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Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Southeast Trails
Sycamore Canyon is the second largest canyon is Arizona and offers hikers plenty of solitude and natural beauty. Sycamore Canyon Wilderness was Arizona's first Wilderness Area, designated in 1972. The canyon is marked by colorful cliffs, soaring pinnacles, and desert riparian areas. It is home to black bear and mountain lions, as well as many other creatures. The Wilderness falls within the Prescott, Kaibab, and Coconino National Forests. The Coconino National Forest manages the canyon on the east side of Sycamore Creek.
Sycamore Canyon can be very hot and dry during the summer months. Most of the trails in the lower part of the Wilderness do not have reliable water sources. All ground water should always be treated or filtered.
Wilderness areas are rare, wild places set aside by Congress where the land is allowed to retain its natural state, serving as a natural haven for humans to escape modern civilization and for nature to be itself. To help minimize human impacts in wilderness and maintain its character, several laws and regulations have been put in place and we ask that visitors practice Leave No Trace Ethics.
The Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Southeast Trail System on the Red Rock Ranger District consists of three trails. These trails include:
Taylor Cabin Trail and Dogie Trail join up with Sycamore Basin Trail on the Prescott National Forest. Visit the Prescott National Forest Sycamore Canyon Wilderness page for additional information about trails on the western side of Sycamore Creek.
The Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Northeastern Trail System is on Flagstaff Ranger District. These trails are accessed from Flagstaff, Arizona, and are mainly at higher elevations, primarily in forests of ponderosa pine, Gambel oak, and juniper.
At a Glance
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General Information
Directions:Location: About 40 miles southwest of Flagstaff, Arizona, and 30 miles west of Sedona, Arizona, by roads that start paved and get progressively rougher.
Access: You may get to this area from a number of highways and Forest Roads. Major access points are off State Route 89A via FR's 152, 152D, 152C, 525, 538E, 538G and 538H.
Maps
- Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Map: available from local Forest Service Offices
- Forest Service Topo Map (FSTopo Geo-enable PDF):
Click map thumbnail for a larger view.
General Notes:
Notes:
Do not disturb cultural/archeology sites (Antiquity’s Act 1906)
No motorized equipment or vehicles allowed. (Wilderness Act 1964)
No motorized or mechanized transport (ie... bicycles, strollers, etc) allowed. (Wilderness Act 1964)
Sycamore Canyon Wilderness-Specific Regulations
Camping/campfires are prohibited in the Sycamore Creek/Parsons Trail area (see Forest Order for more details)
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.
Additional Resources
Wilderness Institute: Sycamore Canyon Wilderness
The Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Map is available from Coconino National Forest offices or by phone 928-527-3600 using Visa, MasterCard or Discover Card.
- Wilderness.net
- Leave No Trace
- Red Rock Ranger District Visitor Center
- Flagstaff Ranger District
- Kaibab National Forest
- Prescott National Forest
- Code of Federal Regulations
- Coconino National Forest: Forest Orders
