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3.8 miles
Distance
421 ft
Climb
-386 ft
Descent
3,760 ft
High Point
35 ft
Altitude change
3,585 ft
Altitude min
3,711 ft
Altitude start
3,747 ft
Altitude end
0.2%
Grade
-48.2%
Grade max
50.6%
Grade min
2 miles
Distance climb
1 mile
Distance down
2,556 ft
Distance flat
Parsons Details
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Activities
- Hike
- Trail Running
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Riding AreaCottonwood
, Arizona -
Ref Number#144
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Difficulty Rating
-
Local Popularity90 in Hiking [+]
- 5 in Trail Running
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Global Ranking
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Hiking SAC ScaleT1 Hiking
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Trail TypeSingletrack
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DirectionBoth Directions
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Physical RatingModerate
The hike up the Parsons Trail is a pleasant stroll along a cool, clear desert stream set in a magnificent red rock canyon. Sycamore Canyon is a place sufficiently unique to have been one of the first areas protected as wilderness in Arizona. The trail leads through the lower reaches of this wilderness through a riparian area rich in plant and animal life.
Colorful cliffs that are a unique mix of dark columnar basalt, red sandstone, and buff colored limestone enclose the lush green of the oasis. The trail leads 4 miles to a large pool called Parson Springs where this considerable stream springs to the surface from the underground course it has followed through the majority of the canyon. Up canyon from this point surface flow only occurs during snowmelt and after summer monsoons.
The limestone layer just above the streambed is riven with small caves. Flat ledges of red sandstone extend to the water's edge. Songbirds flit through the tall cottonwoods and thick mesquite bosques. At a number of points additional springs flow from the canyon walls through gardens of columbine and watercress. All these features combine to make this trail one of the most popular, and one of the most crowded, on the forest. If you visit this truly exceptional place please exercise extra discretion in making sure the impact you create is as slight as possible.
Traditionally Indigenous Territory
Recent Activity on Trail
Past Week
- 0 rides
6 Months
- 4 rides
- 3 miles avg distance
All
- 14 rides
| c1 | c2 | c3 | c4 |
|---|---|---|---|
January | February | March | April |
May | June | July | August |
September | October | November | December |
Parsons Trail Reports
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Trail Conditions
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Directions to parsons trailhead
(34.864120, -112.069400)
Photos
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Nearby Trails
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- Packard 6 miles
- Fsr 258a 7 miles
- Lower Smasher 8 miles
- Rust Bucket 9 miles
- By todd
Trailforks & contributors - #260662 - 1,881 views
Frequently Asked Questions About Parsons
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Where is Parsons located?
Parsons is located in Cottonwood, Arizona, United States. It is part of the Cottonwood trail network. The trailhead is located at coordinates 34.86412, -112.0694.
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How hard is Parsons?
Parsons is rated as Blue difficulty. The physical rating is Moderate. The average grade is 0.2%.
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What is the elevation gain for Parsons?
Parsons has 421 ft of elevation gain. The trail has 386 ft of elevation descent. The elevation ranges from 3,585 ft to 3,760 ft.
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Is Parsons a point to point trail?
Parsons is not a point to point trail. The direction is Both Directions. The trail type is singletrack.
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