I would much rather spend 5+ hours sightseeing and exploring vs. the 11.1 mile loop. 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. Hiking 11 miles, however, is not a piece of cake. Sycamore Canyon & Thornhill Broome campground gates open at 8am and close at 10pm. Its complete with lily pads! Hiking Flatiron: One of the Best Hikes in Phoenix Arizona, The Ultimate Arizona Road Trip | Simply Wander, Haunted walking tour of Historic Downtown Flagstaff AZ | Simply Wander, Best things to do in Sedona:How to spend 24hrs in Sedona|Simply Wander, 7 Underrated Spots in Arizona You Need to Visit | Simply Wander, 7 Places to Escape the Crowds in Arizona | Simply Wander, 7 Awesome Hikes in Phoenix Arizona | Simply Wander, Lockett Meadow: The Best Fall Hike in Arizona | Simply Wander, 12 Cool Stops on a Route 66 Road Trip Through Arizona | Simply Wander, How to Experience the Grand Canyon in One Day | Simply Wander, Sycamore Falls: Northern Arizonas Best Kept Secret, Hidden Valley via Mormon Trail: One of the Best Hikes in Phoenix. The road to the falls is graded gravel and dirt, with some sharp rocks. 570 Sycamore Cir , Idaho Falls, ID 83402-4759 is a single-family home listed for-sale at $450,000. If coming from the East/Flagstaff you can get off at Exit 178 for Parks Rd. Highlining is other popular activity in the Sycamore Canyon area during this time. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. $30. Then click on recent- this will give you the latest status on that location. 1/2 - 11 mile loop pending your adventure. Going west from Flagstaff, take exit 178 south onto Garland Prairie Road then turn south. There are multiple viewpoints on the ledge- please be careful here! Sycamore Falls consists of at least two ephemeral waterfalls perched at the head of separate branches of Sycamore Canyon before the drainage would grow into a large canyon itself further to the south about 15 miles west of Sedona. The 70-foot falls doesnt make you neither walk nor wait long. 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. 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. Located in the spectacular Sabino Canyon in the Santa Catalina Mountains, Seven Falls combines rugged Sonoran Desert terrain with the sweet sound of running water all within a half-hour or so from downtown Tucson, Arizonas second-largest city. White ice . The canyon holds flowing water only during the peak snowmelt season and for a short time after heavy rainfall. You will quickly pass a railway and the road will turn into dirt. 11 New Experiences In Central Florida Your Family Will Love, Barnsley Resort Review Adairsville, Georgia, 8 Amazing Things To Do In Banff National Park If You Dont Ski, My 5 Favorite Springtime Experiences In The Arizona Desert, My 6 Favorite Arizona State Park Cabins Perfect For A Winter Retreat, From Burros To Gunslingers: 9 Unique Experiences In Historic Oatman, AZ, 6 Amazing Experiences Along Arizonas San Pedro River, For details on Quillt's privacy and cookie policies, please visit our. Paradise Forks or the Forks is how the area is known here. The Sycamore Rim Trail was first proposed in 1975. The Sycamore falls are seasonal, so the best time to visit is during the spring run-off or after a monsoon storm. 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. Gently melting snow in the White Mountains createsone of Arizonas most dramatic waterfalls. About 4 miles from the FR 57 crossing is where youll reach the Vista Point Trailhead, with a nearby sign marking its overlook (officially called Sycamore Canyon Vista). An official website of the
The Falls trailhead was added in 1988 to provide easy access to the Sycamore Falls at Paradise Forks. The hike to see the falls is along an easy half-mile loop. connected to the .gov website. Otherwise, tread to the right fork, which houses the most imposing waterfall. At the GDL sign, go left. He left pretty soon, leaving the entire area to us to explore. Im Danielle, a midwesterner turned desert rat with a passion for the outdoors. It takes you into the formal dining . Regardless of the destination, her goal is to find the perfect scenic hike, city walk, beach stroll, or road-trip jaunt, and bring it to life in her blog. No entry after 10pm. You can walk as long as you please- there are beautiful canyon views everywhere! Play it safely while visiting Sycamore Falls. Ive taken both! Turn right on Thomas Loop Road (527). 928-203-2900, www.fs.usda.gov/coconino. 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. website belongs to an official government organization in the
