Roads are sedan-friendly.INFO: Red Rock Ranger District, Coconino National Forest, 928-203-2900, http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/coconino/recreation/fishing/recarea/?recid=74377&actid=43POST-SWIM: Vintages Grille offers an impressive wine and beer list including several Arizona classics to complement their eclectic menu of burgers, pizza, seafood and vegetarian dishes. Theres a vault toilet in the parking lot. Did not do the whole trail, turned around at the creek crossing. 5155 N. Dave Wingfield Rd., Rimrock, 928-592-9220, vintagesgrille.com. Thats just the way locals and in-the-know visitors liked it: While Slide Rock was always bustling with slipping and sliding visitors, Grasshopper Point remained an under-the-radar haunt for picnicking, fishing and swimming, with room to spread out and enjoy the quiet. The "hidden" label of this spot is not to be taken lightly. hardest part was coming back out of the canyon. The trail crosses the stream seven times, and after some switchbacks ascending the canyon wall, youll find yourself directly opposite the falls. An easy, 10-minute hike from the trailhead transports you to the desert swimming hole of your dreams: hulking red sandstone cliffs and verdant sycamores and cottonwoods frame a large, refreshing pool with depths ranging from 3-10 feet. The directions were easy to follow and necessary since the fire roads are not well marked (or just plain unmarked). Ortega Falls This 1/3-mile round trip hike visits a refreshing waterfall, cascade, and swimming hole off Ortega Highway in the Santa Ana Mountains. This could be a short hike or all day. It was mostly dry on the road this trip but during wet weather the roadbed looks like it gets sloppy..with lots of muddy spots. Difficult to find the trail. be a very good destination if you're looking for a nice swimming hole. Warningrattlesnakes are out! Here is a thing that should not be, yet is. Just remember three simple words: Leave no trace. The river pools up into a beautiful swimming area about 1 mile in. A small store serves as the park's visitor center and sells food, drink, bait and supplies. Weather was beautiful, as well as the scenery. The Allens Bend Trail follows Oak Creek for those looking to stretch their legs on a short hike. As you could see, "The Blue Hole" is just love Chadwyck Lemm 91 followers More information sycamore canyon swimming hole - Google Search Dont enter canyons if rain is a possibility. We love exploring all of these hidden gems in Arizona. These days its more party vibe than cattle drive along the 1.5-mile stretch of Houston Mesa Road, where a string of day-use sites collectively known as Water Wheel attracts hordes of heat-weary city folks. Additionally, the trail is damaged but still easy enough to follow; it just goes over large log fall areas now. What degree of difficulty? One of the worst hikes I've ever done. When it comes to fun on the water, lets not overlook the Big Kahuna the Colorado River. There is a lot of overgrowth and thorns, especially as you get further in. You can make a day of it and hike the 11-mile round trip in about six hours, wading through four thigh-deep creek crossings, or you can beeline for the creeks most superlative swimming hole: Bull Pen, located on the creeks north side. Jumping from rock to rock is also fun just make sure to bring water socks or shoes with adequate grip (also necessary for the thrillingly vertical hike down to the water). Just want to see the scenery and take pictures. we got monsoons on and it felt great! It feels very cozy somehow and gives me a chance to focus. Although this is still a very hot Canyon and people need to be advised to bring enough water (at least 2 bottles each). Easy to moderate hike with a beautiful view at the turn around. Lots of trees down. Sort by: The trail is really pretty and well marked! The trail changes from rock, dirt, sand, river rock, and dense brush throughout the entire 4 miles. Learn more. Turn left onto AZ-87 North, then turn right onto Forest Service Road 95. is there any old Trading Posts near Williams? Sabino Canyon Recreation Area 5900 N. Sabino Canyon Rd. Roger Naylor is an Arizona travel writer and author. Sycamore Canyon: Great hiking!! Also known as "The Jug", this is a hike and swimming hole unique from any other in Arizona. out and back. Magazines have called Slide Rock one of the ten best swimming holes in the country (Havasupai Falls also made that list, not bad for a desert state, eh). trail is fairly easy going. Can see a bit more of the canyon walls with some of the tree foliage gone for winter. The main attraction is the arching torrent and plunge pool at Ellison Creek Falls, where brisk water slips over polished cliffs before charging south toward the Verde River. However, although the crystal-clear water looks inviting, it's extremely cold even in the height of summer. