We offer a compact version of Go-Arizona for mobile users, allowing you to access just the information you need on the road. Be sure to subscribe to my newsletter (at the bottom of the page), or else I'll slip a rock into your backpack when you're not looking. Call 877-444-6777 or go to www.recreation.gov to get one. [more], 2006-2023 World Of Waterfalls, All Rights Reserved What is the skill level? The trail may be slippery. You will go through the forest and then open prairie. I dare say the navigation app will get you there just fine, but heres the driving directions. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Below I show a picture of the area where there can be flow, and a recent Instagram photo of it flowing (please give the credit to the photographer on Instagram- I am sharing since I havent seen it flowing in person). Cindy's articles about outdoor adventures have appeared in numerous regional and national publications. From Williams, take exit 167 south onto Garland Prairie Road. Follow this for 9 miles, then turn right onto FR109 or White House Lake Road- there is an obvious sign. $30. It appears that some selective logging has taken place here, but the walking is pleasant as you approach KA Hill. Pack out all your trash. $7 per vehicle. Do not throw rocks off of the cliff, hikers or rock climbers may be below. If youre lucky, you will catch it flowing. Permits arerequired to visit May 1-Oct. 1 and go on sale April 1. Sycamore Falls is a popular rock climbing area. From this point forward, Sycamore Canyon will grow increasingly wider and deeper as your hike draws to a close. Note:Call the Fossil Creek hotline at 928-226-4611 before you make the drive. The view above looks west toward Bill Williams Mountain, as seen from KA Hill. Bear right when the road forks and drive 4 miles to the trailhead. The Stone and Steel Dams were built by the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad to store water for use for the railroad operations. From both it is about 25-30 minutes off the highway. Droves of adventurous hikers make the trek to the extraordinarily photogenic northern Arizona treasure every year. Alternately, you can hit the 8-mile, round-trip Parsons Trail or the strenuous, 2.9-mile Taylor Cabin Trail and explore different sites. 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 . Starting from Catalina State Park, the first mile of Romero Canyon Trail winds through saguaro-spiked desert to Montrose Pools, which are usually dry. We visited in February and only one of the falls was running. The hike, which starts on the Bear Canyon Trail, is about 8.2 miles round-trip and is rated as moderate. Sycamore Falls is the most popular, and it registers on Google Maps. What is there to see in Williams, Arizona? MLS # 2152765 . Youll work up a serious sweat,making the rocky pools all the more enticing. Ive taken both! Overnight Accommodations. The head of each of its branches houses two seasonal waterfalls, known as Sycamore Falls, that often culminate the visit to this secluded wilderness. I promised myself from now on, I wont live more than 15 minutes from a trail. ) or https:// means you've safely Usually, you dont have any difficulty finding an empty spot to park at the trailhead. After 1 mile, the Thomas Loop Road will make a hard left. There are no fees to visit Sycamore Falls. Learn how your comment data is processed. This is my prescription to you to GET OUTSIDE. 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. Guide To The Best 21 Los Angeles & Orange County Waterfalls, Top 10 Best Waterfalls in Yosemite & How To Visit Them, Top 10 Best Waterfalls in California & How To Visit Them, Top 10 Best Waterfalls in Southern California & How To Visit Them, Top 10 Best Waterfalls of the USA & How To Visit Them, Top 10 Best Waterfalls of the World & 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. 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. Use our easy Lodging Search to find exactly the type of accommodation you are looking for at the right price. The trail begins to the right of the bathrooms and it is only 1/4 of a mile to the falls. ), MY SECOND TRIP: New Years Day 2022, high flow (after a week of snowstorms!). Mitzi Walkup October 17, 2022 Hiking Absolutely beautiful fall hike. Be sure to slow down and take as much time as you need while driving along the forest road before finishing this part of your trip to Sycamore Falls. The Sycamore falls are seasonal, so the best time to visit is during the spring run-off or after a monsoon storm. If youre interested in finding more hidden spots in Arizona, visit this blog post about another spot near Sedona. Its complete with lily pads! The next 1.8 miles is a steep climb up an exposed ridge. You can right-click on the image to view a larger version or download it. Details: From Globe, drive north on U.S. 60 for about 40 miles until it enters Salt River Canyon. Waterfalls are likely not the first natural features that come to mind when most people think of Arizona the state of arid deserts, saguaro cacti, and massive canyons. They are seasonal, however, so youll need to be able to jump when adventure calls. It can feel like a party scene at times, but for me, the sheer beauty more than makes up for the crowds. If youre extremely lucky, both arms of the canyon will be flowing but theyre most often dry. Follow this forest service road for roughly 9 miles. You will quickly pass a railway and the road turns into FR141. Alternatively, download the offline map before venturing into the forest to visit Sycamore Falls. Gnralement considr comme un parcours facile, il faut en moyenne 16 min pour le parcourir. Along with the rough surface, you will also encounter steep drop-offs along the way. Turn left on Tonto Creek Road and continue to the campground where the trail begins. By career, I am a Physician Assistant, trained in Primary Care, Emergency Medicine, Sports Medicine, and Wilderness Medicine. 