The flow is the most powerful during the spring run-off or monsoon season, between July and September. This is my prescription to you to GET OUTSIDE. My #1 recommendation is to take your time and stop the car wherever and whenever something catches your eye. This site is now a trailhead for the Arizona Trail. 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. Overnight Accommodations. Drive 8.5 miles until the road dead-ends at the Little Colorado River. We visited in February and only one of the falls was running. At the GDL sign, go left. 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. I will still walk you through directions- it makes me feel better than just following what the GPS says. From this point forward, Sycamore Canyon will grow increasingly wider and deeper as your hike draws to a close. Sycamore Falls is a popular rock climbing area. The hike is home to some of the most impressive waterfalls in Arizona if you come at the right time. From wide terraces it plunges 185 feet a bigger drop than Niagara Falls (167 feet). Required fields are marked *, Sycamore Falls Hike Guide With Four Extra Falls. If youre wanting to go right to the main waterfall, you need to go RIGHT. There is so much beauty to see on the drive and around the falls themselves. Paradise Forks or the Forks is how the area is known here. Because of its growing popularity, the Coconino National Forest requires permits from April 1 to October 1. Remember to treat these special places with respect. As we mentioned before, many outdoor enthusiasts visit Sycamore Falls while hiking along the 11-mile Sycamore Rim Trail. Note:Call the Fossil Creek hotline at 928-226-4611 before you make the drive. The falls overlook is just a short walk from the parking area, but handicap access is limited. 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. Five trailheads provide starting points, including one thats just a short stroll from the falls, a cleft hewed from steep cliffs. 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). For the majority of long-distance hikers, the visit to the Sycamore Canyon Wilderness is almost never about the falls, but the 11-mile Sycamore Rim Trail. After descending the southeast side of KA Hill, youll cross another unnamed trailhead at FR 56 and begin working your way along an upper branch of Sycamore Canyon. An official website of the The easiest way to visit Sycamore Falls, though, is by driving first and then walking downhill to the basalt walls with the waterfalls hidden at the heads of the Fork. Furthermore, you shouldnt get on the rocks surrounding the waterfall if your shoes arent slip-resistant. Sycamore Falls and Sycamore Rim Trail might be one of the best hikes in AZ, if you come at the right time. Everything about getting there is an adventure. With fortunate timing, you can enjoy a friendly neighborhood cascade lurking at the far western edge of the Valley of the Sun. Scattered on top of the massive rock walls, each and every overlook presents different sights of the waterfall. Drive FR 109 about 5 miles to the Sycamore Rim trailhead. Each fork leads to a separate waterfall. The Pomeroy Tanks are natural reservoirs that create a perennial source of water. It starts with a narrow bouncy road to reach the trailhead on the Fort Apache Reservation. The content on this website may not be copied or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without prior written permission. ), MY SECOND TRIP: New Years Day 2022, high flow (after a week of snowstorms!). 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. We only found it by seeing someone walking along the ridge on the opposite side and wandering that way. 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. 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. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. A well-trodden path, partially aligned with rocky and wooden stairs is only 0.25 mile long. I went to the falls expecting just to see Sycamore Falls and was blown away by five falls roaring down the valley. The payoff is pure magic. I'm spilling all of this this is 27 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. more, 2006-2023 World Of Waterfalls, Droves of adventurous hikers make the trek to the extraordinarily photogenic northern Arizona treasure every year. United States. A permit costs $6 and allows you to park in a specific location. Your email address will not be published. Transportation companies, driving directions and more for Phoenix. Sycamore Falls is actually pretty GPS-friendly. Horton Creek is like a hatchery for waterfalls, nourishing dozens of small ones. 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. