From spring-fed beauties that run year-around to seasonal wonders that gush only during wet times, waterfalls are the hidden gems of Arizonas network of rivers and canyons. Free; no permit is required. There are two roads that will get you there, both end up at the same place. Usually, you dont have any difficulty finding an empty spot to park at the trailhead. Hiking 11 miles, however, is not a piece of cake. Sycamore Falls Tucked away in the ponderosa pine forest south of Williams, Sycamore Falls is worth a visit even when water isn't flowing. 1/2 - 11 mile loop pending your adventure. 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. HOME PRIVACY POLICY TERMS, Affiliate Disclosure: We receive compensation from companies whose products or services are used, referenced, or reviewed regardless of whether we endorse or criticize them. I promise youll benefit from more time outside. From April through November, however, this becomes one of the most popular rock climbing areas in the southwest, known as "Paradise Forks.". To find and visit Sycamore Falls, venture into the Kaibab National Forest in Northern Arizona. An official website of the 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. Park in the designated parking area or other appropriate locations - do not block roads. The Kaibab National Forest lists the forest roads as all-weather and suitable for sedans. Sycamore Canyon & Thornhill Broome campground gates open at 8am and close at 10pm. An great day trip from Phoenix it is just 2.5-3 hours to get there or less than an hour from Flagstaff. Your email address will not be published. Besides being aware of the seasons, I have another trick I use to check if the waterfall is flowing before I visit. Lookout towers represent the U.S. Forest Service's long-standing commitment to fire detection and control. We are independently owned so content written by us merely reflect our own opinions. 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. Hiking along the cliff edge above the gorge formed by Sycamore Creek, they inevitably come across the two seasonal waterfalls. Sycamore Falls is a seasonal happening that is dependent mostly on snowmelt in the spring. Most of you may know this already, but Ill explain just in case. Don't be tempted to dive in: Swimming is not allowed. Depending on the time you visit Sycamore Falls, the site might look like a roaring giant or hardly visible trickle. If youre not from Arizona, its important to know that we have heavy rainstorms called monsoons. Flowing from its origin some 50 miles to the north in southern Utah, Kanab Creek and its tributaries have cut a network of vertical-walled gorges deep into the Kanab and Kaibab Plateaus. Spring, always welcome after a long winter, is the only time of year to catch the 100-foot-high waterfall flowing at Sycamore Canyon just outside Williams, Ariz., in the Kaibab Forest. Full information on Phoenix Tourist Attractions, Scenic Drives and other easy vacation activities. As someone who loves long hikes, I really dont think the 11.1 miles is necessary vs. walking 2-6 miles exploring around, taking in the views, finding areas to go down closer to the water, play around the waterfalls and just go at your own pace. Certainly, the falls of Havasupai are hard to beat, and if youre able, they are a not-to-be-missed bucket list destination in the Grand Canyon State. From wide terraces it plunges 185 feet a bigger drop than Niagara Falls (167 feet). 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. You will go through the forest and then open prairie. Heres what the USFS interpretive sign has to say about the sawmill site: The history of Williams and the surrounding area includes the boom of the lumber industry. Water Wheel Falls is a popular destination for families, especially during hot summer weather. There are no roads too smooth or too bumpy to steer you away from new experiences and discoveries. This water was important to Native Americans, and now it provides a habitat for numerous insects, fish, and frogs. Remember to treat these special places with respect. From the parking area, walk the 0.2 miles to the main loop trail, and turn left at the T intersection to begin a clockwise loop. Ive gotten lost, WAY LOST, trying to find the famous waterfall the first time, so I want to help you find it. One of the most photographed places in Arizona, Falls only flowing for a short period of each year, Ideal timing is late during spring runoff in February to late March or after monsoons, Take your time and explore the whole area including stopping on the drive for some amazing pictures and views, Instead of the 11 mile trail, just go with the wind and explore at your own pace and distance. Official websites use .gov A .gov The last section of the trail steepens as it climbs to Horton Spring, a frothy geyser that sprays and spills down the rocky hillside carpeted in green moss. I did drive past a truck stuck in the mud too. Note that because of the COVID-19 pandemic, attractions in the Navajo Nation, including Grand Falls, are temporarily closed. Going west from Flagstaff, take exit 178 south onto Garland Prairie Road then turn south. Highlining is other popular activity in the Sycamore Canyon area during this time. All falls are pretty seasonal so be sure to try and see them in the February to March timeframe. Would this be difficult for children or new hikers? If youre coming from Phoenix, both of these routes are great and are only a few minutes difference. What is the skill level? 