The Little-Known Hiking Trail In Arizona With 4 Enchanting Natural Springs
By Katie Lawrence|Published April 17, 2019
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Katie Lawrence
Author
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015.
Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).
Beautiful swimming holes and amazing hiking trails abound here in Arizona, but most of them are packed all spring and summer long. We’ve discovered one of the best hikes near Perkinsville, AZ boasting not just one, but four little-known natural springs with crystal-clear water and hardly any tourists. Take a peek:
Hiding within three different national forests, Sycamore Canyon is one of Northern Arizona’s best-kept secrets. A designated wilderness area, no roads or campgrounds are to be found here — hiking and horseback riding are the only means of access.
Pardon Springs Trail is the most popular route, and for good reason. Upon embarking on the 7.2-mile, moderately difficult trek, visitors are lead over peaks and through valleys to a series of enchanting natural springs.
Just under halfway through, you’ll come upon what the locals have dubbed "Blue Hole." While by far the largest and most beautiful spring, it definitely isn’t the only one.
Turning around at Blue Hole has become so commonplace, very few even consider going further. Break the status quo and you’ll be duly rewarded by at least three more springs.
Exactly how many additional pools are hiding along the trail remains uncertain, but we can assure you this: it’s very likely you’ll have them all to yourself. Soak the day away in the deepest, most peaceful solitude.
There are several river crossings, so please use caution and turn around if the water is deep or flowing swiftly. Aside from that, the trail is flat and fairly straightforward thanks to cairns made by hikers over the years.
