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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 ;)

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?

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...

I just saw this post on a meetup group, posted on Feb. 22, 2014. Fixed all the spelling and grammar for ya, too! ;)

"I want to let you know that there in NO WATER in Sycamore Canyon!!! Let me repeat, there is NO WATER Sycamore Canyon!!!! Both Summers and Parsons Springs are fine, with good flow, but after that, nothing. Where the Dogie Trail crosses Sycamore Creek, there is some pothole water, 1 hour rock-hopping excursion down the Creek. On the Sycamore Trail, there was small pothole water found about 20 minutes up Cedar Creek. There was some putrid water found in the Sycamore Tank. One would be quite desperate to drink that, even with filters and whatnot.

I do not know how the water situation is a Taylor Cabin area. But we were absolutely stunned to see how dry it was/is.

So with that, please take extra care and caution. If that means you are hauling a gallon of water, do it unless you know 100%. Places that have always had water are now dry. We need to be extra careful out there."

azbackpackr wrote:I want to let you know that there in NO WATER in Sycamore Canyon!!!

So you fixed all the spelling and grammar, did you?

@CannondaleKid
Careful there, you are :STP: and may :stretch: for it later.

Well, heck!

azbackpackr wrote:She also enjoys "rock hoping." Perhaps she is hoping to find gold nuggets or diamonds there?

She's probably savvy enough to realize it would be thoroughly picked over by now. "Rock hoping" must involve packing out some regular rocks and hoping they transform into something valuable given the companionship and protection of a faithful dogie.

Roy Rogers, 1940:
https://www.youtube.com/embed/Q2cFji4CmHE

Woody Guthrie:
https://www.youtube.com/embed/AQITVzERKrM