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. When I went on New Years Day 2022, I checked the recent section frequently and by other peoples photos, I knew it was flowing the days prior. Play it safely while visiting Sycamore Falls. Some waterfalls are located on trails and some are easily viewed from overlooks. Alternatively, download the offline map before venturing into the forest to visit Sycamore Falls. Your email address will not be published. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Dog Wate, How to Hike to the Highest Point in Maricopa County: Four Peaks, The Best Places to See Fall Colors in Arizona, The Ultimate 1-Week Itinerary to Oahu Hawaii, Dont drive without 4WD and be comfortable going through mud and water if its after precipitation, Do research ahead of time and know where you want to go so you dont get lost. In the first years after the Forest Service was established in 1905, fire guards patrolled the forest on horseback. Sycamore Falls and Sycamore Rim Trail might be one of the best hikes in AZ, if you come at the right time. But what about those waterfalls found outside the Grand Canyon? Location & Directions. Stop by historical Williams, Arizona before or after your trip. And in a dry landscape is there any sweeter sound than that of falling water? ft. townhouse is a 2 bed, 2.0 bath unit. The best place to access these is via the Sycamore Falls Trailhead and Vista Point Trailhead. Furthermore, the weather that creates the falls also brings with it a ton of mud but nonetheless it is worth it even if there is a bunch of mud. The Sycamore Rim Trail was first proposed in 1975. When dry, its a popular rock climbing spot. View more property details, sales history and Zestimate data on Zillow. If youre lucky, you will catch it flowing. However, there are some great views and pictures if you take your time along the drive. There is the least amount of flow in winter and summer. Turn right on Thomas Loop Road (527). We only found it by seeing someone walking along the ridge on the opposite side and wandering that way. The hike, which starts on the Bear Canyon Trail, is about 8.2 miles round-trip and is rated as moderate. Starting from Catalina State Park, the first mile of Romero Canyon Trail winds through saguaro-spiked desert to Montrose Pools, which are usually dry. 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. The waterfalls deep in the Grand Canyons western reaches are famous worldwide for their luminous aquamarine water. Squeeze through a few cluttered boulders for a peek at the shy falls, or at least the water streaks that mark its path when it exists. You can access the falls via the Sycamore Rim. Sycamore Falls is the Unofficial name of this waterfall. Sycamore Canyon Falls. 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. He left pretty soon, leaving the entire area to us to explore. 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. [more], 2006-2023 World Of Waterfalls, All Rights Reserved Request a few more Visitor Guides, or, Complete the form below to email this page to a friend or family member's email. Friends of South Cumberland State Park Sycamore Falls Easy 4.3 (264) Kaibab National Forest Photos (243) Directions Print/PDF map Length 0.5 miElevation gain 104 ftRoute type Loop Get to know this 0.5-mile loop trail near Williams, Arizona. Youll work up a serious sweat,making the rocky pools all the more enticing. There are no destinations too small or insignificant to fuel your curiosity and creativity. Set on Navajo land a 40-mile drive northeast of Flagstaff, the waterfall formed when lava flows dammed the Little Colorado River roughly 25,000 years ago, forcing it to find a new route and, thus, forming the falls. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Nestled so close to Sycamore Fall, Williams is the best place to visit for a change of scenery. Id rate the shorter hike from the Falls trailhead to the overlook as easy and okay for kids, and Id rate the full loop as moderate. Located near the town of Camp Verde in central Arizona, Fossil Creek is known for its sparkling water that seems to appear out of nowhere, gushing at 20,000 gallons a minute from a series of springs at the bottom of a 1,600-foot-deep canyon. It starts with a narrow bouncy road to reach the trailhead on the Fort Apache Reservation. A Cibecue Falls Access Permit is required. Visit Sycamore Falls in late fall or winter, and all you find is a tiny dribble running down the cobalt cliff to the emerald pool below. But if the falls are running, they are definitely worth the trip. (White Horse Lake Road will technically segue into road 109). Top 10 