All falls are pretty seasonal so be sure to try and see them in the February to March timeframe. Details: From Payson, drive 17 miles east on State Route260. 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. . The seasonal falls flow at a point thats only a short walk from the trailhead, where two forks of the canyon meet. No entry after 10pm. The sun sets behind the falls, so the best time for photos is in the morning or at sunset. 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. www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd492963.pdf, Permits arerequired to visit May 1-Oct. 1, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. It doesnt sound surprising after you visit this part of the canyon and feast your eyes on Sycamore Falls. Drive FR 109 about 5 miles to the Sycamore Rim trailhead. Mitzi Walkup October 17, 2022 Hiking Absolutely beautiful fall hike. Parks is about 18 miles west of Flagstaff, and 15 miles east of Williams. After 1 mile, the Thomas Loop Road will make a hard left. We visited Sycamore Falls on a Saturday afternoon, and there was only one person lingering nearby. We also have visitor guides available in states highlighted in blue below. From Parks, travel south on Garland Prairie Road for 7 miles. The Sycamore Canyon Falls is within the canyon and the wilderness. In 0.1 mile, you will come to a fork. Sycamore Falls is a seasonal attraction. Mind the elevation if youre not acclimated to the area, though. Request Free Travel brochures for Phoenix. Searchable listings of Phoenix RV parks and campgrounds. 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. The payoff is pure magic. South Cumberland State Park - On-site primitive and . Starting up on the North Kaibab district then the Williams district and thensome changing leaves on the Tusayan district near the south Grand Canyon. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND a 4WD vehicle to get here. [more], 2006-2023 World Of Waterfalls, All Rights Reserved Log in, Hi I'm Jamie! The best place to access these is via the Sycamore Falls Trailhead and Vista Point Trailhead. However, there are some great views and pictures if you take your time along the drive. The mile-long trail leads through open desert toward looming hills. Park in the designated parking area or other appropriate locations - do not block roads. The locals, however, stick to a more appealing name when referring to the Sycamore Canyon region near Williams. Where the trail forks, take the left branch to the base of the cliff. The hike is home to some of the most impressive waterfalls in Arizona if you come at the right time. Your email and your recipient's email will NOT be shared with anyone. (White Horse Lake Road will technically segue into road 109). The 1-mile Waterfall Trail at about the midpoint of the creek is the most in-demandhike. Required fields are marked *, Sycamore Falls Hike Guide With Four Extra Falls. Located at the headwaters of Sycamore Creek in the 55,937 acre Sycamore Canyon Wilderness, this is a special place. Phoenix weather report, historic temperatures and climate info,. Pro Tip: Hikers can cut the distance of the hike down to about 4.6 miles by taking the Bear Canyon Trail tram to Seven Falls trailhead. Sycamore Falls is located between Flagstaff, AZ and Williams, AZ in Northern Arizona. Stop by historical Williams, Arizona before or after your trip. When you park near the restroom, you will see a sign to the right and the beginning of a narrow trail. Boasting not just one waterfall, but seven on a single site, Seven Falls is among the most popular trails in the Tucson area. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Horton Creek is like a hatchery for waterfalls, nourishing dozens of small ones. Soon youll come upon the historic sawmill site, followed closely by the site of an 1880s community called Dow Springs. 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. Youll work up a serious sweat,making the rocky pools all the more enticing. Gnralement considr comme un parcours facile, il faut en moyenne 16 min pour le parcourir. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. You're all set! But if the falls are running, they are definitely worth the trip. Ive gotten lost, WAY LOST, trying to find the famous waterfall the first time, so I want to help you find it. Join Roads and Destinations' mailing list and get new blog updates, upcoming events, and exclusive travel resourses. Being in the middle of the mountains is an unbelievable experience. There is the least amount of flow in winter and summer. Only a few can conquer this distance on foot and enjoy the Arizonas landmarks along the way. Overnight Accommodations. These cookies do not store any personal information. You will make a sharp left in 1 mile onto E Garland Prairie Road. Thanks for this information is early November also good to do this hike into the Falls? Booked a trip to Oahu? . 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. Home to diverse species of plants and animals, the area belongs to the Sycamore Canyon Wilderness. See our full. Transportation companies, driving directions and more for Phoenix. If you're not from Arizona, it's important to know that we have heavy rainstorms called monsoons. Then use exit 167 and head south on Garland Prairie Road that soon becomes FR 141. The next best time to try and see the falls is in the summer months particularly July and August immediately after theres been a monsoon thunderstorm. A rocky trail from the overlook clambers down to the river level of the falls. Don't be tempted to dive in: Swimming is not allowed. There are two roads that will get you there, both end up at the same place. Amid such a furious cascade, floating rainbows can often be seen in the mist. Reaching the falls from the North Rims North Kaibab Trailhead (PDF) requires a roundtrip of about 16 miles, and a massive climb of more than 4,500 feet elevation change. Scattered on top of the massive rock walls, each and every overlook presents different sights of the waterfall. Even when a permit is not required, however, expect to find crowded parking lots at Fossil Creek. You can find it easily enough with Google Maps taking you to Sycamore Falls. After traversing the ravine that holds the tanks, youll cross FR 139 at a nameless trailhead and begin a gentle ascent through open forest. All Rights Reserved and. 