This trail follows Sycamore Creek to Parsons Spring. First, the rocky trail drops 200 feet into Sycamore Canyon. The rest of trail to Parsons Spring is relatively flat and well marked with the signs and big cairns. We cross the creek three times. Each crossing is a fun adventure in maintaining dry feet.

The trail is short and easy. It meanders back and forth into the riparian desert forest and then onto the arid rocky ledges above. Most of the trail is in the shade of cottonwoods, sycamores, and Arizona walnut trees. All of us feel free to take it slow, snap as many pictures as we can. It seems like in every corner we can take postcard pictures. We stop often for the jaw-dropping magnificent red rock canyon, several different size caves on the canyon walls. We also enjoy a little bit of challenge in walking on narrow path, rock ledge along the canyon walls. We take turns to get our own picture with a hollowed tree almost big enough to walk through, just off the trail.

At the ”swimming hole“ where deep waters go right up against a tall red cliff, we stop for a while to take pictures and enjoy the spectacular beauty of red rock formations. This is the best spot for photography with the refection on the water. But today there are too many people jumping in for swimming. The water is not still and calm for a nice reflection.

After lunch, five people – Dave, Monika H. Lori, Donna, Ben – want to continue upstream to Parsons Spring. But for at least the first quarter mile or more after the spring, the trail is overgrown and difficult to navigate (that is what I am told).

The rest of us hike back at different paces. The hike back is just as enjoyable as the hike in. On our way back we take a break to catch our breath and enjoy the scenic surroundings with the afternoon sunlight.

Quy, Sana, and Monika M. head back home, while the rest divide into two groups having dinner at different restaurants.

This hike is the prettiest: easy, enjoyable, with some fun in crossing creeks and walking on ledge rock among the beauty of wilderness.

Thanks to all for coming to join my hike. Happy Trails.

Ted made it to the ol’ swimmin’ hole and beyond.

The Parsons Spring Trail has some smooth sections, but there are a lot of little ups and downs and some rock outcroppings to get past. Shade and a light breeze made our hike very pleasant. Fascinating rock formations occur throughout the hike. The trail took us close to some of them, while giving us panoramic views of the more distant formations.

The first of the water crossings was challenging, because most of the stepping stones had water flowing over them and slippery moss growing on their tops. Also, some of the stones were unstable. When you step on a cobblestone, you never know whether it’s going to stay in place or shift underneath your boot. No one splashed in.

After the hike, Gabrielle, Jeanne, Tim, and I decided we would just return to Phoenix.

But then something got us talking about Mexican food, and we ended up stopping at La Fonda on the west side of Camp Verde. There we were surprised to meet Bill Zimmermann and his crew, who had just completed their Black Canyon hike near Cottonwood. Everybody had fun exchanging stories about our respective hikes and enjoying the fellowship and a fine Mexican dinner.