Mike in the Wild

Everyone knows the Grand Canyon, and almost every Arizonan knows Oak Creek Canyon.  But one of the largest canyon's in the state that no one has ever heard of is Sycamore Canyon.  It's mostly protected as a vast wilderness area, bordered by Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon on the east, the Verde River on the south and a high forested plateau of ponderosa pines and junipers to the north and west.  Despite its protected status, there are several trails and vistas that allow a beautiful glimpse of the flora and fauna that populate its rugged terrain. I recently enjoyed a two-mile hike into the park's lowest elevation environment via Parsons Trail. The pathway starts where Sycamore Creek meets the Verde River, and follows the stream up four miles into the wilderness and to Parsons Spring itself.   The canyon extends about 20 miles total into the preserve. As a result of an active summer monsoon season, the creek was noisily feeding the lush high desert riparian area that ...