Hiking at the Parson's Trailhead near Sedona, Arizona
Introductory Overview
Hiking at Parson’s Trailhead, located near Sedona, offers an exceptional opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts to experience the natural beauty of the Verde Valley. Unlike the red rocks that Sedona is known for, Parson’s Trailhead stands out with its lush riparian setting along the Sycamore Creek. This area is part of the stunning Sycamore Canyon Wilderness, a lesser-known yet equally picturesque counterpart to Sedona’s red rock formations. It presents hikers with striking contrasts: towering canyon walls, clear flowing waters, and shaded areas filled with vibrant vegetation. This rugged yet serene landscape makes it a serene escape from Sedona’s more crowded trails.
Adventure Guide to Hiking at Parson’s Trailhead
Trail Overview
Parson’s Trail is a four-mile out-and-back trail (8 miles round trip) that starts about 12 miles north of downtown Sedona. The well-marked trail leads hikers along Sycamore Creek and provides occasional swimming holes—a rare find in the Arizona desert. The trail is a relatively easy hike with a mild elevation change, making it accessible for families and beginner-to-moderate level hikers. The abundance of flora and fauna along the way adds to its charm.
Key Features
Sycamore Creek Swimming Holes: As you hike, you’ll come across several crystal-clear swimming spots. These are perfect for cooling off, especially during the warmer months.
Wildlife Sighting Opportunities: The riparian habitat is home to unique wildlife, including herons, javelinas, and various lizards. Birdwatchers will also find this trail rewarding.
Spring/Fall Colors: If visiting in spring or fall, expect dramatic flowers and foliage along the trail, adding to its visual appeal.
Local Insights
This area has deep historical roots—Sycamore Canyon was historically used by Native American tribes for seasonal hunting and sustenance. The sycamore and cottonwood trees found here thrive due to the year-round water supply from Sycamore Creek.
Visitor Tips
Best Times to Visit: Spring and fall for pleasant temperatures; early morning in summer for cooler conditions.
What to Bring: Sturdy shoes, swimwear, sunscreen, water bottles, and snacks.
Getting There: From Sedona, take AZ-89A south to Tuzigoot Road. The drive is about 40 minutes. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended for the gravel road leading to the trailhead.
Reviews
Mike E7 years ago
Everyone knows the Grand Canyon, and almost every Arizonan knows Oak Creek Canyon. But one of the largest canyon's in the state that no one has heard of is Sycamore Canyon. It's mostly protected as a vast wilderness area, bordered by Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon on the east, the Verde River on the south and a high forested plateau of ponderosa pines and junipers to the north and west. Despite its protected status, there are several trails and vistas that allow a beautiful glimpse of the flora and fauna that populate its varied and rugged terrain.
I recently enjoyed a two-mile hike into the park's lowest elevation environment via part of Parsons Trail. The pathway starts where Sycamore Creek meets the Verde River, and follows the stream up four miles into the wilderness and to Parsons Spring itself. The canyon extends about 20 miles total into the preserve.
As a result of an active summer monsoon season, the creek was flowing noisily, feeding the lush high desert riparian area populated with mesquite, cottonwoods and sycamore trees. Steep red rock and limestone canyon walls bordered the trail, offering glimpses of some long-ago abandoned native cliff dwellings. We forged the stream at least two times, taking advantage of an array of rocks and logs that previous visitors had assembled to assist in the crossings.
A number of day hikers were enjoying swims in the deep pools of water that collect at a couple bends in the waterway. There were frequent sounds of birds in the high forest canopy, but I was only able to identify a cooper's hawk and a hairy woodpecker. Other wildlife certainly abounds, but with the exception of a number of butterflies and caterpillars, we only saw the footprints of a raccoon.
At a little under 4,000 feet in elevation, this hike is a high desert excursion. Stormy clouds were an ominous sign, especially when lightning flashed, but the clouds and treetops kept the sun from overheating us on our mid-August outing. Other hikes and viewpoints, like Sycamore Point just a dozen miles to the northwest but almost a 100 miles by road, offer a higher and cooler exploration in Arizona's other canyon.
Rob Pasell3 years ago
The trail and area are great. Most of the people who show up with off leash dogs are not. Leave no trace has meaning.
Great for birds. Saw 3 Common Black Hawks on the last hike.
Neil Kewenvoyoumaa year ago
This trail is a little out of the way to get to, yet worth the drive. My nephew and I saw antelope a lot of lizards and spectacular views. It took us about an hour to reach the pool and an hour and a half to return. I would suggest going early to enjoy the pool to yourself. This was Memorial Day 2023 and it got crowded around noon.
Tony Franklina year ago
Sycamore Canyon sure has changed, last years flooding has completely changed the look of the hike. The trail is powdered sand for most of the hike and huge mountains of debris lay between the trail and the river.
Still some beautiful spots down in there, and when you arrive at the river it sure feels nice to take a refreshing swim before the hike back out. Not sure I would make the trip from Prescott Valley to hike it again though!
Arizona Adventurer5 months ago
Beautiful and dangerous, this area deserves and commands great respect from anyone who ventures into it. Especially if you are hiking deeper into Sycamore Canyon. Always go prepared and you will have a great time.
