Sycamore Canyon is off Ruby Road west of the city of Rio Rico. It’s a garden of Eden after the monsoon rains. The trail is not well defined so it’s important you can navigate.
A creek carved this canyon through the heart of the Pajarita Mountains. Headwaters flow off the west face of the Atascosa mountains and into the canyon.
Click to watch a video of the adventure
I first scouted this trail with my friend James. At 5:30 AM during sunrise after Monsoon rain. Was an extraordinary experience but I forgot my good camera at home so I returned for a second hike with my good camera.
Scouting the route into this Sonoran Desert oasis is an adventure especially when the water is flowing. Coronado National Forest maps show a trail system through the Pajarita Wilderness that follows the canyon but the trail is not well defined.
Click to view photos from hike
This canyon transforms into a lush green paradise during monsoons. However, it’s also dangerous during the monsoons. Flash floods can rip through the canyon taking trees, debris, and you with them. You may want to scout your trail above the canyon accordingly.
Entrance to the canyon parking area requires a truck preferably with four wheel drive to get across the creek bed. Otherwise, you maybe able to park off Ruby Road a bit further back and take a high clearance car such as Subaru or cross over.
There’s a parking area at base of the canyon. I recommend a corral area a short distance up ruby road if you choose to camp. Trail links below:
Recommended kit
The full hike is nearly 10 miles one way. You may like to stage a second car if you choose to do the entire trail. We didn’t do that. We scouted about 1.5 miles into entrance to the canyon off Ruby Road. Here’s what I took:
- Adequate water and or filtration system
- GPS device w/ emergency satellite beacon / radio
- Bag lunch
- Spare / dry shoes and socks
- Towel to dry off
The canyon continues into a fertile valley in Sonora, Mexico. You can see the canyon’s complete path from higher points like Montana Peak HERE or Atascosa Lookout HERE.
I am the top grossing Real Estate Broker in southern Arizona. Nobody makes more money for their clients than I do.
My inspiration comes from long hikes in the mountains where I recharge my spirits and prepare for the next sale at work.
These hikes are more than an adventure. I feel everybody could benefit from time in nature like this and love sharing my experiences in the vast open spaces here in Arizona.
Drop me a line. It would be nice to make your acquaintance. I can answer your questions about trails as well as Real Estate in Arizona.