When it’s over 100 degrees in the Phoenix or Flagstaff, what do you do to cool off? You get in your car and drive to Fossil Creek Az. This hidden gem is our go to spot when temperatures start to rise and it’s time to escape the heat by enjoying the crystal clear waters of Arizona’s best swimming hole.
Why Fossil Creek AZ Should be Your Go-To Summer Destination
What we love so much about Fossil Creek is that is has a little bit of everything to offer for an amazing day. It can offer you a chance to float around in one of the many swimming holes, go jumping or sliding off of a waterfall, explore the creeks hidden rock overhangs, lay around in a hammock by the river, or hike the three different trails.
As you explore the creek, take the time to look out for some of the wildlife that lives in this riparian area. Close to the shores you can sometimes find the Arizona Toad or along your hike a Gila monster. While you are enjoying the water, take out some goggles and try to see some of the areas native fish. A few of them are the Headwater Chub, Roundtail Chub, Longfin Dace, and the Sonoran Sucker.
You can pick which trail head you wish to go to when getting your permit. The two areas to enter are either from Strawberry or Camp Verde. After buying your permit in advanced it’s time to get ready to go.
Don’t forget to bring extra water, snacks, water shoes, hiking boots, waterproof camera, water toys, hammocks, and your printed out permit. A few pointers to remember is to move over for people who can drive the 14 mile road faster than you, flip-flops are not adequate hiking shoes and there is no lifeguard on duty.
Be careful. People have been hurt and some have died! It's a difficult area to be rescued from if you get hurt.
Worth It?
The first time I saw the clear water of Fossil Creek, I was absolutely ecstatic. That could have been attributed to the fact that it was over 110 out, we had been walking from lot 5 and we just wanted to cool off. It was amazing jumping in the water and it only took a few seconds for me to realize that it was indeed cold.
For some, it is perfect, while others might find the water a bit chilly. That is why I am one of the few that actually bring a small wetsuit with me, even hauling it while I go heads towards the Fossil Creek waterfall hike. Since I’m in the water for longer, I need a little more help with staying warm. The sun helps to warm you up right away when it’s the summer months.
How To Access Fossil Creek AZ: Directions & Permits
Fossil Creek, in AZ requires permits from April 1st to October 1st, while the rest of the year you do not need one. Permits are $10 each and there is a maximum of one permit per person every month. You can get your permits to print out at the Government Recreation Website and you can check for road closures before you go to make sure you don’t waste your time. Earlier this summer it was closed down due to the fires being close by. You are allowed to enter at 8 am, with no entry pass the gate after 4 pm and the area closes at 8 pm.
We have noticed countless times that not everyone who bought a permit for your specific day shows up. Unfortunately this doesn’t mean you can get a permit on the spot. You still have to buy one, which comes available one month ahead of time.
Directions
To access the Fossil Creek Waterfall Trailhead, you will take interstate 17 that connects Phoenix to Flagstaff. From Phoenix, you will exit 287 off of interstate 17 and turn towards State Route 260. From here, the road is paved for about 24 miles. On the right side you will come across Forest Road 708, which will have a Fossil Creek Sign in front.
Next is to travel 14 miles down a bumpy dirt road as you drop down 1,600 feet in elevation. A 4 wheel drive vehicle is preferred, but you can do it with a normal car as long as it is not lowered and you drive the road slow around 5-10 mph.
Make sure to stop at the stop sign for the forest rangers to check your permit. From here you will drive 1/2 to 2 miles to your parking permit location. Best spots are lots 1-Waterfall Trailhead, 2-Irving Flume Trailhead, 3-Tonto Bench, and 4-Fossil Creek Bridge. All four of these parking permit spots have creek access very close. Lot 2 is where you will access the Flume Trailhead.
Remember: Pack out what you pack in and take lots of water.
Getting to the Fossil Springs Trailhead from Interstate 17, you will exit 287 towards Payson. This will take you on a 34 mile paved road to State Route 87. Go South on 87 for about 8 miles till you come to Fossil Creek Road (Forest Road 708). From here you follow the road down to the Fossil Springs Trailhead where you will park and hike down to the springs.
