It was absolutely beautiful in early June. The trail continues like this for about a half-hour, at which point you'll come to the first of several creek crossings. The trail isn't tough, just long if you make it to the end. If you do continue the trail, there will be some water crossings you’ll have to do (the sign at the trailhead says 6 water crossings, but you cross one in the first 1.2 mile). The trail leads 4 miles to a large pool called Parson Springs where it surfaces from the underground course it has followed through the majority of the canyon. January, 19, 2013 . We did the whole thing in chacos and Tevas. Great spot to avoid the majority of people doing day hikes / swimming as almost everyone we encountered stop at the first and second swimming holes. Some trails take you to a beautiful spot hidden from society. Priests, rabbis, nuns ... none of them.
Compared to every other water hole along the way, this one is Lake Superior. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/parsons-trail-along-sycamore-canyon
Any time you have water in the desert, it gets a 5.
Summer too can be nice if you plan to swim. We suggest taking a four-wheel drive vehicle, as the route is rough.Sycamore Canyon was established as Arizona’s first wilderness on March 2, 1922. And completely unexpected.
Parsons Trail #144 includes Summer Springs and Parson Springs. In fact, there's a good chance you won't see anybody. Would recommend a off road vehicle as the road gets a lil gnarly." Everyone stops at the first pool which is 1.7 miles in but if you keep going there are some great site. The only real challenge is the about a 200 foot stairway drop right from the trail head down to bottom of the canyon.
Overall the hike is pretty and, especially towards the beginning, offers a lot of places to stop along the creek and take a rest.Great day full of adventure, lots of shade and places to soak your feet or go for a swim.
It’s beautiful and the water is deep enough to cliff jump in.
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Lots of cool little caves within the rocks to peek into. The first pool even has a miniwaterfall.Another thing you'll notice is the quiet. Note: A high clearance/4WD or AWD is required to access this trail.Arizona Office of Tourism, 2702 N. 3rd St., Suite 4015 , Phoenix, AZ, 85004, Phone: 888-520-3434, Fax: 602-240-5432, Directions from Flagstaff:
We left after 4 to beat the heat. I only went to the first swimming hole, and apparently there are more.
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To get there, you'll have to detour off the trail about 100 feet, but the extra steps are mandatory. The swimming hole is excellent and provides some fun cliff jumps, too. Look closely and you'll see where to go.After a couple more creek crossings and about 15 minutes of hiking, the largest pool along the hike will come into view. Copyright © 2003-2020, Sedona Monthly, Sedona, Arizona.
Visit the Prescott National Forest Sycamore Canyon Wilderness page for additional information about trails on the western side of Sycamore Creek. What makes it even more impressive is the wall of rock that surrounds it. Maps Sycamore Canyon overview map, Parsons Trail topographic map. Hiked this on Sunday, July 12th. It's smooth and sandy and easy on the feet, and in the fall it'll be covered with autumn leaves.
Water is nice and cool and clear. I went in May, and the water was a little chilly, but refreshing. I’ll forewarn you that there are rattlesnakes on this trail, so watch your step. Warm enough midday to be happy to jump in the river that most of the trail follows with some great swimming holes. After that, things remain mostly level all the way to the spring, which is just shy of 4 miles away. Arizona's Magazine With the Great View
The hike up the Parsons Trail is a pleasant stroll along a cool, clear desert stream set in a magnificent red rock canyon. The views are spectacular as you make your way down.
Use a high clearance vehicle to travel 20 minutes to the trailhead.
Unlike the Red Rock/Secret Mountain Wilderness to the east, the Sycamore Canyon Wilderness is relatively unknown. “Careful, you’ll hit Bigfoot” I laughed (who’s rumored to live in Sycamore Canyon). We only did about half the trail and just stopped and swam.True story. You must be the guy that hits the driveway to the gas station at 20 mph. If you are up for an adventure, pack a lunch and take a ride to Sycamore Canyon for a full day of hiking in the wilderness. On the way back, 1 mile from the trailhead, we heard growling from the cavern system. Our…Absolutely beautiful hike and a nice watering hold at the end.