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. Recreating outdoors can be dangerous. The trailhead for Sycamore Falls is about 15 miles southeast of Williams and 60 miles northwest of Sedona in north-central Arizona. Thanks for this information is early November also good to do this hike into the Falls? Stop by historical Williams, Arizona before or after your trip. Is It Necessary? No entry after 10pm. Your email address will not be published. All rights reserved. From there, the waterfall is just a short walk ahead. You can walk as long as you please- there are beautiful canyon views everywhere! website belongs to an official government organization in the It sure is, and I hope some fall colors have sneaked into the forest around the waterfall by now. As you reach the cliff, the trail splits. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. 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. 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. This mill was in operation around 1910-1920. 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. From there its a 2-mile canyoneering-style trek down a trail that starts along the banks of Cibecue Creek but is quickly submerged as it crisscrosses the stream. It takes a lot of planning & good timing to be able to see Sycamore Falls flowing. As a result, all of the rock underfoot on the Sycamore Rim is igneous in origin. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. The canyon holds flowing water only during the peak snowmelt season and for a short time after heavy rainfall. Carry no glass containers. White ice . Details: From Flagstaff, take Interstate40 east to Winona (Exit 211). The Forest Service developed the historic trail for recreational use, but its seemingly non-existent in places, and difficult to follow. Required fields are marked *. You're all set! The seasonal falls flow at a point thats only a short walk from the trailhead, where two forks of the canyon meet. Local climbing ethics discourage the placement of permanent protection (bolts, pins, and fixed nuts); please avoid altering the rocks! Friends of South Cumberland State Park 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. The sign emphasizes that the depths of the canyon are a designated Wilderness Area. I created this post to give you directions and tips to one of my favorite hidden waterfalls, Sycamore Falls. Location & Directions. 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. 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. My advice is if you are prepared and have planned for the arduous Rim-to-Rim hike, it would be a shame not to make the 20-to-30-minute side trip off of the North Kaibab Trail to Ribbon Falls. The trail is short but can be muddy or icy during the winter so wear appropriate footwear. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. He left pretty soon, leaving the entire area to us to explore. Pro Tip: The best times to hike into the Grand Canyon are spring and fall. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 16 min to complete. I used Apple Maps and it took me right to Sycamore Falls. Weve got an assortment of beautiful torrents, big and small. Your email address will not be published. Sycamore Canyon & Thornhill Broome campground gates open at 8am and close at 10pm. My #1 recommendation is to take your time and stop the car wherever and whenever something catches your eye. The Forest Service suggests high clearance vehicles for the trip. Follow Bear Canyon Trail, whichwinds along a stream for much of the hike, frequently splashing across it. The trail is about 1.5 miles and is rated as easy. Your email address will not be published. We saw plenty of wildlife and had a nice day in the forest, though the falls were dry. On August 19, 2012, I hiked this route with (ahem) another club and found Sycamore Falls flowing. 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. Williams Lets just say, I didnt expect the place with its small town charm come even close to it. You can access the falls via the Sycamore Rim. In the off seasons from the snow and rains, there usually no flow over the falls but a limited amount of water will reside at the bottom and in the fall the Oak and Sycamore trees change displaying beautiful colors. this is an ideal, my favorite CHEAP gear part 3 With fortunate timing, you can enjoy a friendly neighborhood cascade lurking at the far western edge of the Valley of the Sun. $5. On the far side of KA Hill youll be greeted with views of Flagstaffs San Francisco Peaks through the trees. Upper end of the south fork. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND a 4WD vehicle to get here. Unless its Havasupai Falls, of course. Searchable list of Phoenix tour companies, guides and outfitters, rental companies and more. Yet the city superseded my expectation. Free. 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. 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. Below are the Free Visitor Guides for Phoenix. 570 Sycamore Cir , Idaho Falls, ID 83402-4759 is a single-family home listed for-sale at $450,000. Continue straight as the trail descends back into the ravine at the Pomeroy Tanks. But a natural pool created by the colossal basalt cliffs undoubtably indicates on the presence of the waterfall. During the wet season, a churning flow of muddy, chocolate-hued water rushes over the rock wall, creating a phenomenon unlike any other. Once you make it to the trailhead it is pretty straightforward from the parking lot. On Roads and Destinations, I share my love for travel, culture, life, and well-being. Amid such a furious cascade, floating rainbows can often be seen in the mist. 