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Where: From Camp Verde, drive east on State Route260 for 6 miles to Forest Road 618. It is quiet and very beautiful. Its along Bridgewater Channel, a spit of sand with a view of the famous bridge. ELEVATION: 3,800-3,600FACILITIES: NoneFEE: NoneDOGS: Controlled/leashed allowedGETTING THERE: From Phoenix, travel north on Interstate 17 to exit 287 for State Route 260. bradshawmountains.com, SANTA CATALINAS-TUCSON[Moderate] Bear Canyon: This moderate, 2.2-mile hike takes a little over an hour and rewards with a stop at Seven Falls, an area within Bear Canyon boasting abundant azure waterfalls and pools. Once inside the park, follow the main road 1.5 miles to the Romero Canyon trailhead. The canyon was beautiful, and we enjoyed our picnic lunch, took pictures, and searched for insects. lost the trail in a few areas but found it again. Where: From Cottonwood, drive northwest on Main Street, following signs to Tuzigoot National Monument. Sycamore Canyon Swimming Hole Yesterday the wife and I decided on a hike in the remote Sycamore Canyon Wilderness (just to the west of Sedona, AZ), with the destination being this idyllic swimming hole found along Sycamore Creek. The Sycamore Canyon property is located in southern Graham County, Arizona, approximately 20 miles northeast of the town of Willcox. FR 215 can be rough going and is best managed in a high clearance vehicle. Unbelievable what the fires up in the canyon and Monsoons have done to this place ! I do not recommend to anyone. Thats something you dont find at most swimming holes. Sycamore Canyon is big it'sArizonas second largest canyon and mostly dry. is about a mile wide the 2nd largest only to Oak Creek. Access to this extremely popular water play destination is via a 3.5-mile section of the Parsons Trail #144 that follows Sycamore Creek, a tributary of the Verde River. Floods have knocked down a large percentage of the trees. Will definitely come back again! Sycamore Canyon: Amazing Falls - See 39 traveler reviews, 11 candid photos, and great deals for Arizona, at Tripadvisor. We drove unpaved roads to a remote location, so I recommend taking necessary stuff like water if you're planning to hike. Four dirt lots First Crossing, Water Wheel, Second Crossing and Third Crossing all offer park-and-swim access to the water, but a little wading and hiking will get you to the really good stuff. The flood debris is interesting to see, but not worth the drive or effort in my opinion. In June we were able to find large caches of water on the canyon floor for a 3day/2 night backpack. You can take a guided tour to the falls, or choose to make the trek on your own. Clear water flows among rounded sunbathing rocks and tiered cliffs. Does this canyon have a hiking trail before you get to the falls? Saw what looked like a mine entrance a ways back so decided to check it out but once again was too deep of water to cross to get to it. Scenic overlook at TH has views of red rocks and the canyon and creek below. Pictures. http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/tonto/null/recarea/?recid=35587&actid=70, http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/coconino/recreation/?cid=stelprdb5298713, http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/coconino/recreation/fishing/recarea/?recid=74377&actid=43, http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/coconino/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=55372&actid=50, http://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/coconino/recreation/?cid=stelprdb5299994&width=full, http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/coconino/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=54998&actid=50, Dish Fest and other Things To Do This Week, Hike of the Week: Boulders Loop in the Payson Area Trails System, Hike of the Week: Browns Mountain in the Scottsdale McDowell Sonoran Preserve, Life in the Low Lane: A History of Lowrider Culture in the Valley. 