The Waterfall Trail: A Family-Friendly Hike
The Waterfall Trailhead can be reached by getting permits for one of the five spots near Camp Verde. From the trailhead, it has an elevation of 203 feet mostly in a riparian zone and is about 2.4 miles round-trip.
This hike can be done with the family as well as your fury dogs as long as they are leashed. Be careful of the heat. Bathrooms are located at each parking spot. The hike will take about 30 to 45 minutes, depending on where you start. At the end of the trail is the 25 foot waterfall where you can jump off or slide down into the refreshing water.
The Fossil Springs Trailhead is accessible from Strawberry. This is a more strenuous one that is almost 1,500 feet in elevation with a 8.1 mile round-trip from your parking spot. One way will take you about 2 to 3 hours to hike, depending on your skill level and the weather conditions.
Lastly, is the Flume Trail that will take you to the old Fossil Creek Dam area. There is no creek access for almost all of the trail and is 10 miles round-trip. This hike is best done early. The busiest times are weekends and the summer.
What To Bring for Your Fossil Creek AZ Trip
- Water (Hydro-flask are great and make sure to take extra water)
- Sunscreen
- Snacks/food
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Sturdy water/hiking shoes (you can bring a pair to change into)
- Towels
- Hammock or chairs (optional, but ideal if you wish to sit)
- There will be rocky areas you can relax on with a towel, but with nature, you might encounter some ants or other things that want that yummy food.
Fossil Creek AZ Wildlife: What You Might See
The waters of Fossil Creek are home to many types of fish and amphibians. A great way to see these creatures is to bring a pair of goggles or a scuba mask. The waters are clear most of the year, with exceptions after heavy rains that will add sediments to the river. Additionally, you might see a Rock Squirrel, Mule Deer, Desert Cottontail Rabbit, Western Diamondback Rattlesnake, Gila Woodpecker and Belted Kingfisher to name a few. Below are a few fishes and retile that you might see in or near the creek.
- Roundtail Chub (Gila robusta): A native fish of Arizona high desert rivers and is consider to be a large minnow. Consider to be one of the bigger and most common of the Gila species. They have a diet of other smaller fishes, insects, algae, and other invertebrates. Unfortunately, due to introductions in the past of predatory fishes and other factors have lead to their decline. You will find them usually in the pool areas below waterfalls or rapids.
- Longfin Dace (Agosia chrysogaster): A active fish that you will see darting around the water, especially if you jump in. Smaller minnow and feeds on insects, algae, and detritus.
- Arizona Toad (Anaxyrus microscaphus): If you see one, you will notice they will have bumpy skin and are usually in the color of grey, pale yellow, or a beige. They feed on invertebrates, such as snails, crickets, and ants. Arizona dose consider them to be a priority species for conservation status. Warning: Do not let your dogs eat one and if they do call an animal hospital immediately, while flushing the dogs mouth with water.
Common Questions
Will you encounter a steep terrain?
No, most of the hike to the waterfall or access to the river is easy to get to and you will not encounter a steep terrain. The only area for the Waterfall hike is at the end if you wish to climb to the top of the waterfall to jump off. The Strawberry hike will have steep terrain present.
What is the best time of year to visit?
The best time is right before the permit season starts and with it people who are escaping the heat. If you need to go then anytime before August is great as long as you get a closer parking lot when booking. The reason I am hesitant on August is we will usually get more monsoons and with it heavy rain. This is amazing for our ecosystems, but with it will sometimes come less than clear water as sediments are churned up.
Is Fossil Creek safe for families?
Yes, you will see many families go and enjoy it.
Is the roads paved or easy to access?
No, the roads are not paved. A higher clearance vehicle is nice but not necessary. As long as you do not have a low riding car, you should be fine. The closer parking lots to the waterfall will have a bit more rocky section to get up, so if you have a lower car I would stay to 4-3 parking spots.
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