Sycamore Spring Reservoir
(just used GROK to write an article, and found this blog used as a source. That is correct, this blog is a source now lol. But it USED THE POST I MADE WITH GROK AS THE SOURCE! Of course there is nothing From Wikipeida, because it is not found on Wikipedia)
Sycamore Spring Reservoir, also known as Sycamore Reservoir, is a small, historic body of water nestled in the Santa Catalina Mountains within the Pusch Ridge Wilderness, approximately 13 miles northeast of Tucson, Arizona, in Pima County. Here’s a detailed overview based on available information: ### **Location and Description** - **Geographic Details**: The reservoir is located at an elevation of approximately 4,373–4,377 feet (1,334 meters) at the junction of Sycamore and Bear Canyons. Its GPS coordinates are approximately 32.3492629°N, -110.7463116°W.
https://www.anyplaceamerica.com/directory/az/pima-county-04019/reservoirs/sycamore-reservoir-35059/
- **Physical Characteristics**: Originally constructed as a lake, the reservoir has significantly silted in since 1992, transforming it into a marshy riparian area. It features a sandy beach and is surrounded by stands of alder, willow, and sycamore trees, creating a scenic and lush environment. The reservoir is fed by waters from Bear and Sabino Canyons, and when full, a small waterfall can form at the dam, adding to its aesthetic appeal.
https://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=454
https://www.fs.usda.gov/r03/coronado/recreation/trails/sycamore-reservoir-trail-39
### **Historical Significance** - **Purpose and Origin**: Built in 1939 to supply water to the Catalina Federal Honor Camp (also known as the Gordon Hirabayashi Recreation Site), a former prison camp along the Catalina Highway, the reservoir played a critical role in supporting the camp’s operations. The prison camp’s concrete foundations are still visible near the trailhead.
https://thingsnotfoundonwikipedia.blogspot.com/2025/02/entries-from-here-done-with-grok.html
https://www.fs.usda.gov/r03/coronado/recreation/trails/sycamore-reservoir-trail-39 - **Current State**: Due to flash floods, the reservoir has accumulated significant rock and sand, reducing its water-holding capacity. Despite this, it remains a pleasant destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts.https://www.fs.usda.gov/r03/coronado/recreation/trails/sycamore-reservoir-trail-39 ### **Access and Trail Information** - **Trail Details**: The Sycamore Reservoir Trail (#39) is a popular, moderately challenging out-and-back trail starting from the Gordon Hirabayashi Recreation Site, near milepost 7 on the Catalina Highway. The trail is approximately 7.2 miles round-trip, with an elevation gain of about 1,158 feet, taking around 3.5–4 hours to complete. It descends gradually from Shreve Saddle (5,000 feet) to the reservoir (4,400–4,500 feet) and offers stunning views of the Santa Catalina Mountains, rocky canyons, and diverse landscapes.
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/sycamore-reservoir-trail
https://hikelemmon.com/sycamore-reservoir-trail/ - **Trail Features**: - The trail begins at the Gordon Hirabayashi Recreation Site, accessible via a paved road, with a dirt road section that may require a high-clearance vehicle if the gate is open. Low-clearance vehicles should park at the last building slab to avoid the 1.25-mile dirt road to the trailhead.
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/sycamore-reservoir-trail
https://www.alltrails.com/en-gb/trail/us/arizona/sycamore-reservoir-trail - The trail passes through areas affected by the Aspen Fire, with visible burn scars but signs of ecological recovery. It is part of the Arizona National Scenic Trail, offering scenic vistas, especially at Shreve Saddle
https://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=454 - A short spur trail leads to the historic concrete dam, which is a highlight for visitors, though caution is advised due to steep cliffs and loose rocks.
https://blog.summithut.com/Sycamore-Reservoir-Trail/
https://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=1805 - **Activities**: Popular activities include hiking, backpacking, camping, and running. Dogs are allowed but must be leashed. The trail is best visited from September to May due to milder temperatures. Swimming, fishing, and other water activities are possible when water is present, though water levels vary and purification is recommended.
https://www.anyplaceamerica.com/directory/az/pima-county-04019/reservoirs/sycamore-reservoir-35059/
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/sycamore-reservoir-trail)[](https://blog.summithut.com/Sycamore-Reservoir-Trail/ ### **Environmental and Ecological Features** - **Flora and Fauna**: The reservoir’s riparian area supports diverse wildlife and bird populations, with cottonwoods, sycamores, and willows providing shade and habitat. Recent reviews note the presence of wildlife like tarantulas and snakes, and the area is known for its vibrant fall colors.[](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/sycamore-reservoir-trail)[](https://www.freearenas.com/sycamore-reservoir-pima-county-az-united-states-near-mount-lemmon-arizona.html) - **Weather and Conditions**: The reservoir area is typically dry, with occasional water flow below the dam or from the spring within it. Historical weather data (1971–2000) from the nearby Sabino Canyon station (2,640 feet elevation) indicates average summer highs of 99–101°F and winter lows of 38–44°F, with low precipitation levels (0.22–2.49 inches monthly). Summer hikes require ample water and sun protection due to limited shade.[](https://www.anyplaceamerica.com/directory/az/pima-county-04019/reservoirs/sycamore-reservoir-35059/)[](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/sycamore-reservoir-trail) ### **Visitor Information** - **Accessibility**: The trail is generally well-maintained, with easy-to-follow signage, though some sections may be rocky or narrow. The trailhead is accessible by passenger car, but seasonal gate closures may add distance to the hike. No permit is required for hiking, but a Coronado Recreational Pass or National Pass may be needed for parking in certain areas ($8/day, $10/week, or $40/year).[](https://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=454)[](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/sycamore-reservoir-trail) - **Reviews and Popularity**: The trail has a 4.6-star rating from 696 reviews on AllTrails, praised for its scenic views, moderate difficulty, and solitude during quieter times. Hikers appreciate the diverse terrain and the reservoir’s shaded, riparian environment.[](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/sycamore-reservoir-trail) - **Safety Notes**: Hikers should stay on the main trail to prevent erosion and avoid unofficial spurs. The area can be hot, especially in summer, so bring sufficient water and sunscreen. The dam area has steep cliffs, requiring caution.[](https://www.fs.usda.gov/r03/coronado/recreation/trails/sycamore-reservoir-trail-39)[](https://blog.summithut.com/Sycamore-Reservoir-Trail/) ### **Additional Notes** - **Connectivity**: The trail connects to other routes like the Bear Canyon Trail and East Fork Trail, allowing for longer hikes or loops (e.g., to Thimble Peak, a 10.1-mile hike with 2,439 feet elevation gain).[](https://www.outdoorproject.com/az/thimble-peak-sycamore-reservoir-trail)[](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/thimble-peak-via-sycamore-reservoir-trail) - **Cultural Significance**: The reservoir is near the Gordon Hirabayashi Recreation Site, named after a civil rights figure who resisted internment during WWII, adding historical context to the area.[](https://hikelemmon.com/sycamore-reservoir-trail/) For further details, you can explore topographic maps or trail guides available at AnyPlaceAmerica.com or AllTrails.com, or visit the Coronado National Forest website for official trail information. If you’re planning a visit, check current weather and trail conditions, as water availability and trail status can vary.[](https://www.anyplaceamerica.com/directory/az/pima-county-04019/reservoirs/sycamore-reservoir-35059/)[](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/sycamore-reservoir-trail)[](https://www.fs.usda.gov/r03/coronado/recreation/trails/sycamore-reservoir-trail-39)
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