Sycamore Falls: Northern Arizona’s Best Kept Secret

As much as we love exploring faraway destinations, we realize just how lucky we are to live in Arizona where there is so much beauty to explore in our own backyard. Even after living here for 17 years, we are continually finding new places that take our breath away, like Sycamore Falls.

Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting Sycamore Falls

Table of Contents

• How to Get to Sycamore Falls
• Hiking to Sycamore Falls
• What to Expect at Sycamore Falls
• Other Things to Do at Sycamore Canyon
• Tips for Visiting Sycamore Falls

How to Get to Sycamore Falls

Located about 1 1/2 hours south of the Grand Canyon, you’ll find another impressive yet lesser-known Canyon.

Sycamore Canyon is a 21-mile scenic Canyon that begins in the thick Ponderosa Pine forests near Williams and ends in the desert landscape of Verde Valley.

Sycamore Falls can be reached by car and is located at the upper head of the canyon at Paradise Forks.

To drive to Sycamore Falls, take exit 178 off of I-40 just east of Williams. Head south on Garland Prairie Road. It will soon turn into FR 141, a well-maintained forest service road that you’ll follow for about 9 miles.

Take a right on White Horse Lake Rd/FR 109 and follow for about 3 miles to the parking lot and trailhead. Alternatively, if you put Sycamore Falls in your GPS it should take you directly to the parking lot.

Hiking to Sycamore Falls

The trail to view Sycamore Falls is only about 1/4 mile from the parking lot.

Once you arrive at the small parking lot, you will see the trailhead just to the left of the sign. There are also restrooms located at the trailhead.

At the bottom of the short hill, the trail forks to the left and right. Both trails lead to two separate waterfalls.

When we visited in the winter the trail was muddy and icy, so use caution. The falls located on the right at the fork are the most photogenic.

What to Expect at Sycamore Falls

This area is referred to as Paradise Forks, as Sycamore Canyon comes to a fork with a waterfall located at the head of each fork.

The most popular waterfall is on the right where you’ll see a natural basin surrounded by dramatic basalt cliffs.

Sycamore Falls is at the top of the basin where the water plunges into a deep emerald pool below.

Continue along the rim until you can find the best lookout point to soak in the serene beauty.

Chances are you’ll have the whole place to yourself, which only adds to the experience.

To reach the other falls, just cut across to the opposite side and you’ll see an impressive 70-foot drop waterfall.

The waterfalls are seasonal and unfortunately, there was only a trickle when we visited in the winter.

Other Things to Do at Sycamore Canyon

During the dry season, the jointed basaltic walls become a popular place for advanced rock climbing and slacklining. If you don’t have the skill set to climb, it is still impressive to watch!

Paradise Forks is also the jumping-off point for 5 different trails. One of the easiest is the 1.65-mile trail to Vista Point.

The Sycamore Rim Trail traverses 11 miles along the rim, past the deep pools of Pomeroy Tanks, up the summit of KA Hill, through meadows and pine forests, and past several historical sites.

The Parsons Springs Trail leads through a fertile desert riparian area, which is one of the world’s rarest habitats.

The Taylor Cabin Trail drops down into the canyon floor and follows alongside the dry river bed for about 1 1/2 miles to reach a historic rancher’s dwelling.

While you’re in the area, stop in Williams and grab a bite to eat along the historic Route 66 or visit Bearizona, a drive-through wildlife park and zoo.

See our guide 7 Things to Do in Williams, AZ for more recommendations.

Tips for Visiting Sycamore Falls

• The sun sets behind the falls, so the best time for photos is in the morning or at sunset.
• The Sycamore falls are seasonal, so the best time to visit is during the spring run-off or after a monsoon storm. There is the least amount of flow in winter and summer. We visited in February and only one of the falls was running.
• There are sheer drop-offs all along the edge of the canyon, so use extreme caution, especially with kids.
• Do not throw rocks off of the cliff, hikers or rock climbers may be below.
• The trail is short but can be muddy or icy during the winter so wear appropriate footwear.
• Sycamore Canyon is home to black bears, mountain lions, and the ringtail cat, which happens to be the Arizona state mammal. Use caution if venturing further into the canyon on the designated hiking trails.
• There are no fees to visit Sycamore Falls.

The Grand Canyon and Sedona dominate the attention of tourists in Northern Arizona, leaving Sycamore Falls as one of Northern Arizona’s best-kept secrets.

It is one of the most impressive waterfalls in Arizona yet few people have visited these falls or have even heard of them. Another hidden gem you’ll want to check out is Cibecue Falls!

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