Slate Creek Divide – Sycamore Creek West Fork Basin
The mix of sycamore, oak, Douglas fir, and ponderosa pine in the drainages offer great potential to attract higher elevation rarities. Good sightings on the lower slopes as well as in the higher elevation forests. This area is rugged and is accessed from dirt roads and back country hiking.
Site Information
Region: Phoenix and Central
County: Maricopa
Directions: The access point of Slate Creek Divide is reached along the Highway 87 (Beeline Highway) just north of milepost 222, by taking the turnoff to Sycamore Creek to the west (adjacent to the Mount Ord turnoff to the east). This turnoff is about 35 miles north of where Shea Blvd meets the Highway 87, as Shea Blvd. is a popular access point when taking the Beeline Highway anytime. Once turning on the Sycamore Creek turnoff, this is part of the Old Beeline Highway. After driving west for 1.2 miles on the Old Beeline Highway, you will come across a dirt road turnoff that goes in the northeast direction, which is Forest Road 201. Take this road to the higher elevation forests, which is close to ten miles in length. Forest Road 201 is in decent condition, and is drivable for most vehicles. It only has a few rough patches throughout the road's duration.
Latitude: 33.99422
Longitude: -111.473735
Operational Hours: Open all year, 24 hours a day
Admission or Fees: None
Habitats: Pinyon-juniper Forest, Pine-oak Forest
Know Before You Go
Safety First! Arizona has many beautiful places to explore and we’d like to help you make it a safe and enjoyable experience. Check out our recommendations for hiking precautions.
Species Highlights
Speciality: Acorn Woodpecker, Bridled Titmouse, Black-throated Gray Warbler, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Mexican Jay, Painted Redstart
Charismatic: Anna’s Hummingbird, Lesser Goldfinch, Phainopepla, Ruby-crowned Kinglet , Western Kingbird
Contact Information
Tonto National Forest
US Forest Service
2324 E. McDowell Rd
Phoenix, AZ 85006
Phone: 602-225-5200
Website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/tonto/recreation/recarea/?recid=35443&actid=24
Additional Resources
Learn more about birds reported at this location at eBird:
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L7414609
Additional Resources: Birder from Maricopa