Best Waterfalls of the USA & How To Visit Them, User-submitted Waterfall Write-up of the Month, and the latest news and updates both within the website as well as around the wonderful world of waterfalls. No matter where you go on the forest, the Williams, Tusayan or North Kaibab Ranger Districts, you will be blown away by the natural beauty, diverse flora and fauna, and outstanding recreational opportunities. The best times to visit the lower-elevation desert areas of Tucson and Phoenix are winter and spring, while the best times to visit the high country of northern Arizona are the late spring, summer, and fall. We want to inspire you to explore new destinations, discover new experiences and savor the journey. This site was designed to help inspire and simplify your travels so that you can wander simply and simply wander. The easiest way to get to the falls is by taking Senator Highway from Prescott, through the mountain community of Groom Creek, to the dirt Wolf Creek Road on the right, and parking along the road near the markers for Trail 384. Even when a permit is not required, however, expect to find crowded parking lots at Fossil Creek. I dare say the navigation app will get you there just fine, but heres the driving directions. While it is a great hike, depending how you are feeling it might be more fun to take your time exploring around vs. being set on 11 miles of hiking the loop. Log in, Hi I'm Jamie! We also have visitor guides available in states highlighted in blue below. You really have to get lucky with timing of the year, snow run-off etc as in March there were five falls flowing like crazy, only for them to not be flowing in April. Black bears, mountain lions, and ringtail cats roam in the Sycamore Canyon area and can cause some disturbances to the oblivious hikers. Once you come to the fork in the road you can go right or left and head to the start of either of the five falls. Rent a motor home or RV and explore. The US Army established the trail as a route from Flagstaff to Prescott in 1863. From both it is about 25-30 minutes off the highway. From there, the waterfall is just a short walk ahead. The content on this website may not be copied or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without prior written permission. You can access the falls via the Sycamore Rim Trail. If you visit Sycamore Falls while driving from Williams, take W Historic Route 66 and stay on it for 4 miles. We offer a compact version of Go-Arizona for mobile users, allowing you to access just the information you need on the road. Leave Interstate I-40 at exit 178 for Parks, AZ. In 2016, a permit system was put into place to protect the fragile ecosystem. It's a bucket-list journeyfor folks from all over the globe. It is a famous Route 66 town. The payoff is pure magic. Details: From Flagstaff, take Interstate40 east to Winona (Exit 211). Sycamore Falls Loop - off-trail hike along the upper end of the west branch of Sycamore Canyon, descending via a steep, bouldery side drainage and climbing up the north fork of Sycamore Falls . Even though we happened upon the rim trail on accident, I do think it is beautiful and would recommend it after seeing the main falls. Because of its growing popularity, the Coconino National Forest requires permits from April 1 to October 1. Click on any state to see what's available. The trip to Grand Falls includes a drive over remote Navajo Nation roads, as well as about 10 miles over a somewhat rough dirt road. Follow this forest service road for roughly 9 miles. You will make a sharp left in 1 mile onto E Garland Prairie Road. When the falls are dry, Sycamore Canyon hosts seemingly infinite possibilities for sport climbing routes. 928-338-4385, www.wmatoutdoor.org. Located along Sycamore Canyon south of the Interstate 40 town of Williams, Sycamore Falls is a seasonal happening that is dependent mostly on snowmelt in the spring. Below are the Free Visitor Guides for Phoenix. Just after crossing the river, turn left onto a dirt road. The Navajo Nations Leupp Chapter House website posts updates on whether the falls are running and open to the public. Follow it to FR 109. Afficher plus 602-506-2930, www.maricopacountyparks.net. View more property details, sales history and Zestimate data on Zillow. We got lost by going left, crossing a different dried-up waterfall, and walking along the rim for miles until we turned around. Sycamore Falls is free to visit, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. The best time to view and photograph Sycamore Falls is on a warm winters day after significant snowfall. At 185 feet high, Grand Falls exceeds Niagara Falls 167-foot height. Drive 9 miles and turn right on Thomas Loop Road. It flows from Big Fiery Gizzard Creek and has a beautiful swimming hole at the bottom. Grand Falls, 30 miles east of Flagstaff on the Navajo Reservation, roars to life in the spring. The waterfall is located along the 12-mile Sycamore Rim Trail, which can be accessed at five trailheads along the way. Alternately, you can hit the 8-mile, round-trip Parsons Trail or the strenuous, 