Sycamore Canyon – Flagstaff, Arizona

Sycamore Canyon – Flagstaff, Arizona

The least known beautiful tourist destination in Arizona is the Sycamore Canyon.  This deep gorge filled with colorful rock formations, where Sycamore Creek and its tributaries have carved into the layered red rocks at the edge of the Colorado Plateau southwest of Flagstaff creating a deep, branched canyon system extending over 25 miles.

There is no road through the canyon, and the only approach is along lengthy dirt tracks through the Kaibab National Forest south of the town of Williams. 

Sycamore Canyon can be very hot and dry during the summer months.  There are several springs located near the Wilderness trials which normally have water year round but hikers should not depend on this water being available and all ground water should always be treated or filtered.  There is plenty of shade along all of the trails as you descend into Sycamore Canyon through a thick forest of Ponderosa Pine, Gambel Oak, and Juniper trees.  The lower part of Winter Cabin Trail and part of Kelsey Springs Trail takes you through chaparral type vegetation which offers spectacular views of Sycamore Canyon.

Sycamore Canyon is the second largest canyon in Arizona and offers hikers plenty of solitude and natural beauty.

Length of trail system: 11.3 miles

Rating: Mostly moderate with a few short strenuous sections

Elevation: 6,800 to 4,800 ft.

Season: May to November

Access: Access to the trailheads is by dirt roads which can be extremely rough and even impassable during monsoon Season and winter months due to mud and heavy snow.

No mechanized vehicles including bicycles in Wilderness.

Fire danger is usually high – be very, very careful with campfires

Camp at leas 200 feet from springs and bury human waste 200 feet from springs and pack out ALL trash.

Contact Information: Peaks Ranger Station
5075 N. Highway 89
Flagstaff, Arizona 86004

Phone: 928-526-0866

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