About this spot
Parsons Spring sits at the end of the Parsons Trail in the Sycamore Canyon Wilderness near Cottonwood, reached via Sycamore Canyon Road (paved then rough dirt) and a roughly 3.7-mile round-trip hike with several creek crossings and a steep staircase drop into the canyon. The spring feeds a clear, spring-fed pool shaded by vertical cliffs, with a rock ledge that hikers use for small jumps into deep water — more scenic swimming hole than big cliff-diving spot. No fee or facilities; flow is perennial so the pool holds water even in dry years, though its size shifts seasonally. The main hazards are the long, hot desert approach and unmarked creek crossings rather than the jump itself. Popular but quiet on weekdays.
Safety first. Cliff jumping is inherently dangerous and can cause serious injury or death. Conditions — water depth, submerged hazards, and access — change constantly. CliffScout is community-sourced reference information, not a guarantee a spot is safe. Always assess the conditions yourself before jumping, and never jump where you're unsure. You assume all risk.
