Sycamore Creek

Forming in southern Cococino County southwest of Flagstaff is Sycamore Creek, a major tributary to the Verde River. From its headwaters this Class II to IV stream flows south by southwest into Yavapai County to its confluence just above Clarkdale and west of Sedona near Dead Horse Ranch State Park. Snowmelt runoff from the Red Rocks area of Prescott National Forest is the primary source for its late spring through early summer flow. The water is very cold, and daytime temperatures will be mild to cold, even during the boatable season.

The area surrounding the river is a picture postcard image of tall forests, beautiful, red mountains (most of Arizona is shades of brown) and big, blue skies. The river flows through a tourist trap area at and around Sedona, but you will only know that from what you see on the rides to and from the river, leaving behind all signs of civilization while you are paddling. Sycamore Creek offers very limited access, and there are no campgrounds situated along this run, but riverside camping may be allowed by rangers in Prescott National Forest. The river has a starting elevation of about 7,000 feet msl, then drops nearly 1,000 feet over nearly 27 miles at an average gradient of some 37 fpm. The water is swift-moving, and the river is narrow. Downed trees and avalanche debris can ocasionally block the river or enhance the difficulty of drops. Be sure to bring your camera, because you will want to take many photos of this very scenic and gorgeous river valley in the mountains high above the desert floor.

Sycamore Creek has several serious Class III to IV drops consisting of large boulders, steep descents (though for only a short drop) and occasional dead-fallen trees that make navigation hazardous if not done with care and after careful observation. Scouting rapids and drops is usually easy, but some of them require vigilance to recognize them before it is too late to take a look. For the most part the river flows in straight l

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