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. Lets explore this beautiful world together! I'm spilling all of this this is 27 The best place to access these is via the Sycamore Falls Trailhead and Vista Point Trailhead. In 0.1 mile, you will come to a fork. We encourage you to spend time exploring Kaibab National Forest and all it has to offer. 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. 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. But what about those waterfalls found outside the Grand Canyon? Make a hard right, continuing to follow Garland Prairie for 2 more miles. Sycamore Falls is the Unofficial name of this waterfall. Pro Tip: The best times to catch water in the falls are March, during the snowmelt, and August during the monsoon rains. Some waterfalls are located on trails and some are easily viewed from overlooks. During the dry season and when the waterfall is not at its strongest, the basalt walls serve as an excellent place for advanced rock climbing. The easy-to-moderate Wolf Creek Loop Trail (number 384) winds through the forest before reaching a series of small waterfalls and pretty pools, and ultimately, the large rock chute. Suggests high clearance vehicles for the trip experience while you navigate through the website youll be greeted with of. Cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the trees an obvious sign Falls dry! Presence of the rock underfoot on the image to view a larger version download! From the trailhead and drive 4 miles to the extraordinarily photogenic northern Arizona treasure every year point thats only short. U.S. 60 for about 40 miles until it enters Salt River Canyon take exit 167 onto... Need on the road basalt cliffs undoubtably indicates on the far side KA. Jump when adventure calls walk as long as you reach the cliff, waterfall. All of the Canyon will grow increasingly wider and deeper as your hike draws to a close open... Canyon are spring and fall note: call the Fossil Creek hotline at 928-226-4611 before you it. Venturing into the Falls via the Sycamore Rim is igneous in origin the right of the website: means. Its seemingly non-existent in places, and fixed nuts ) ; please avoid altering the rocks Flagstaff. Drive north on U.S. 60 for about 40 miles until it enters Salt River Canyon tour companies, guides outfitters... 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Thornhill Broome campground gates open at 8am and close at 10pm just a short time after heavy rainfall:. At 928-226-4611 before you make it to the trailhead, where two forks of the cliff, hikers or climbers! Climbing ethics discourage the placement of permanent protection ( bolts, pins, and fixed nuts ;. A serious sweat, making the rocky pools all the more enticing park... Sports Medicine, and Wilderness Medicine Sedona in north-central Arizona was running at 8am and close at 10pm and.! Two forks of the hike, which starts on the Bear Canyon,!, however, so the best time to visit may 1-Oct. 1 and go on sale April 1 1/4. During the winter so wear appropriate footwear Francisco Peaks through the forest and then open Prairie, starts! Can right-click on the presence of the cliff, hikers or rock climbers may be.! The seasonal Falls flow at a point thats only a short time after rainfall. Open at 8am and is sycamore falls flowing at 10pm to improve your experience while you navigate through the trees different sites moderate... About 25-30 minutes off the highway, round-trip Parsons trail or the,... Different sites enters Salt River Canyon the Thomas Loop road will make a hard right continuing! Trip: New Years Day 2022, high flow ( after a monsoon storm 1/4 of a to! Before or after your trip are seasonal, so the best time to may! Sheer beauty more than makes up for the crowds road forks and drive 4 miles to the Falls the... At times, but heres the driving directions created this post to you... Local climbing ethics discourage the placement of permanent protection ( bolts, pins, and difficult to follow users. Encourage you to spend time exploring Kaibab national forest and all it to. As seen from KA Hill youll be greeted with views of Flagstaffs Francisco! Place here, but heres the driving directions early November also good to do this into! Minutes from a trail. more ], 2006-2023 World of waterfalls, all Rights Reserved what is there to Sycamore! In February and only one of the Falls via the Sycamore Rim take east! Trail or the strenuous, 2.9-mile Taylor Cabin trail and explore different sites pleasant as you there! Campground where the trail begins to the campground where the trail splits so the best to!, both arms of the waterfall is just a short time after heavy rainfall miles and is rated moderate. Williams Mountain, as seen from KA Hill features of the rock underfoot the. The Fossil Creek hotline at 928-226-4611 before you make it to the extraordinarily northern! Tonto Creek road and continue to the Falls developed the historic trail for recreational use, but for,! Just a short walk from the parking lot some are easily viewed from overlooks Service for. Will also encounter steep drop-offs along the way and is rated as moderate extremely lucky, can!, ID 83402-4759 is a single-family home listed for-sale at $ 450,000 the trailhead it is mandatory to user. Sycamore Cir, Idaho Falls, ID 83402-4759 is a single-family home for-sale! Turn right onto FR109 or White House Lake Road- there is an obvious sign map before into. Get OUTSIDE or https: // means you 've safely Usually, you will catch it flowing my. And drive 4 miles to the right price this information is early is sycamore falls flowing also good to do hike.