Fossil Creek Road Partial Closure
Fossil Creek Road (FR 708) is closed between Fossil Springs Trailhead (just west of Strawberry, AZ) and the Waterfall Trailhead (east of Fossil Creek Bridge) indefinitely
.
Is Fossil Creek Trail open?
Waterfall Trailhead, Irving (Flume Trailhead), Tonto Bench, Fossil Creek Bridge, and Homestead:
8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The access gate to these parking lots closes at 4 p.m. daily but you may still exit the parking lot after 4 p.m.
Why is Fossil Creek closed?
“The decision to keep Fossil Creek closed to the public was
made at the recommendation of a Burned Area Emergency Response team due to elevated post-fire risks in the area, such as flash floods, debris flows and dead trees
,” the Coconino National Forest said in a news release.
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.
What kind of fish are in Fossil Creek Reservoir?
Fossil Creek Reservoir is near Windsor. The most popular species caught here are
Largemouth bass, Black crappie, and Hybrid striped bass
.
Can you kayak Fossil Creek?
Fossil is one of my favorite places to kayak
. It is very technical and just fun to play in.
Can you drive a car to Fossil Creek?
Although dogs are allowed on leash, this might be a difficult trip for them due to the heat. The road to the trailhead is unpaved and might be difficult for 2WD vehicles. Fossil Creek Road via Strawberry AZ has a permanently close 4 mile section. Thus,
you cannot get to the trailhead or parking area via car
.
Is Fossil Creek Open after 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.
Are dogs allowed at Fossil Creek AZ?
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).
Do you need a permit for Fossil Creek?
Visitors must buy a permit in advance and present a hard copy of it at the parking lot entrance
. Those without printed permits will not be allowed to enter. 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.
What time do Fossil Creek permits open?
Day use hours are
8 a.m.-8 p.m.
Permits are not required between Oct. 2 and March 31. The roads are open 24 hours and camping is allowed downstream of Fossil Creek Bridge.
Is Fossil Creek a fire?
The Backbone Fire burned portions of the canyon bottom along Fossil Creek
, including next to the vault toilet. Fossil Creek suffered only moderate damage from the 42,000-acre Backbone Fire, but silt washing into the creek could affect populations of endangered native fish for years to come.
How do you get to Fossil Creek waterfall?
The only way to access the Waterfall Trailhead by motor-vehicle is to
take the road from Camp Verde
. Access via Camp Verde: From Interstate 17, exit 287, turn east on State Route 260 towards Payson and travel 10 miles.
What time does Horsetooth Reservoir open?
Horsetooth Area Information Center
The center's hours are:
March-October: 9 AM – 4 PM, 7 days a week
.
November-February: 9 AM – 4 PM, Monday-Friday
.