90% of travelers recommend this experience. For more than 50 years, PHOENIX magazine's experienced writers, editors, and designers have captured all sides of the Valley with award-winning and insightful writing, and groundbreaking report and design. Tumbling from the forested heights of the Mogollon Rim, West Clear Creek slices a deep narrow gash through sandstone cliffs. Centennial Beach, 500 Jackson Ave, Naperville, IL 60540, USA 10. The steep climb down to start made for a heart pumping climb back up. Turn left immediately after the Leaning Cowboy landmark on the right side of the road, then drive two miles and turn right onto Forest Road 215. FLAGSTAFF-GRAND CANYON [Difficult] Havasupai: To the natives who inhabit this valley, Havasupai means people of the blue-green waters. And in a desert state, the sight of blue-green water spilling over red sandstone cliffs into turquoise pools is always a welcome sight. At mile 1.0, Sycamore Canyon comes into view with Boulder Mountain to the right. Swimming holes are spread along the entire length and getting to them begins on a high-desert mesa with a 200-foot decent into a lush riparian forest buttressed by sandstone escarpments and bizarre vertical walls of columnar basalt like those at Devils Postpile in California. Bring no glass containers. Will try it again in the spring. With small waves lapping the shore and gulls crying overhead, its easy to forget you're in Arizona. The roads were in excellent condition, even though we took a four wheel drive vehicle, which was not needed. It is in North Central Arizona bordering and below the Mogollon Rim, and is located west and northwest of Sedona in Yavapai and Coconino counties. Details: 520-287-6965, azstateparks.com/patagonia-lake. 14. Sorry to hear what nature has done, I did this trail a few years ago during fall colors and it was a truly beautiful hike. Find the reporter at www.rogernaylor.com. It is about an 8 mile hike (1600 feet down) and you must have reservations to camp or stay at the lodge. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Although the attractions up to this point are satisfying enough, those in search of an epic cowabunga moment will want to trek or wade another mile to Bell Crossing and The Crack, a flood-whittled slot canyon with deep, chilly pools and a sandstone dive pad known as The Tongue of the Beaver. Sedona always makes the top of the list for romantic getaways for Valentine's Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and on and on and on. 928-282-3034, azstateparks.com/Parks/SLRO/index.html, BRADSHAW MOUNTAINS-PRESCOTT[Easy] Big Dipper Hells Hole: Originally a pack-mule trail that led down into a deep canyon, Hells Hole is now a pool where Horse Thief Creek and Poland Creek converge. Where: From Phoenix take 1-17 North to the Sedona exit (Exit 298) and turn right on Forest Road 618. Nobody else out there :). Sycamore is the second-largest canyon in the state but there's a special intimacy to this segment of the gorge, shaggy with greenery. But those willing to hoof it along Bell Trail #13 and its numerous spur paths will discover a mix of swift-flowing channels, neck-high pools, leaf-addled eddies and cowboy-soak tubs suitable for luxuriating under a refreshing canopy of sycamores. This happens to be about a 40-minute ride over Switzer Falls, in the heart of the Angeles National Forest. Lots of flood debris, way more than last time we did this hike in 2019. Follow this road for three miles to the parking area. Winding for 30 miles, West Clear Creek is the longest drainage. Continue for approximately 0.6 miles until you see the sign for Sycamore Falls. Take Highway 89A South from Sedona to Cottonwood AZ. It's mostly a good wide graded gravel road to White Horse Lake Campground (most cars and RV's can make it easily to the lake). You may have even seen photos. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. The Big Kahuna shows up at the 3.5-mile point where the softly percolating issue of Parsons Spring refreshes a tiny lake besieged by a beveled ring of limestone shelves and a graceful tangle of alders and vines. Visit our photo gallery and discover what's in store at Sycamore Canyon Apartments! In the end I had to replace the sky by painting in the properly exposed one using a photoshop layer mask. This video is private About The Sycamore Canyon Wilderness It is the second largest canyon in Arizona. We are joined by our Adventure Puppies Outside Oreo and Backyard Barley in our Kodiak Ultimate travel trailer. Thats just a recipe for disaster. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 57 min to complete. Blue Hole Falls Sycamore Canyon is kinda like the shy cousin to the more popular Oak Creek Canyon to the east. A little tricky to follow for river crossings, but just takes a little attention. havasupaifalls.net, SEDONA-COTTONWOOD[Easy] Slide Rock: When Oak Creek washes over slickrock, it forms natures answer to Big Surf: a rollicking water slide and whirlpools perfect for submerged lounging. To reach Sycamore Falls, cross the bridge and merge on to the Fiery Gizzard Trail. SYCAMORE CANYON SWIMMING HOLE HIKE | EXPLORING COTTONWOOD & JEROME, AZ | RV LIFE No views May 22, 2022 Hi! But youd never know it when hiking Parsons Trail, dropping from scrubby high desert into a jungle-like oasis that stretches along the stream. View the bridge from four parking lot overlooks, or hike down into the canyon for a close-up and a refreshing dip. 7/2/22, Trail closed from 7/7/22 until end of monsoon season due to flash flood danger. The Big Dipper, a waterfall oasis, is located on the eastern slopes of the Bradshaw Mountains. The evidence of mother natures power was very cool. The comments about the trail being washed out concerned us, but its been cleared and we had an amazing hike. The water runs fast and shallowcolliding with boulders, rushing through chutescreating a splashy symphony that changes around every bend. Sycamore Canyon (Arizona) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go, Apache Trail Scenic Drive: Tickets & Tours, Roatan Zip Line, Monkeys & Sloth, Snorkeling + Chocolate And Rum Tasting, Boat Tour to Benagil Caves from Armacao de Pera with Small-Group, Guatape Tour, Piedra del Peol Including a Boat Tour, Breakfast and Lunch, Lempuyang Temple with Blue Lagoon Snorkeling Private Tour, Katakolon Shore Excursion: Ancient Olympia Plus Honey Farm & Olive Oil Tasting, Muralist Art Semi Private Walking Tour in Mexico City Downtown, One Day Tour Chiang Rai(White Temple , Blue Temple, Black House) Private Tour, 5-Course Medieval Dining Experience in Prague. These moisture-retaining granite basins worn smooth by eons of running water quench the thirst of local bighorn sheep and cool the bodies of hikers who make the 3-mile, uphill trek to reach them. Most popular glory hole places in Nuremberg. We hiked from the Sycamore Rim vista point and headed towards the Sycamore Falls, but we did not get to the falls after about 2 hours of slow hiking with a cranky teen. The sites are somewhat close together and this campground is definitely known as one of the more social spaces . Took us a couple of hours as we spent time viewing the canyon along the way. It is the second largest canyon in Arizona. Arizona is FULL of them. The trail is easy to follow and well-marked, but quite uneven and studded with rocks. . This one involves a hike but its well worth the effort. Dead trees everywhere. Pack out all your trash and any that you might find. The damage is absolutely incredible. Sycamore Canyon Wilderness/ swimming hole. For a casual outing, the Beaver Creek day-use picnic area (fee) is the quickest and easiest path to the water. . Salome Creek. Turn right and go about3 miles to the Bull Pen Ranch Trailhead. Could not find a decent crossing without taking off shoes and rolling up pants, was not motivated to do so. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns. There are three popular trails accessible from the Grasshopper Point parking lot: Allen's Bend goes north and connects with Casner Canyon Trail . Can you say Solitude. Take breaks in the water as you make your way up the trail. Wet Beaver CreekWet Beaver Creek is a 3.5-mile outdoor water park flanked by cacti-ensconced crags and sheer sandstone bluffs. So maybe next time. CA United States. Per the signs, camping is allowed at Parsons Springs. Debris has been cleared and the trail is solid. drive up is a little harrowing but well worth it. The trail cuts across the old Bull Pen Ranch for about a mile before dipping into the canyon where you encounter the first of four stream crossings. China. Much of the trail is overgrown with thorn bushes, probably due to its being closed this summer. 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