Experience Tranquil Wilderness at Parsons Trailhead
Parsons Trailhead in Sedona offers a serene and rewarding hiking experience amid the region’s iconic red rock landscapes. This hiking area features a moderately challenging trail that takes you through a strikingly lush environment often described as an Arizona rainforest. Hikers admire the diverse wildlife encounters, including sightings of antelope and lizards, as well as spectacular views that make the journey worthwhile.
The trail includes water crossings and requires some route-finding, adding an element of adventure for those who enjoy a bit of exploration. Early starts are recommended to fully enjoy the peaceful pool area before crowds arrive. Parsons Trailhead provides a refreshing contrast to the desert environment, appealing to visitors seeking a unique and immersive outdoor experience in Sedona.
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Kevin Blumberg
5 months agoGreat hike. It is moderate. Given the elevation, the change in elevation, and the temperature change while we were there, it is definitely a fair rating.
Charles Provine
3 months agoIt's an Arizonan rain forest. It is breathtaking. Be ready to cross water, be ready to find your route, be ready to hike back, be ready for a rough road in.
Tony Franklin
3 years agoSycamore 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!
Neil Kewenvoyouma
3 years agoThis 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.
Simone DeSalle
3 years agoThe swimming hole itself was awesome & worth the trek to get there. However, I'd like to give some advice on the getting there part. From phoenix, Google maps took us up the 17 to the 260 to 89A to Bill Grey Rd. This led us to 18 miles of unpaved dirt/gravel/Rocky road. It was not a pleasant ride. Instead, I would take the 89A to Main Street in Cottonwood, then take Sycamore Canyon up to the trailhead. That's only about 20 minutes of dirt road instead of 50. You still need a high clearance vehicle as the last couple of miles have some decent rocks to clear - subaru outback did just fine! Now for the trail itself, be prepared for a sandy hike - wear appropriate shoes. The sand is hot! You start with a decent so be sure to save water and energy for that climb out. The swimming hole is not 1.2 miles in like the signage says - it's more like 1.6 miles. You do have to cross the river once (you'll see a nice cairn structure right beforehand). Continue on past the mossy muck & you'll end up at the swimming hole. People were jumping off the cliff, but as always please exercise caution and check what is below the water first. Note: there is no bathroom or facilities at the trailhead (but plenty of bushes! ;)) Would not recommend for doggos in the summer because the sand is just too hot for their Paws.