Sycamore Creek

Sycamore Creek

About Sycamore Creek

Sycamore Creek is between Payson and Phoenix and is about one hour from Phoenix. It can be cruisy. You'll find clothed bathers here but nude swimmers and sunbathers are also here. The best time to go is spring and fall because the creek is often dry in summer. You'll have the place to yourself during the week and find between 15 to 20 bathers on weekends. The creek has some natural pools used for nude skinnydipping.

Sycamore Creek Directions

From Phoenix, take US Highway 60 east to Mesa. Take Exit 179 and head north on State Route SR-87. When you reach the junction with Shea Boulevard near Fountain Hills, you'll have another 23 miles to go. At milepost 212, start looking for a highway bridge over Sycamore Creek. After crossing the bridge take a right onto an unmarked dirt road. You will cross over a low-water concrete bridge, then you will come to a "Y" in the road. Bear left and look for a second, larger low-water concrete bridge. Do not attempt to cross this has this bridge. Park off to the side and continue across the bridge on foot and follow an old road uphill for about 10 to 15 minutes. At the top of the hill, turn right and follow the trail for several more minutes. You will reach an overlook above Sycamore Creek, and you can see the natural pools in the creek below. Descend into the canyon.