Sycamore Reservoir

Length: 2.6 – 4.9 miles (out and back)
Elevation Gain: 1,253 ft

Driving Directions to Trailhead

From the front parking lot of Palisades Visitor Center, turn right heading down Catalina Highway. Continue approximately 12.5 miles and look for a turnoff on the righthand side for Gordon Hirabayashi Campground. Parking for the trailhead is available just past the camp host site on the left side of the road.

Hike Overview

Gordon Hirabayashi Campground rests on the site of the former Catalina Federal Honor Camp, also known as “Prison Camp.” Here, Dr. Gordon Hirabayashi, along with other Japanese Americans, was imprisoned during World War II. In 1999, the Coronado National Forest renamed the ruins of this site in honor of Dr. Hirabayashi. We invite you to explore the site while you’re in the area.

Sycamore Reservoir was the water source for Prison Camp.

From the parking lot, join the trail and enjoy the steady climb out of the campground area through a grassy meadow and small creek bed. When you arrive at the Wilderness Boundary (aka “Shreve Saddle”) enjoy the view! There will be a small gate here, and views to the east and west. This marks the highest point along this hike, with a large decent to Sycamore Reservoir from here. This can serve as a good turnaround point as the trail becomes more strenuous from here.

As you descend to the reservoir, you’ll notice old pipes following the trail. These pipes transported water from the reservoir to Prison Camp. Sycamore Reservoir is a good place to take a lunch break, with several options for shade, and corners to explore. Please take care around the dam area. When you’re ready, turn around and head back to the parking lot from here.

Safety

Before you leave Shreve Saddle / the Wilderness Boundary, be sure your entire team is ready to climb back up the long descent down to Sycamore. This entire hike is exposed with limited shade options until you reach Sycamore Reservoir. Bring all of the water you need for the hike (and more than you think you need), and do not rely on Sycamore Canyon as a water source.

Be sure to visit the Know Before You Go page for additional safety information.

Another good stopping point for this hike is the wilderness boundary which appears as the high point on this elevation profile. This stopping point provides an amazing view, and avoids the long descent (and climb out) to Sycamore Reservoir.