Sycamore Basin Trail #63, AZ

Originally used to move cattle and horses.

This trail is the main access to the Sycamore Canyon Wilderness. It offers spectacular views of Sycamore Canyon and the surrounding red rock bluffs. It receives regular use by horseback riders and hikers. The trail ends at its junction with Winter Cabin Trail #70, on the Coconino National Forest. TR #70 continues to Winter Cabin, another 5.1 miles. As you approach it from the south trailhead, Taylor Cabin is located on the trail at about mile 9. Constructed of quarried sandstone by local ranchers in 1931, Taylor Cabin was used for many years as a winter line camp. The cabin is listed on the National Register of Historic Places but is open to visitor use.


Recommended season of use: Fall, spring, winter (depending on weather). The bottom of Sycamore Canyon can be stifling hot in mid-summer with little air movement in the canyon. Mid-summer use by hikers is not recommended.Maps, other resources: Prescott (east half) and Coconino National Forest Maps; U.S.G.S. topographic 7.5' quads for Sycamore Basin, Loy Butte, and Sycamore Point.

Trail layout: The lower section of the trail is relatively level through Sycamore Basin at an elevation of about 4,500 ft. The trail approaches Sycamore Creek at about mile 5, and from there stays either in or close to the canyon bottom until about mile 11.2. Here the trail becomes Coconino National Forest Trail #70 and leaves the wilderness climbing over 2,000 ft. to Winter Cabin.

Precautions: There is no dependable water on this trail during summer; in winter, however, the flows can be heavy. It is not recommended for summer use.

2018-07-14 HAZ_Hikebot