Hikers understand that the destination is not always the biggest reward for their efforts. There’s also enjoyment in the journey. The Parsons Trail in Arizona provides both. The natural pool that emerges after a moderate four-mile trek makes the trip even more worthwhile, especially in the heat of the summer. What’s called Parson (without the “s” on the end) Springs, according to the U.S. Forest Service website, is a classic swimming hole. Yet the view is incentive enough to go there, even without necessarily getting wet.

Reflections can change the view of the pool, depending on the time of day. That's even more reasons to linger around the water before returning to the trailhead or proceeding farther.
Coconino National Forest/flickr
Officially called "Parsons Trail No. 144," the trail begins with a steep descent to the canyon bottom. The rest of the trip is fairly flat.
Coconino National Forest/flickr
Wildflowers are part of the attraction along the trail.
Coconino National Forest/flickr

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The walk amid the basalt, sandstone and limestone cliffs is what makes the Parsons Trail memorable, even aside from the water elements.
Deborah Lee Soltesz/flickr
The late fall, as illustrated by this scene in early November, is a great time to hike the Parsons Trail.
Coconino National Forest/flickr
Sycamore Canyon is Arizona's second-largest canyon and the state's first designated wilderness area.
Coconino National Forest/flickr
Continuing upstream from Parsons Springs, more natural pools are to be found on the Parsons Trail.
Alan English CPA/flickr

The hike along the Parsons Trail is easy enough that the bigger challenge to some visitors may be reaching the trailhead. The final phase is on an unpaved road; a high-clearance vehicle is recommended. The trailhead is 33 miles south of Sedona or 10 miles north of Clarkdale on FR 131, the Sycamore Canyon Road. For more information about the trail, see the U.S. Forest Service website.

Have you ever hiked Parsons Trail? If so, we’d love to hear all about your experience in the comments section below. Don’t forget to check out our previous article for more natural pools in Arizona worth making a splash in!

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