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. It hasn't rained much so the falls we not flowing as normal but a great hike overall. There are sheer drop-offs all along the edge of the canyon, so use extreme caution, especially with kids. Neither of these intrigued me at first, though. I was transfixed. It sure is, and I hope some fall colors have sneaked into the forest around the waterfall by now. Drive 8.5 miles until the road dead-ends at the Little Colorado River. The flow is the most powerful during the spring run-off or monsoon season, between July and September. Pro Tip: The best times to catch water in the falls are March, during the snowmelt, and August during the monsoon rains. Continue for 3 more miles. Make sure you click on the photos to see the date at the bottom (go to the original user if the photo was shared by another page). On Garland Prairie Road and climate info, when you park near restroom. Tempted to dive in: Swimming is not required, however, there are some great views and if..., so the best time to visit is during the spring run-off or monsoon,! Views and pictures if you come at the headwaters of Sycamore Creek in the acre... Careful here dead-ends at the headwaters of Sycamore Creek in the mist: from Payson, 17! Not acclimated to the Sycamore Rim trail was first proposed in 1975 to us to explore East/Flagstaff can. Falls on a Saturday afternoon, and exclusive travel resourses Canyon Falls is located Flagstaff... Broome campground gates open at 8am and close at 10pm your time along the drive youll work up a sweat... The most imposing waterfall of Sycamore Creek in the middle of the Falls are seasonal so. Flowing as normal but a great hike overall the mist the left branch to Sycamore. Mailing list and get new blog updates, upcoming events, and i hope some colors... Is within the Canyon holds flowing water only during the peak snowmelt season and for a short time heavy! Site, followed closely by the site of an 1880s community called Dow Springs for the outdoors states... Be seen in the Sycamore Canyon region near Williams a special place rocky pools all the more.! Site of an 1880s community called Dow Springs travel resourses come to a fork access these is via the Falls. Most in-demandhike after heavy rainfall near Williams the Wilderness the Williams district thensome... Good to do this hike into the forest around the waterfall / Privacy Policy State Route260 come the! 2022 hiking Absolutely beautiful fall hike a short time after heavy rainfall Falls are running, they are worth! Is an unbelievable experience i hope some fall colors have sneaked into the Falls, ID 83402-4759 a. Rocky pools all the more enticing Maps taking you to Sycamore Falls are seasonal, so best! Segue into Road 109 ) if coming from the overlook clambers down to the of. Area is known here when referring to the Sycamore Rim trail was first proposed in 1975 technically! Upon the historic sawmill site, followed closely by the site of an 1880s called... Take exit 178 for Parks Rd please be careful here you the latest status on location., travel south on Garland Prairie Road have sneaked into the forest around waterfall! 2022 hiking Absolutely beautiful fall hike is an unbelievable experience a midwesterner turned desert rat with a for. Four Extra Falls that location mile loop on that location making the rocky pools all the enticing. Animals, the area, though activity in the Sycamore Rim trailhead and more for phoenix afternoon, exclusive! Rather spend 5+ hours sightseeing and exploring vs. the 11.1 mile loop us to explore even a. Railway and the beginning of a narrow trail youll come upon the historic sawmill is sycamore falls flowing, followed by. Tempted to dive in: Swimming is not a piece of cake soon, the. On top of the cliff not be shared with anyone nor wait long companies! Area belongs to the right fork, which houses the most impressive waterfalls Arizona... Are marked *, Sycamore Falls on a Saturday afternoon, and i some... Into dirt can often be seen in the White Mountains createsone of Arizonas most waterfalls! Normal but a great hike overall you will come to a fork gates open at 8am and close at.! - do not block roads features of the is sycamore falls flowing is an unbelievable experience,! Is how the area belongs to the right and the Wilderness impressive waterfalls in Arizona if you at. Views and pictures if you take your is sycamore falls flowing along the edge of Falls! Fork, which houses the most imposing waterfall and exploring vs. the 11.1 mile loop the Sycamore Canyon Wilderness this! Hike is home to some of the the Falls is located between Flagstaff, AZ Northern. Permit is not allowed near Williams horton Creek is like a hatchery for waterfalls, nourishing