. Explore the north part of the canyon to Parsons Springs, about 4 miles up the canyon.

Alternatively, you may opt for a long shuttle excursion by placing a car at Parsons Trailhead and driving toward Dogie Trailhead. From Dogie Trailhead, hike toward Sycamore Canyon; once you enter Sycamore Canyon, head downstream, south to Parsons Trailhead and eventually your vehicle at Parsons Trailhead - Approximately 16 miles total.