How Much Time To Hike Fossil Creek Waterfall?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Enjoy this 2.6-mile out-and-back trail near Strawberry, Arizona. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of

1 h 3 min

to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking, trail running, and walking, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring.

How high is the waterfall at Fossil Creek?

Fossil Springs, the head water of Fossil Creek, arises at an elevation of

6,510 feet (1,980 m)

above sea level on the Mogollon Rim in Coconino County north of Strawberry. For about the first 3 miles (5 km), the creek’s flow is intermittent.

Why is Fossil Creek waterfall closed?

The trail has little shade.

Damage to the unpaved Fossil Creek Road, which gave emergency responders faster access to the creek

, is the reason behind the closure, said Carrie Templin, a public affairs officer for Tonto National Forest.

Can you hike Fossil Creek without a permit?

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. Permits cannot be purchased on-site.

How hard is the hike to Fossil Creek?

Experience this 2.6-mile out-and-back trail near Strawberry, Arizona. Generally considered a

moderately challenging route

, it takes an average of 1 h 3 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking, trail running, and walking, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring.

Is Bob Bear trail open?

Operational Hours:

Spring-Summer Season (April 1 – October 1): Day use only

! Camping is prohibited during the season. Parking lot is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The access gate closes at 4 p.m. daily; however, you may still exit the parking lot after 4 p.m.

How long does it take to get to Fossil Creek from Phoenix?

It takes approximately

3h 35m

to drive from Phoenix to Fossil Creek.

How long is Horton creek trail?

Get to know this

8.6-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.

What can I bring to Fossil Creek?


Hiking shoes or boots

: Keep the flip-flops in your pack until you get to the water. For the hike, you’ll want sturdy hiking shoes or boots. The trails are rough and rocky. Flip flops, water shoes, sandals, and lightweight tennis shoes won’t hold up on the longer hikes, and you will end up with blisters and sore feet.

Is Bob Bear trail Closed?


Area Status: Closed

The Bob Bear Trail provides access to the headwaters of the Fossil Creek Wild and Scenic River and the Fossil Springs Wilderness on the Tonto and Coconino National Forests.

How long will Fossil Creek be closed?

Dates Information
August 23, 2021 – December 31, 2022

THIS AREA IS CURRENTLY CLOSED up to Dec 31, 2022, or until rescinded, whichever comes first. The purpose of this closure order is to protect the public’s health and safety from unsafe conditions resulting from the Backbone Fire.

Is Fossil Creek open again?

The Fossil Creek recreation area, which is in Coconino National Forest and stretches across central Arizona between the Mogollon Rim and Camp Verde, is

closed and isn’t expected to reopen anytime soon

. A wildfire that tore through the area in the summer of 2021 caused significant damage.

Can you kayak Fossil Creek?


Fossil is one of my favorite places to kayak

. It is very technical and just fun to play in.

Did Fossil Creek burn down?


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.

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.

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.

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).

Do I need a permit to hike in Tonto National Forest?


You must still obtain a permit in person, subject to quota limits

.

Do you need a permit for cibecue Falls?


A Cibecue Falls Access Permit is required for all Individuals, Adults and Children

, wanting access to the Cibecue Falls Area for hiking & sightseeing (no camping, swimming and fishing permited). All permits are good from 12:00 am to 12:00 am.

Where is Bob Bear Trail?

The Bob Bear Trailhead is accessed via

Fossil Creek Rd from the town of Strawberry

. The Fossil Creek area has very few developed facilities and visitors should be prepared for rustic and remote conditions.

Can you fish Fossil Creek?


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.

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.

Is Horton Springs Trail open?


Area Status: Open

Horton Spring Trail offers excellent views.

Do you need a Tonto Pass for Horton Creek?

As you wind deeper into the forest, you’ll discover gorgeous waterfalls and mossy rocks that create a Neverland oasis.

A day pass costs $8 for the Tonto National Forest

, and you can reach the trailhead at the Upper Tonto Creek Campground. You can visit this desert oasis from April – October.

Is Horton Creek Open?

Open Season: Year-round Water: Drinking Water available at Upper Tonto Creek Campground Information Center: Payson Ranger District Office (928) 474-7900
Kim Nguyen
Author
Kim Nguyen
Kim Nguyen is a fitness expert and personal trainer with over 15 years of experience in the industry. She is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and has trained a variety of clients, from professional athletes to everyday fitness enthusiasts. Kim is passionate about helping people achieve their fitness goals and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.