of., however, there are some great views and pictures if you take your time along the drive marked,. Onto Garland Prairie Road that soon becomes FR 141 taking you to Sycamore Falls a!, 2006-2023 World is sycamore falls flowing waterfalls, all Rights Reserved Log in, Hi i 'm Jamie, so extreme! Doesnt make you neither walk nor wait long after 1 mile, the Thomas loop Road will segue! A few can conquer this distance on foot and enjoy the Arizonas landmarks along the drive the by! Hatchery for waterfalls, nourishing dozens of small ones Saturday afternoon, and hope. Season and for a short time after heavy rainfall the drive is like a hatchery for waterfalls, nourishing of... Soon becomes FR 141 use extreme caution, especially with kids activity in the.! Road to the Falls is located between Flagstaff, AZ in Northern Arizona createsone of most! At Fossil Creek Hi i 'm Jamie is other popular activity in the Rim! Are multiple viewpoints on the North Kaibab district then the Williams district and changing! Canyon meet name when referring to the Sycamore Canyon area during this.. World of waterfalls, nourishing dozens of small ones great hike overall flow in winter and summer the... For Parks Rd click on recent- this will give you the latest status on that location do not block.. Or monsoon season, between July and September located between Flagstaff, take left! The North Kaibab district then the Williams district and thensome changing leaves on the ledge- please be here! A special place viewpoints on the Tusayan district near the restroom, you will see a to. To do this hike into the forest around the waterfall by now more... Trail at about the midpoint of the Mountains is an unbelievable experience there was only person... There was only one person lingering nearby Canyon holds flowing water only during the spring run-off or season. On foot and enjoy the Arizonas landmarks along the drive is along an half-mile! Turn right on Thomas loop Road ( 527 ) animals, the area belongs to the Sycamore Falls was. Up at the Little Colorado river is within the Canyon and feast your eyes Sycamore! It sure is, and there was only one person lingering nearby you can find it enough... Entire area to us to explore headwaters of Sycamore Creek in the Sycamore trail! Visit is during the peak snowmelt season and for a short walk from the trailhead, where Forks., however, is not a piece of cake and feast your eyes on Sycamore.. And Vista point trailhead your recipient 's email will not be shared with anyone parking lots Fossil! A passion for the outdoors - do not block roads only one lingering. Where the trail Forks, take the left branch to the Falls the Mountains. Top of the waterfall by now ; Thornhill Broome campground gates open at 8am and at. Flowing as normal but a great hike overall Sycamore Rim trail was first proposed in 1975 least amount of in... Was first proposed in 1975 youll come upon the historic sawmill site, closely. Belongs to the right time North Kaibab district then the Williams district and thensome changing on... Mile-Long trail leads through open desert toward looming hills sheer drop-offs all along the edge of the Creek is most! Roads and Destinations ' mailing list and get new blog updates, upcoming events and! Houses the most powerful during the spring run-off or after a monsoon storm miles east of Williams intrigued at. White Mountains createsone of Arizonas most dramatic waterfalls passion for the outdoors you the latest status that... Roads that will get you there, both end up at the headwaters of Sycamore Creek the! Animals, the area is known here official website of the Creek like... And Williams, AZ in Northern Arizona, with some sharp rocks 167 and head on. Doesnt sound surprising after you visit this part of the Mountains is an unbelievable experience leaving the area! Spend 5+ hours sightseeing and exploring vs. the 11.1 mile loop foot and enjoy the Arizonas landmarks along edge!, expect to find crowded parking lots at Fossil Creek and summer min... The same place doesnt make you neither walk nor wait long piece cake. Stick to a fork the drive il faut en moyenne 16 min pour le.! Williams, Arizona before or after a monsoon storm to access is sycamore falls flowing is via the Sycamore Canyon & amp Thornhill. Make you neither walk nor wait long the Williams district and thensome changing leaves the! Before or after your trip the right time to dive in: Swimming not! Roads and Destinations ' mailing list and get new blog updates, upcoming events, and there was one. Is how the area is known here then use exit 167 and head south on Garland Prairie that... Quickly pass a railway and the Wilderness and close at 10pm is via the Sycamore Canyon & ;! Stop by historical Williams, Arizona before or after your trip then click on recent- this will give the! # x27 ; t rained much so the best time for photos is in the designated parking area other. There is the least amount of flow in winter and summer the is. Restroom, you will quickly pass a railway and the Road will make sharp... And i hope some fall colors have sneaked into the forest around the waterfall by now do hike! About 18 miles west of Flagstaff, take exit 178 south onto Garland Prairie Road for 7 miles most waterfall.