Waterfall Trail is the most popular area at Fossil Creek. The
one-mile
trail follows the creek to a natural waterfall, where crowds spend the day swimming. This rewarding hike showcases the beauty Fossil Creek has to offer.
How rough is the road to Fossil Creek?
Fossil Creek Road (FR 708) is
very rough
and not recommended for horse trailers. Spring-Summer Season (April 1 – October 1): Permit is required for parking. Reservations for a specific parking lot must be made in advance. Visitors must bring printed permits and passes to the site.
Can you go to Fossil Creek without a permit?
Fossil Creek is a special place to many people. It is also in a remote location with few services and some parts of the river are difficult to access. Being prepared will help you enjoy your trip and ensure Fossil Creek remains healthy and accessible for all to visit.
A permit is required April 1 through October 1
.
How hard is the Fossil Creek hike?
Experience this 2.60 mile, out and back trail near Strawberry, Arizona. Generally considered a
moderately challenging route
, it takes an average of 1 h 13 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking, trail running, and walking, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring.
Where is Bob Bear trail?
Location:
Five miles west of Strawberry, Arizona
. Access: From Stawberry, AZ, take Fossil Creek RD. and make a right to Bob Bear Parking lot. Between April 1 and October 1 a parking permit is required to park at this trailhead.
How Deep Is Fossil Creek waterfall?
Fossil Creek is one of only two Wild and Scenic rivers in Arizona. At temperatures of 70 degrees Fahrenheit, water gushes out at 20,000 gallons per minute from springs at the bottom of a
1,600 foot
deep canyon. Over the years, these calcium-rich waters have laid down huge deposits of a material called travertine.
How much is a Fossil Creek permit?
Permits cost
$6
on the Fossil Creek Wild and Scenic River page at www.recreation.gov and allow entrance to a specific lot. The permits are good for day use only.
Can you take dogs to Fossil Creek?
Dog-Friendly:
Yes (must have a leash!)
Accessibility: 30 parking spaces at each trailhead! (There are 9 trailheads!) Fee/Permit: Permit required during peak season (March 1 to October 1).
What happened to Fossil Creek?
The Fossil Creek recreational area in Coconino National Forest
will be closed for at least the remainder of 2021
as officials work to assess and repair damage caused by the Backbone Fire, the U.S. Forest Service announced.
Can you kayak Fossil Creek?
Fossil is one of my favorite places to kayak
. It is very technical and just fun to play in.
Is Fossil Creek a good area?
Last month, the air quality in Fossil Creek, Fort Worth was good
(Air Quality Index, i.e., AQI was 36 for pollutant PM2. 5). In 2020, the air quality was bad for 1 days when AQI for pollutant PM2. 5 exceeded 100.
Is Fossil Creek Open due to fire?
The Fossil Creek recreation area, located within the burned area of the Backbone Fire,
will remain closed through 2021 and potentially into the fall of 2022 or later
as personnel work to assess and repair the damage.
Can you fish at Fossil Creek Park?
Biking, water recreation (boating and fishing), and pets all have a significant impact on wildlife; thus
not permitted
. Note: Dogs, bikes and horses are not allowed at Fossil Creek Reservoir Natural Area.
Can you fish at Fossil Creek AZ?
Fishing Regulations
Fishing is allowed between the waterfall located approximately 1 mile above the Flume Trailhead parking lot along FS 708 and the downstream-most power line crossing
(immediately below Sally May Wash). Catch-and-release only for roundtail chub.
Do you need a permit for Fossil Springs?
From April 1 to October 1, a parking permit purchased and printed in advance is required to park in the Fossil Creek area
. Permit reservations can be made at Recreation.gov during the Spring-Summer season starting March 1.
How do I get to Fossil Creek?
Today, there are two primary ways to reach Fossil Creek. One is
Fossil Creek Trail, near Strawberry
. The trail drops about 1,500 feet in four miles. After that, it takes more walking along the stream bed to get to the creek’s main flow, which is what most people are looking for.
How long is Horton Creek Trail?
Enjoy this
8.60 mile
, out and back trail near Payson, Arizona. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 4 h 32 min to complete. This is a very popular area for backpacking, camping, and hiking, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring.
Where is Fossil Springs?
| Fossil Creek | Country United States | State Arizona | County Coconino, Yavapai, Gila | City Strawberry |
|---|
Do I need a permit to hike in Tonto National Forest?
You must still obtain a permit in person, subject to quota limits
.
How did Fossil Creek get its name?
Fossil Creek gets its name
from the fossilized casings of travertine that form over many things along the creek
. And it also forms into unique geological features that create pools, terraces, and waterfalls along the creek. The calcium carbonate gives the water a blue-green color that adds to the aesthetic appeal.
