The Sycamore Springs Reservoir, (first entry from MAY 3, 2013, updated with GROK version 3)

The Sycamore Reservoir, often called Sycamore Spring Reservoir in some older references, located in the Santa Catalina Mountains near Tucson, Arizona. It’s a fascinating spot with a mix of natural beauty and historical significance.

The Sycamore Reservoir is a small lake nestled in the Pusch Ridge Wilderness, originally built in 1939 to supply water to the Catalina Federal Honor Camp, also known as the Tucson Federal Prison Camp. This camp housed non-violent federal prisoners, including conscientious objectors during World War II, like Gordon Hirabayashi, who resisted Japanese American internment policies. The reservoir was a critical resource for the camp, but over time, nature has taken its toll—flash floods have filled much of it with rock and sand, shrinking its size considerably.

Today, it’s less of a functional reservoir and more of a scenic destination. The surrounding area features a sandy beach and is framed by alder, willow, and sycamore trees, giving it a lush, riparian feel that’s a stark contrast to the arid desert nearby. It’s fed by streams from Bear Canyon and Sycamore Canyon, and when water levels are high, you might catch a small waterfall spilling over the old dam. The spot is a haven for wildlife, especially birds, thanks to the vegetation that extends into the canyons around it.

Getting there involves a hike along the Sycamore Reservoir Trail #39, starting from the Gordon Hirabayashi Recreation Site off the Catalina Highway, near milepost 7. The trail’s about 3.25 miles one way, descending roughly 800 feet from the trailhead at around 4,880 feet elevation. You’ll pass through the old prison camp ruins—mostly just concrete foundations now—and into the wilderness. It’s a moderate hike with great views of landmarks like Thimble Peak and Cathedral Rock, and it’s part of the Arizona Trail, so you could extend your adventure if you’re up for it. The return trip’s a bit of a climb, so be ready for that.

The reservoir’s a popular spot for a day trip or even an overnight, especially in fall or winter when the foliage pops and the weather’s milder. It’s not really a swimming hole anymore due to the silt, and any water there needs purification if you’re thinking of using it. Still, it’s a peaceful escape with a story to tell—less about holding water now and more about holding onto a piece of history and nature.

(Using GROK to ask about things not found on Wikipedia is fascinating)