OUR PICK: Williams, Ariz., and Sycamore Falls

Spring, always welcome after a long winter, is the only time of year to catch the 100-foot-high waterfall flowing at Sycamore Canyon just outside Williams, Ariz., in the Kaibab Forest. This picturesque mountain town is the gateway to the Grand Canyon, with Route 66 as the main street.

Nestled in the headstream of the Sycamore Canyon wilderness area, Sycamore Falls is one of northern Arizona’s most beautiful and lesser-known treasures. The falls is created by the snowmelt from higher terrain that flows into the canyon and can be seen only in the spring, when they flow for approximately four to six weeks.

Catch the view of Sycamore Falls while you can because as the summer heat approaches, the waterfall stops flowing. But the canyon also is one of the most popular rock-climbing areas in the state, known as Paradise Forks. Paradise Forks is a pristine columnar basalt climbing formation that is a quality experience for climbers of all abilities.

Less than an hour from the Grand Canyon, Williams has many things to see and do. The Grand Canyon Railway departs from the train depot for the canyon every day. You can see bears and other wildlife up close in Bearizona; walk, dine and shop in historical downtown on Route 66; or stay in a motel right on the Mother Road.

The town is nestled at the base of Bill Williams Mountain in one of the largest ponderosa pine forests, and there are miles of hiking trails, fishing and horseback riding.

Spring this year has brought the arrival of the first bear cub ever to be born at Bearizona, the wildlife drive-through park located just outside of Williams. Doc, named after Bearizona’s CEO Sean Casey’s father, Doc Casey, was born in the middle of January and removed from his mother’s den Feb. 28. You can see cuddly little Doc when you tour Bearizona.

The days are warm and the nights are cool in the mountain town of Williams. So whether you want to discover new hiking trails, do some rock climbing, or just stroll down Williams’ main street, historical Route 66, spring is a great time to visit.

IF YOU GO

To see Sycamore Falls, drive from downtown Williams about 15 minutes on a forest road to an easy 21/2-mile hike down into the canyon that leads right to the breathtaking views of the waterfall. Directions and maps are available at the Forest Service/Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center in the old train station in the middle of downtown Williams at the corner of Grand Canyon Boulevard and Railroad Avenue.

Information about Doc and Bearizona can be found at www .bearizona.com.
Lodging and camping options, hiking trails and rock climbing information can be found at www .experiencewilliams.com. Or contact the Williams and Forest Service Visitor Center at 1-800-863-0546.

Joy Harper, The Gazette