Fossil Creek Waterfall
Pine, Arizona
| Address: | Fossil Creek Rd, Pine, AZ 85544, USA |
| GPS: |
34°24'18.2"N 111°36'50.4"W Maps | Directions |
| State: | Arizona |
| Trail Length: | 1.00 miles |
| Trail Type: | Out & Back |
| Hike Difficulty: | Beginner |
| Trails/Routes: | 1.1 mi |
Rivers Waterfalls Trails
Hike and Swim
Fossil Creek is one of Arizona's two designated "Wild and Scenic" rivers. The waterfall is the most popular place to visit to cool off and see the natural beauty. Located between the towns of Strawberry and Camp Verde, south of Flagstaff, the creek is a uniquely lush piece of Arizona's Coconino National Forest. The waterfall is a short hike away from the parking area, which is itself a long drive down a dirt gravel road. At the base of the falls is a pool deep enough to swim in, and refresh from a hot day.
There is a restroom at the trailhead, but there is no potable water or trash service, so be sure to pack out all trash to keep the environment clean for the others who follow behind. Take care to stay on the trail, since many have seen snakes along the path.
Note that this hike does not lead to the old Fossil Creek Dam, or the "Toilet Bowl", as that is a separate trail.
From April to October, registration and a $10 pre-printed parking permit is required for day use at the site. You cannot get a permit on site, so make sure to have it before you leave. The rest of the year, no permit or registration is required. You can get your permits at https://www.recreation.gov/permits/251863
More Information
Be courteous, informed, and prepared. Read trailhead guidelines, stay on the trail, and don't feed the wildlife.
Read More
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel & camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of other visitors
Directions
From Pine, Arizona
- Head east on Hardscrabble Mesa Rd toward AZ-260 W/
AZ-87 N (138 ft) - Turn left onto AZ-260 W/
AZ-87 N (3.1 mi) - Turn left onto Fossil Creek RdParts of this road may be closed at certain times or days(9.6 mi)
- Turn right (66 ft)
The creek and waterfall is best accessed through Camp Verde, Arizona.
THERE IS NO ACCESS TO THE CREEK OR WATERFALL BY CAR FROM STRAWBERRY, AZ. Know your destination and plan your route carefully before heading to Fossil Springs and Creek. Courtesy of fs.usda.gov
Take AZ-260 E out of Camp Verde until reaching Fossil Creek Road, which is primarily dirt and gravel. Travel along Fossil Creek Rd. (Forest Road 708) until you reach the parking lot; the trailhead for the waterfall is a short walk away. FR 708 is closed beyond this point towards Strawberry and Pine, so you'll have to come out the way you came.
Sue Maysonet
4/4/19 10:06 amendovereric
4/5/19 6:14 pm
Added by camilledupar
Trails
Distance ?
1.1 milesElevation Gain ?
127 feetReal Ascent ?
204 feetReal Descent ?
77 feetAvg Grade (1°)
2%Grade (-13° to 18°)
-23% to 33%Elevation differences are scaled for emphasis. While the numbers are accurate, the cut-away shown here is not to scale.
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