Dorsey Spring Trail No. 7
Dorsey Spring Trail descends very gradually as you hike through shady ponderosa pine, Gamble oak, and juniper trees. The last quarter mile is a little steeper as it drops into Dorsey Spring which normally runs all year. There is a great area to camp near Dorsey Spring. The Dorsey Spring Trail terminates at the junction with Kelsey Trail near Dorsey Spring. Dorsey Trail and Kelsey Trail make a great 7.3 mile loop hike.
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Photo tour from this trail [Flickr]
Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Trail System
The Sycamore Canyon Wilderness North Trail System within the Flagstaff Ranger District consists of five trails with a combined mileage of 11.3 miles with the longest trail being 5.6 miles. These trails include:
- Kelsey Trail
- Dorsey Spring Trail
- Winter Cabin Trail
- Little L.O. Trail
- Hog Hill Trail
Each trail is suitable for day hikes or longer overnight loop hikes.
Sycamore Canyon can be very hot and dry during the summer months. There are several springs located near the Wilderness trails 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.
Sycamore Canyon is the second largest canyon in Arizona and offers hikers plenty of solitude and natural beauty. Learn more about Sycamore Canyon Wilderness.
At a Glance
Current Conditions: | During the winter, roads leading into the area are closed to vehicles. Road closures. |
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Closest Towns: | Flagstaff, AZ |
Operated By: | Flagstaff Ranger District - 928-526-0866 |
General Information
Directions:Location: 25 miles southeast of Flagstaff, Arizona
Access: From Flagstaff, take W. Old Route 66 to Woody Mountain Road (FR 231). Turn left. Follow Woody Mountain Road approximately 14 miles to FR 538. Turn right on FR 538 and continue approximately 3.5 miles to FR 538G. Take the left fork to Dorsey Spring Trailhead.
GPS (Map): 35°03'17.1"N 111°55'11.9"W
Maps
- Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Map: available from local Forest Service Offices
- Forest Service Topo Map (FSTopo Geo-enable PDF):
Click map thumbnail for larger view.
General Notes:
Length: 1.7 miles
Elevation Change: 600 feet
Notes:
- No mechanized vehicles including bicycles in the Wilderness.
- Fire danger is usually high - be careful with campfires.
- Camp at least 200 feet from springs and bury human waste 200 feet from springs. Pack out all trash.
Leave No Trace: Recognize your role in preserving wild lands by practicing these Leave No Trace principles:
- Plan ahead and prepare.
- Travel and camp on durable surfaces.
- Dispose of waste properly.
- Leave what you find.
- Minimize campfire impacts.
- Respect wildlife.
- Be considerate of other visitors.