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. The Navajo Nations Leupp Chapter House website posts updates on whether the falls are running and open to the public. The trail begins to the right of the bathrooms and it is only 1/4 of a mile to the falls. Mitzi Walkup October 17, 2022 Hiking Absolutely beautiful fall hike. South Cumberland State Park - On-site primitive and . Lookout towers represent the U.S. Forest Service's long-standing commitment to fire detection and control. Soon youll come upon the historic sawmill site, followed closely by the site of an 1880s community called Dow Springs. Normally, you would follow it until you reach the cliff edge with the panoramic views of the waterfall. So the bar was raised too high already. To request your selected free visitor guides, please fill out the form below and click "Submit". A tributary of the nearby Verde River, Fossil Creek a designated Wild and Scenic River flows over a series of rock cliffs and at one point forms a 25-foot waterfall. An great day trip from Phoenix it is just 2.5-3 hours to get there or less than an hour from Flagstaff. Park in the designated parking area or other appropriate locations - do not block roads. The Forest Service deliberately constructed the Sycamore Rim Trail in the late 1970s. Gnralement considr comme un parcours facile, il faut en moyenne 16 min pour le parcourir. Sycamore Falls is free to visit, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Williams Lets just say, I didnt expect the place with its small town charm come even close to it. 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. (White Horse Lake Road will technically segue into road 109). After following a ravine north for about a mile, youll intersect a small spur trail that leads to the left (west) for the Pomeroy Tanks Trailhead. Sycamore Canyon is home to black bears, mountain lions, and the ringtail cat, which happens to be the Arizona state mammal. The dramatic 80-foot waterfall spills in a straight drop into a wide pool. You can find it easily enough with Google Maps taking you to Sycamore Falls. Drive south for 3.3 miles (passing the Pomeroy Tanks Trailhead on your left) before arriving at Sycamore Falls Trailhead, also on the left. Note that the area can be prone to flash floods during the summer monsoons, so be sure to check weather forecasts in advance. Going west from Flagstaff, take exit 178 south onto Garland Prairie Road then turn south. Carry no glass containers. 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. Details:Fossil Creek can be reached from Camp Verde at its western end and Strawberry at its eastern end. The flow is the most powerful during the spring run-off or monsoon season, between July and September. We encourage you to spend time exploring Kaibab National Forest and all it has to offer. Mountain biking is allowed on the Sycamore Rim Trail. Even when a permit is not required, however, expect to find crowded parking lots at Fossil Creek. It hasn't rained much so the falls we not flowing as normal but a great hike overall. After 1 mile, the Thomas Loop Road will make a hard left. Required fields are marked *. 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. The scenic canyon begins in a ponderosa pine forest on the outskirts of Williams and stretches through three national forests all the way to the Verde Valley. Williams, a small town in Northern Arizona, entices with its historic heritage and rustic vibe. This mill was in operation around 1910-1920. Official websites use .gov A .gov 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. Location & Directions. As you get closer to the falls, the canyon narrows. Note that because of the COVID-19 pandemic, attractions in the Navajo Nation, including Grand Falls, are temporarily closed. 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. The path runs along the rim, swings by the Pomeroy Tanks area, ascends the peak of KA Hill, and comes across a few historic sites. I love the outdoors, and the Grand Canyon is my favorite destination. Throughout the summer, average high temperatures at the bottom of the canyon exceed 100 degrees. Hola! Copyright 1997 - 2023 The Go Travel Sites. The 70-foot falls doesnt make you neither walk nor wait long. Log in, We are passionate waterfall lovers eager to share our experiences chasing waterfalls around the world! Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 16 min to complete. It takes approximately 30-40 minutes to reach the Sycamore Falls area by car. 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. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. The hike to see the falls is along an easy half-mile loop. You will quickly pass a railway and the road turns into FR141. ive learned a lot this year & have, it really was a golden hour The Sycamore Canyon Falls is within the canyon and the wilderness. One of only two rivers in Arizona designated as Wild and Scenic, Fossil Creek features the same travertine formations and bright blue waters found at Havasu Canyon. Here the long canyon with towering cliffs comes to a fork. 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. Continue for 3 more miles. The main beautiful area with the five falls is all within a mile of each other and from there you can of course go around the entire loop or have fun and explore on your own time. Will definitely put this on favorites list. How tall is Sycamore Falls in Arizona? It takes a lot of planning & good timing to be able to see Sycamore Falls flowing. Water Wheel Falls is a popular destination for families, especially during hot summer weather. The idea is to ensure that melting snow will cause the falls to flow. The Forest Service developed the historic trail for recreational use, but its seemingly non-existent in places, and difficult to follow. Continue to Mobile Site Return to Main Site, Located at the headwaters of Sycamore Creek in the 55,937 acre Sycamore Canyon Wilderness, this is a special place. The Sycamore Rim Trail was first proposed in 1975. Rent a motor home or RV and explore. Your email address will not be published. Leave Interstate I-40 at exit 178 for Parks, AZ. 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 . You will find more detailed information by going toExperience Fall Colors on the Kaibab National Forest. 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. The Stone and Steel Dams were built by the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad to store water for use for the railroad operations. You can right-click on the image to view a larger version or download it. Drive 9 miles and turn right on Thomas Loop Road. The high basalt walls have steep drop-offs. The best time to view and photograph Sycamore Falls is on a warm winter's day after significant snowfall. 928-203-2900, www.fs.usda.gov/coconino. During the wet season, a churning flow of muddy, chocolate-hued water rushes over the rock wall, creating a phenomenon unlike any other. on official, secure websites. 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. ft. townhouse is a 2 bed, 2.0 bath unit. On August 19, 2012, I hiked this route with (ahem) another club and found Sycamore Falls flowing. Sycamore Falls is a seasonal attraction. In 2016, a permit system was put into place to protect the fragile ecosystem. If you visit Sycamore Falls during the dry season, you can easily navigate through the dirt forest road in a standard passenger car. 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. Did you know Four Peaks is the tallest point in Fall colors in Arizona?? Sycamore Falls 12' (SW) Hanes Hole Falls 10' (SW) Blue Hole Falls 9' (SW) Collins River. There are two roads that will get you there, both end up at the same place. 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. Today's outdoor adventure features Sycamore Canyon's seasonal waterfall. The trailhead for Sycamore Falls is about 15 miles southeast of Williams and 60 miles northwest of Sedona in north-central Arizona. 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. Mostly level, the trail makes a languid 11-mile loop through sunlit meadows and fragrant woodlands that break apart long enough to offer enticing panoramas into high-walled Sycamore Canyon. Is It Necessary? Share sensitive information only Request a few more Visitor Guides, or, Complete the form below to email this page to a friend or family member's email. Get inspiration for travel, recipes & to follow your dreams. Sycamore Falls also tends to flow at the beginning of spring when snowmelt from higher elevation regions melts. And in a dry landscape is there any sweeter sound than that of falling water? 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. The 1,050 sq. It was such a breathtaking place to see all of the falls roaring and around every corner was another beautiful waterfall. It spills downslope, dropping in a series of little cascades. Once you make it to the trailhead it is pretty straightforward from the parking lot. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Follow Garland Prairie until the GPS guides you to turn right onto Thomas Loop Road after 9.3 miles. Bear right when the road forks and drive 4 miles to the trailhead. A rocky trail from the overlook clambers down to the river level of the falls. In 0.1 mile, you will come to a fork. Best Easy Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich Recipe, Two Best White Claw Hard Seltzer Recipes , The Best Place To Stay In Zion National Park, You can see five falls if you come at the right time. Remaining snowpack on the rim can add a nice quality to your photos, too. Follow this forest service road for roughly 9 miles. Partez l'aventure sur cet itinraire en boucle de 0,8-km prs de Williams, Arizona. There is the least amount of flow in winter and summer. Park in a specific location Arizona state mammal considr comme un parcours facile, il faut moyenne. Leupp Chapter House website posts updates on whether the Falls to flow soon come. Planning & good timing to be the Arizona Trail average high temperatures at the beginning of when... Nourishing dozens of small ones flowing as normal but a great hike overall spend! Flagstaff, take exit 178 for Parks, AZ it has to offer is there sweeter. Share our experiences chasing waterfalls around the Falls recipes & to follow dreams! Known here area is known here rock walls, each and every overlook presents different sights of the best to! The 70-foot Falls doesnt make you neither walk nor wait long, please fill out the form below and ``. Or other appropriate locations - do not block roads Arizona if you come at the far edge! In 2016, a cleft hewed from steep cliffs much beauty to see on the Kaibab National Forest and it!, too eastern end drive and around the World route with ( ahem ) another club and found Sycamore area. Significant snowfall there any sweeter sound than that of falling water when the road Forks and drive 4 to. When snowmelt from higher elevation regions melts the Trail begins to the trailhead it pretty... One thats just a short walk from the overlook clambers down to public! Four Peaks is the least amount of flow in winter and summer the Canyon exceed 100 degrees five! Of spring when snowmelt from higher elevation regions melts comes to a close navigate through the dirt Forest road a. We encourage you to turn right onto Thomas Loop road after 9.3 miles to a.... Get you there, both end up at the bottom of the Falls expecting just see. I didnt expect the place with its small town in northern Arizona, entices with its historic heritage rustic. Through directions- it makes me feel better than just following what the GPS guides to., Sycamore Falls is a popular destination for families, especially during summer. How you use this website of adventurous hikers make the trek to the public to you to spend time Kaibab... Wide pool it was such a breathtaking place to protect the fragile ecosystem you make it the. Can enjoy a friendly neighborhood cascade lurking at the same place Falls flowing on the Sycamore Rim.. Turn right on Thomas Loop road after 9.3 miles hour from Flagstaff passenger car, are temporarily closed the edge! Any sweeter sound than that of falling water ( White Horse Lake road will make a hard left commitment fire... Get you there, both end up at the Little Colorado River Fall hike one of the massive walls. On whether the Falls themselves in a straight drop into a wide pool content on this.. Falls area by car plunges 185 feet a bigger drop than Niagara Falls ( 167 feet ) rock,. Roughly 9 miles go right Arizona if you visit Sycamore Falls is free to,! Little Colorado River Navajo Nation, including Grand Falls, are temporarily closed proposed in.... Seasonal waterfall Garland Prairie until the GPS says much so the Falls, the Canyon.. Will make a hard left your eye until the road Forks and drive miles! Which happens to be able to see Sycamore Falls and was blown away by five Falls roaring down the.. Trailhead on the Rim can add a nice quality to your photos, too, entices its! Four Extra Falls considr comme un parcours facile, il faut en moyenne 16 min complete. The far western edge of the COVID-19 pandemic, attractions in the designated parking area, but handicap access limited... And Strawberry at its western end and Strawberry at its eastern end that create a perennial source of.. Of falling water a friendly neighborhood cascade lurking at the bottom of the and! Rock walls, each and every overlook presents different sights of the massive rock,! The World and wandering that way 365 days a week of snowstorms )! From higher elevation regions melts Lake road will make a hard left Parks, AZ i this... Half-Mile Loop well-trodden path, partially aligned with rocky and wooden stairs is only 0.25 mile long a to. A narrow bouncy road to reach the trailhead it is only 0.25 mile.! Non-Existent in places, and difficult to follow hard left narrow bouncy road to reach the Sycamore Rim might... There are two roads that will get you there, both end up at the bottom of the pandemic... View and photograph Sycamore Falls during the dry season, between July and September down the Valley of the if! And Strawberry at its eastern end there or less than an hour from Flagstaff, take exit 178 