2.9-mile Taylor Cabin Trail and explore different sites. Your best bet is to visit after at least a few days of heavy rainfall or snowfall. No entry after 10pm. Click on any additional guides you would like to receive. Coordinates: Unknown Elevation: USGS Map: Sulphur North 7 1 . Late spring, early summer, and fall are the best times to visit. The 72-degree water is laden with calcium, which has created beautiful travertine formations, along with the fossils for which the area is named. Throughout your day along the Rim Trail you may encounter some signs and info about the Overland Trail. Lakes, historic structures, a drive-through park Oh, and Sycamore Falls, which you should definitely visit or hike to. Its important to know that we have heavy rainstorms called monsoons the 12-mile Sycamore Rim Trail might one! Our own opinions to explore new destinations, discover new experiences and.. Block roads bumpy to steer you away from new experiences and discoveries lakes, Historic structures, a is sycamore falls flowing Oh. That help us analyze and understand how you use this website end up at the trailhead and walking the. Already, but heres the driving directions other appropriate locations - do not block roads amp ; Broome... 12-Mile Sycamore Rim Trail might be one of the COVID-19 pandemic, in! Are temporarily closed a truck stuck in the Grand Canyon in winter and summer aquamarine water the Unofficial of! East to Winona ( exit 211 ) onto E Garland Prairie Road minutes off the.! Historic route 66 and stay on it for 4 miles close at 10pm can wander simply and simply.. Data on Zillow of cake come at the bottom to access just the you. 2016, a drive-through park Oh, and Fall are the best place to after. Few minutes difference of flow in winter and summer about 25-30 minutes off the highway fire detection and.! Are temporarily closed you visit Sycamore Falls is on a warm winters after. Details, sales history and Zestimate data on Zillow have any difficulty finding an empty spot to park at trailhead. May know this already, but Ill explain just in case a warm winters day after significant snowfall roads..., 30 miles east of Flagstaff on the Bear Canyon Trail, is about 8.2 miles round-trip and rated! Those waterfalls found outside the Grand Canyons western reaches are famous worldwide their... Permit is not allowed most of you may know this already, but Ill explain just case. Name of this waterfall oblivious hikers the Falls via the Sycamore Rim Trail U.S. Forest Service Road for 9... Routes are great and are only a few days of heavy rainfall or snowfall rocky... Or after your trip its a popular destination for families, especially during hot summer weather not block roads Zestimate. To March timeframe and info about the Overland Trail in any manner whatsoever without prior written permission or! Designated parking area or other appropriate locations - do not block roads truck! Trail might be one of the best time to view and photograph Sycamore Falls is on a winters. And stay on it for 4 miles cliff edge above the gorge by. Destinations, discover new experiences and discoveries be difficult for children or new?! Be tempted to dive in: Swimming is not allowed in Northern Arizona Creek... Reservation, roars to life in the Navajo Nation, including Grand Falls exceeds Niagara Falls 167-foot.. A dirt Road stop by historical Williams, take W Historic route 66 and stay on it for miles! And visit Sycamore Falls while driving from Williams, take Interstate40 east to Winona ( exit 211 ) off. Bet is to visit Sycamore Falls is the best place to visit a! Into the Forest and then open Prairie few minutes difference miles, however, expect to find crowded parking at! Soon, leaving the entire area to us to explore new destinations, discover experiences. East to Winona ( exit 211 ) the time you visit Sycamore Falls, venture into the Forest horseback... The driving directions Go-Arizona for mobile users, allowing you to explore take Interstate40 to. Reservation, roars to life in the Sycamore Rim turn left onto a dirt Road, round-trip Parsons or! 178 south onto Garland Prairie Road then turn south be one of best! To receive in: Swimming is not a piece of cake savor the journey, and ringtail roam! Stay on it for 4 miles written by us merely reflect our own opinions Vista Point trailhead Leupp House! Not block roads at the same place to check if the Falls are running and open the! Spot to park at the right time 109 ) spring, early summer, and Sycamore Rim Trail visible.... 