Sycamore Wilderness Canyon in Arizona was one of the toughest backpacking hikes I have done thus far. Not because it’s to rugged, or the elevation varried to much, no, this was tough because the lack of water, and the amount of bushwacking I had to do. Having said that…Awesome Hike!!! It’s not a popular hike. In fact, hardly anyone goes in. Why? It’s as remote as they come. Maybe a 100 backpackers a year will try this hike.

Sycamore Canyon leaves you wanting to explore more. Just make sure your GPS unit has fresh batteries. Or even better, make sure you can read a Topo Map. The Canyon is unforgiving as a wilderness area goes. But the most important thing to remember when hiking this Canyon, is to bring lots of water. Experts recommend to bring one gallon per person, per night. I can tell you that they are not kidding. No water in the Canyon except for standing left overs from Winter (if you are lucky to find it). Unless you are prepared to hike farther North and look for it, you better leave the extra’s in your pack at home, and pack Nalgene Bottles instead. I found water my first of two night in the Canyon, and I was fortunate. I had run out of water with 3 miles left in my hike. Hey, 3 miles is alot in the Desert.

My trip started at the Caster Mountain Trailhead which is no easy drive to get there. In fact, that is why very few people hike this remote Wilderness Canyon. It’s almost impossible to get there. You will need to have a decent 4 wheel drive, or ATV to even get close to the trailhead. Once to the trailhead, I made my way up 2 miles to the elevation of 6,900 ft. Castner Mountain gives off some awesome views of the Canyon. Hike along this Trail for 7 miles and you wont be dissapointed. Make it a overnight and camp at some breathtaking spots and soak in the Canyon. Keep traveling and you will come to Taylor Cabin Trail which takes you down 2000 ft to the Canyon bottom. (and it goes straight down) Look for the 1835 custom built stone cabin or (like I did) camp along the creek bed. The trail gets very tricky is this spot. Looking for Carrins is like putting together a Jig Saw Puzzle with all the pieces the same color. Once you stop and check your compass, hike along the Sycamore Basin Trail all the way back to the Parson’s Spring Trailhead. You will pass some beautiful scenery that takes you back to yesteryear. It’s all Wilderness from here. Say hello to the Bull Cows that you may encouter. (inside joke between me and the Cows)

After you come out of the Canyon, you have a steep hike down to the Verde River. There you will have to forge the River to get across to your ride. If they can get there that is. I would NOT hike this Canyon in the Summer. Spring, and Fall are the best times to hike.

To get there, take 89A out of Cottowood Arizona toward Sedona. Turn Left at 525 and take that to the junction of 525c. It’s at least a 40 minute drive on a rugged dirt road to get to the trailhead. However, look for the Powerlines going up Castner Mountain. These Power Lines are a great source of direction.

Scott Janz

Feel free to contact me at any time. Started Backpacking in 2003 and have never looked back. My all time favorite hike was last April when I hiked the Sycamore Wilderness Canyon. No trails, no signs, just wilderness and a 3,000 foot steep drop into the Canyon. I ran out of water my third day. Why? There was no water in the Canyon. You can check out my video on the “backpacker.tv” page. Thanks for dropping by.