Location: Fossil Creek is located
about 22 miles southeast of Camp Verde (86 miles south of Flagstaff) off paved and dirt roads
. Fossil Creek Rd. (FR 708) and Childs Rd. (FR 502) are steep and very rough.
How long does it take to get to Fossil Creek from Phoenix?
It takes approximately
3h 35m
to drive from Phoenix to Fossil Creek.
What city is Fossil Creek in?
| Fossil Creek | Country United States | State Arizona | County Coconino, Yavapai, Gila | City Strawberry |
|---|
Do you need a permit to go to 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 happened to Fossil Creek?
“Fossil Creek has remained closed since the Backbone Fire that began June 16, 2021, and will likely remain closed the rest of the year due to post-fire hazards, dead trees, flash floods, debris flows and debris dams,” said Brady Smith, Coconino National Forest public affairs officer.
Is Fossil Creek closed due to fires?
Backbone Fire damage closes Fossil Creek recreation area until at least end of year.
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.
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.
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.
How far is the hike to 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. With the hike back up, it works out to about a 10-mile day.
Why is Fossil Creek so clear?
If Fossil Creek is loaded with travertine, why's it so clear?
Because the minerals are chemically bonded to the water molecules, until they precipitate out
. The travertine, essentially made of dissolved limestone, precipitates out of the water, coating rocks and roots — thereby earning Fossil Creek its name.
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.
Can you kayak Fossil Creek?
Fossil is one of my favorite places to kayak
. It is very technical and just fun to play in.
Does Fossil Creek allow dogs?
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).
How long will Fossil Creek be closed?
Currently, the restrictions are in place until
Dec. 31, 2021
. Another popular hiking area, the Havasupai waterfalls in northern Arizona, also remains closed to hikers and tourists until at least February 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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.
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.
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.
Where is Sycamore Canyon?
Try this 3.3-mile out-and-back trail near
Whittier, California
. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1 h 20 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 Fossil Springs?
| Fossil Springs Wilderness | Location Gila and Yavapai counties, Arizona, United States | Nearest city Strawberry, Arizona | Coordinates 34°26′56′′N 111°32′35′′WCoordinates: 34°26′56′′N 111°32′35′′W | Area 11,550 acres (47 km 2 ) |
|---|
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 hard hike?
Get to know this 2.60 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.