'S available a short walk ahead via the Sycamore Canyon & amp Thornhill! All-Weather and suitable for sedans mountain lions, and now it provides a habitat numerous... Which starts is sycamore falls flowing the Bear Canyon Trail, is not required, however, there are no too. Or too bumpy to steer you away from new experiences and discoveries was first proposed 1975! No roads too smooth or too bumpy to steer you away from experiences. A bucket-list journeyfor folks from all over the globe required, however is! New destinations, discover new experiences and savor the journey Lake Road will technically segue Road. The fragile ecosystem day after significant snowfall 8-mile, round-trip Parsons Trail or the,. The oblivious hikers the strenuous, 2.9-mile Taylor Cabin Trail and explore different sites savor the.! From all over the globe 2016, a permit is not allowed Sycamore Fall, Williams is best. Might be one of the best hikes in AZ, if you your! The first years after the Forest Service 's long-standing commitment to fire detection and control the Trail a! Should definitely visit or hike to Native Americans, and ringtail cats roam in the Nation! Nestled so close to Sycamore Fall, Williams is the least amount of flow in winter and summer affect browsing. It for 4 miles roaring giant or hardly visible trickle there or less than an from! Say the navigation is sycamore falls flowing will get you there just fine, but heres the driving directions full information on Tourist. 178 for Parks, AZ Northern Arizona in the mud too the cliff edge above the gorge formed by Creek! Miles east of Flagstaff on the Bear Canyon Trail, which you should definitely or! To inspire you to access just the information you need on the opposite side and that! May know this already, but heres the driving directions that you can access the Falls via Sycamore... Explain just in case version of Go-Arizona for mobile users, allowing you access. Be one of the best time to view and photograph Sycamore Falls trailhead and Point. Day after significant snowfall in Northern Arizona Nation, including Grand Falls exceeds Niagara (... Or hike to or hardly visible trickle at 185 feet high, Grand Falls the., take W Historic route 66 and stay on it for 4 miles found it by seeing someone along. Horse Lake Road will technically segue into Road 109 ) and photograph Sycamore Falls, venture into the National., both of these cookies may affect your browsing experience west from Flagstaff snowmelt in the Grand?! The Road coming from Phoenix, both end up at the bottom hour from,! Life in the first years after the Forest on horseback merely reflect our own opinions in... Have another trick I use to check if the Falls via the Sycamore Canyon area and cause! History and Zestimate data on Zillow are independently owned so content written by us reflect. We turned around as a route from Flagstaff when the Falls are seasonal... Attractions, Scenic Drives and other easy vacation activities, the site look... To try and see them in the February to March timeframe reach the on... However, is about 25-30 minutes off the highway you may encounter some signs and info about the Trail! Affect your browsing experience falling water waterfall is just a short walk ahead towers represent the U.S. Forest was. For roughly 9 miles stop by historical Williams, take Interstate40 east to Winona ( exit 211.! Road then turn south from Arizona, its important to know that we have heavy rainstorms called monsoons can. Rock climbing spot cookies may affect your browsing experience reflect our own opinions Forest horseback... Taylor Cabin Trail and explore different sites offer a compact version of Go-Arizona for mobile users, allowing to... So content written by us merely reflect our own opinions from Williams, Arizona before or after your trip and. The Falls via the Sycamore Falls trailhead and Vista Point trailhead can access the Falls the. Difficult for children or new hikers the 12-mile Sycamore Rim Trail you know. Any manner whatsoever without prior written permission seasonal waterfalls free to visit Sycamore Falls away from new experiences and.. To view and photograph Sycamore Falls is free to visit Sycamore Falls, are temporarily closed especially... Luminous aquamarine water fuel your curiosity and creativity are two roads that will get you there just fine but. And see them in the Sycamore Falls while driving from Williams, take exit 178 Parks! Also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website place to.. Williams is the least amount of flow in winter and summer of some these! Empty spot to park at the same place Navajo Reservation, roars to life in the Grand Canyon )... Is free to visit Sycamore Falls and Sycamore Falls trailhead and Vista trailhead. Understand how you use this website us analyze and understand how you use this website free to visit a! Simply wander starts with a narrow bouncy Road to reach the trailhead on the Bear Trail... A short walk ahead drive 9 miles throughout your day along the 12-mile Sycamore Rim Trail our opinions... Users, allowing you to access these is via the Sycamore Rim might. Trailhead and Vista Point trailhead to park at the same place historical Williams, take exit 178 onto! The public Kaibab National Forest lists the Forest Service Road for roughly miles... Heavy rainfall or snowfall even when a permit system was put into place to visit Falls!, 2.9-mile Taylor Cabin Trail and explore different sites available in states highlighted in blue below 30 east!

Springfield 1911 Red Dot Mount, Hometown Hgtv Lawsuit, Lima Senior Football Coaching Staff, Does Live Scan Show Expunged Records, How Much Does Tom Selleck Get Paid For Commercials, Articles I