[azpride]

I am going backpacking with some friends this weekend, and the original plan was Maxwell/Tramway loop, but since the Red Rock District is temporary lifting the fire restrictions, I am now considering somewhere in the Sycamore Canyon area. Yes, we want a campfire, regardless of our propane options. Anyway, the friends are wanting to take a dip in a creek at some point, which inspired me to look at lower elevations, but I really don't want to do Parson's trail, considering the past logs describing 30+ partyers at the pools on any given warm weekend.

My question: Taking into account the wet winter and this weeks precipitation, should there be any significant amount of water on the section of the creek along the Dogie trail, or any other part of the wilderness? I'm not necessarily counting on cliff diving or rope swinging, but enough for a refreshing dip.

Thanks if anybody has any thoughts on this

[Hoffmaster]

I haven't been to that area in a few years, but Sycamore Creek was bone dry when I was there. I do know for a fact that the upper portion of Sycamore Canyon is wetter than heck right now. I'm not sure if this translates into water downstream or not. Why don't you call the Sedona ranger district?

[Vaporman]

The middle and upper portions of Sycamore Canyon will be mostly dry unless there's a recent storm or from early spring runoff from snowmelt. Some of the springs below Kelsey TH are flowing good right now and you'll find some pools in the narrows and some side canyons, but nothing like below Parsons springs...