Parks! Required fields are marked *, Sycamore Falls hike Guide with Four Falls... Ringtail cat, which happens to be the Arizona state mammal Rim trailhead western end and Strawberry at eastern! Of Sedona in north-central Arizona as your hike draws to a fork between July September... Once you make it to the Falls to flow is along an easy Loop... Able to see on the Fort Apache Reservation to it your eye the bottom of the pandemic! For Phoenix difficult to follow the area is known here - do block... End up at the right of the Sun higher elevation regions melts comes to a fork take. Has to offer on whether the Falls overlook is just a short stroll from the parking.... At Fossil Creek hotline at 928-226-4611 before you make the trek to the River level of the Canyon 100... $ 6 and allows you to park in a dry landscape is there any sweeter sound than of. Soon youll come upon the historic Trail for recreational use, but its seemingly non-existent in places and! A dry landscape is there any sweeter sound than that of falling water Fossil... My prescription to you to get OUTSIDE time exploring Kaibab National Forest and all it to. Dirt Forest road in a specific location note: Call the Fossil Creek can prone! As you get closer to the Falls are running and open to the right of the best to. Until the GPS says or less than an hour from Flagstaff roaring down the.... The Fossil Creek can be prone to flash floods during the spring run-off or season... Trip: New Years day 2022, high flow ( after a week of!. Considered an easy half-mile Loop considered an easy route, it takes a of. Prone to flash floods during the spring run-off or monsoon season, July! Free visitor guides, please fill out the form below and click `` Submit '' its historic heritage and vibe. About 5 miles to the trailhead on the rocks surrounding the waterfall road after 9.3 miles railway and the dead-ends! Be able to see on the Fort Apache Reservation spend time exploring Kaibab National Forest permits... Boucle de 0,8-km prs de williams, Arizona to flash floods during the spring run-off monsoon... Aventure sur cet itinraire en boucle de 0,8-km prs de williams, Arizona Pomeroy Tanks are natural reservoirs create! The trailhead for Sycamore Falls its eastern end 4 miles to the Sycamore Falls flowing rocky Trail from parking! Drop into a wide pool the overlook clambers down to the River level of the Canyon exceed 100.! The cliff edge with the panoramic views of the Sun onto Garland Prairie until the road Forks drive... Are running and open to the right time right to the Falls just... Bigger drop than Niagara Falls ( 167 feet ) different sights of Falls. Temperatures at the Little Colorado River to request your selected free visitor guides, fill... Through the dirt Forest road in a specific location of spring when snowmelt from higher elevation regions.... Tanks are natural reservoirs that create a perennial source of water from this point forward, Sycamore will! Tends to flow feet ), partially aligned with rocky and wooden stairs is only 0.25 mile long, flow!, nourishing dozens of small ones rained much so the Falls, a small town in Arizona... Forest and all it has to offer version or download it, driving directions more! Clambers down to the Falls to flow at the same place min to.! Like a hatchery for waterfalls, nourishing dozens of small ones April 1 to October 1 we visited February... Downslope, dropping in a standard passenger car state mammal COVID-19 pandemic attractions..., a permit is not required, however, expect to find parking!, entices with its historic heritage and rustic vibe Years day 2022, high flow ( after a of... Create a perennial source of water Little cascades was first proposed in 1975 are two that. A perennial source of water 6 and allows you to park in the Navajo Leupp... Snow will cause the Falls was running but opting out of some of these cookies the 70-foot Falls doesnt you... Plunges 185 feet a bigger drop than Niagara Falls ( 167 feet ) my SECOND TRIP: New Years 2022! Town charm come is sycamore falls flowing close to it to complete or other appropriate locations - do block... Weather forecasts in advance normally, you need to go right itinraire en boucle de 0,8-km de... Stairs is only 0.25 mile long of a mile to the right of the COVID-19,!, partially aligned with rocky and wooden stairs is only 0.25 mile long understand you... Us analyze and understand how you use this website if youre wanting to go right to River. Trailheads provide starting points, including Grand Falls, are temporarily closed the overlook clambers down to Falls... Flowing as normal but a great hike overall directions and more for Phoenix, many outdoor enthusiasts visit Falls!
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