Sycamore Point Trail near Williams

[Headspace]

Sycamore Canyon is considered one of the most scenic vistas in Arizona. It's easy to reach from CR73, 8 miles south of Williams at MM178, east on FR110 - N35º 08.53' W112º08.86. After passing FR109 (White Horse Lake) and J.D. Dam Lake continue to the end of FR110 at Sycamore Point N35º01.43' W111º58.65'.

For more detailed instructions refer to "Backcountry Adventures-Arizona" by Massey and Wilson, Northeast Region Trail #11 - White Horse Lake Loop Trail and #12 - Sycamore Point Trail (you combine the two trails to get to the canyon). The roads are graded and in fairly good shape with 4wd not necessary. Only take this trip when the roads are dry.

We saw an occupied eagle nest at White Horse Lake, lots of other wildlife and a beautiful view of the canyon. At the far end of the canyon is Jerome, which can be seen with binoculars.

Here are photos from the trip today (left Prescott at 10 a.m. and got home before 6 p.m.):

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v336/Code_3/P5140029.jpg
A stream along the road.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v336/Code_3/P7040045.jpg
View of canyon.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v336/Code_3/P7040049.jpg
Obligatory shot of my TJ. Had to look for a rock to park the tire on :D

[Devil Man]

Sycamore Canyon is considered one of the most scenic vistas in Arizona. It's easy to reach from CR73, 8 miles south of Williams at MM178, east on FR110 - N35º 08.53' W112º08.86. After passing FR109 (White Horse Lake) and J.D. Dam Lake continue to the end of FR110 at Sycamore Point N35º01.43' W111º58.65'.

For more detailed instructions refer to "Backcountry Adventures-Arizona" by Massey and Wilson, Northeast Region Trail #11 - White Horse Lake Loop Trail and #12 - Sycamore Point Trail (you combine the two trails to get to the canyon). The roads are graded and in fairly good shape with 4wd not necessary. Only take this trip when the roads are dry.

We saw an occupied eagle nest at White Horse Lake, lots of other wildlife and a beautiful view of the canyon. At the far end of the canyon is Jerome, which can be seen with binoculars.

Here are photos from the trip today (left Prescott at 10 a.m. and got home before 6 p.m.):

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v336/Code_3/P5140029.jpg
A stream along the road.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v336/Code_3/P7040045.jpg
View of canyon.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v336/Code_3/P7040049.jpg
Obligatory shot of my TJ. Had to look for a rock to park the tire on :D
YOU SHOULD HAVE PUT YOUR TJ IN THE FIRST PIC :D

[Headspace]

Okay, here's a shot of Cammi, the TJ and the canyon...got 'em all covered!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v336/Code_3/P7040046.jpg

[Wind_Danzer]

AWESOME!!!!! Wanna do it again this weekend? I'm off Saturday and Sunday.

I love those pics!!!! Really pretty.

[Headspace]

On Saturday we plan on driving the O'Leary Basin Trail and Cinder Hills Loop Trail in the area of Sunset Crater (near Flagstaff). You, and anyone else, is welcome to join Cammi and I. We plan on having some fun driving on Cinder Lake.

Our starting point will be 6 miles south of Flagstaff on US 89. It is 0.1 mile south of MM427 GPS = N35°19.70 W111°32.68. Time is negotiable if anyone wants to join us. We live in Prescott and are about 90 minutes from the starting point.

[Wind_Danzer]

Never been to the Cinders, do you need a permit of any sort? I'd be coming up from Phoenix if I go.

Can you give me a better idea of the starting point besides GPS. I don't have one so they don't make much sence to me. Is there maybe another familiar landmark, like a gas station in the area. ;) :p

It appears I'm about 2 1/2 hours from the Sunset Crater area.

[Headspace]

How about 10 a.m. at:

McDonald's
1401 S Milton Rd
Flagstaff, AZ 86001

I-17 turns into Milton when you get into town. I seem to recall the MickyDee to be on the left.

If that time doesn't work let me know. Anyone else want to join up can meet us there.

I'm in a 2000 Green Sahara with a tan hardtop. PM me if you need my cell #.

As far as permits, I don't believe any are needed as I'm taking the route from the backcountry adventures book and nothing is mentioned about it. Based on the description in the book this is not going to be a challenging route as they show it as a 2 out of 8 scale.

You should have time to do the canyon if you want after the cinders. Let me know and I'll copy the route instructions for the canyon and have them Saturday.

[Stomper]

Very nice pictures!! I will have to keep this trail in mind for my next trip up into that neck of the woods.

Take care,

S

[Sedona Jeep School]

You can make a really awesome (easy 2.0) loop by getting back on Perkinsville Road (FR 173) or Pine Flat Road (FR 354) and following it all the way through Perkinsville, catching FR 354 (still called Perkinsville Road) to FR 318 (name changes to Orchard Draw Road on some maps.) FR 318 will take you right into Jerome.

Stop for a lemonade (or whatever else whets your whistle :D ) at the Spirit Room or Paul & Jerry's, or better yet a burger at the Jerome Palace aka Haunted Hamburger.

Then back through Sedona to Flagstaff, or over the hill to Prescott (PBC bangers and mash--yum!) or just back through Cottonwood to I-17. Fun, easy day, great views, cooler temps. I've just about talked myself into it...

[Stomper]

I have eaten at the Haunted Hamburger several times and it has always been nice. The food is average but the view of the entire Verde Valley from the balcony is always amazing.

Take care,

S

[Crawldit]

You can make a really awesome (easy 2.0) loop by getting back on Perkinsville Road (FR 173) or Pine Flat Road (FR 354) and following it all the way through Perkinsville, catching FR 354 (still called Perkinsville Road) to FR 318 (name changes to Orchard Draw Road on some maps.) FR 318 will take you right into Jerome.

Stop for a lemonade (or whatever else whets your whistle :D ) at the Spirit Room or Paul & Jerry's, or better yet a burger at the Jerome Palace aka Haunted Hamburger.

Then back through Sedona to Flagstaff, or over the hill to Prescott (PBC bangers and mash--yum!) or just back through Cottonwood to I-17. Fun, easy day, great views, cooler temps. I've just about talked myself into it...

I made that same trip (only backwards), the first weekend I had my Jeep. That is a beautiful day trip ;)

[Wind_Danzer]

How about 10 a.m. at:

McDonald's
1401 S Milton Rd
Flagstaff, AZ 86001

I-17 turns into Milton when you get into town. I seem to recall the MickyDee to be on the left.

If that time doesn't work let me know. Anyone else want to join up can meet us there.

I'm in a 2000 Green Sahara with a tan hardtop. PM me if you need my cell #.

As far as permits, I don't believe any are needed as I'm taking the route from the backcountry adventures book and nothing is mentioned about it. Based on the description in the book this is not going to be a challenging route as they show it as a 2 out of 8 scale.

You should have time to do the canyon if you want after the cinders. Let me know and I'll copy the route instructions for the canyon and have them Saturday.

10 am sounds fine. I'll post up on Friday afternoon if I can be official or not. I'd have to leave here 8am on Saturday (maybe a little sooner) so that shouldn't be an issue. My 4 day trip is pretty easy too so I shouldn't be to tired from that.

How long do you think we'll be out for?

[Headspace]

Based on the description in the book it would be about 3 or 4 hours. That would leave plenty of time for you to hit the canyon and then over to I-17 and back home. You could make a long day of it depending on your inclination.

[Stomper]

I hate having to work most weekends!! Grrr!!

Have a good time and post pics!!

Take care,

S

[jim0352]

If you don't mind a new member in a stock Jeep tagging along, I'll join you on Saturday.

Jim

[Headspace]

See you at 10 am in Flag at McDonald's.

[Wind_Danzer]

Ok, provided the I-17 stays open, I'm in. I was told it was closed earlier today.

Headspace, I'll PM you my cell.

[Headspace]

It's just before 10 p.m. on Friday 7-8 and I-17 was open as of a couple hours ago. The fire near the Carefree Hwy was still smoking, but no flames. Traffic was light for a Friday eve.

[Wind_Danzer]

Ok, 17 is clear acoording to the hotline so I'll be out of here in about 10 minutes. Headspace, you have my cell so call if you don't see me by 10am. I have a Gunmetal Jeep on 35 MTR's, chopped fenders and a safari top and duster on.