Fossil Creek

Water comes out of Fossil Springs at about 70°F and 20,000 gallons a minute, at the bottom of a 1,600-foot canyon. It then runs 14 miles to the Verde River through the Coconino and Tonto national forests, leaving travertine that has encased fallen plants and branches, which is how the creek got its name. Fossil Creek is one of only two Wild and Scenic Rivers in Arizona. From the early 20th century much of the flow went through hydroelectric plants; they closed in 2005 and the diversion dam came out in 2008, and the creek's flow was restored. Western Apache and Yavapai people lived along it for generations, and still regard the canyon as ancestral homeland, so leave cultural sites alone.

Getting there takes more planning than most Arizona outings, and the map is misleading. Though this page sits under Payson, the waterfall and the eight parking lots in the canyon are not reached from the Payson side. You must take Forest Road 708 from State Route 260 near Camp Verde, 14 miles of rough dirt that takes at least an hour. A high-clearance vehicle is highly recommended. From Strawberry, FR 708 reaches only the Bob Bear Trailhead, because a 4-mile stretch is closed. From there it's a difficult 8-mile round trip, dropping 1,500 feet, with almost no shade or water, and no waterfall access. The Forest Service warns that GPS directions are often wrong and that unprepared hikers are rescued every year.

From April 1 to October 1 you need an advance permit from Recreation.gov ($6, non-refundable). Forty percent of permits are released a month ahead on a daily rolling basis and the rest two days ahead, at 8 a.m. Arizona time. Each person can reserve one per calendar month, you can park only at the lot you booked, and you must print it. Arrive at the SR 260/FR 708 junction by 2 p.m., as the access gate closes at 3 p.m. Vehicles over 22 feet and trailers aren't allowed. The 2026 season had added limits in April, when the creek opened only Friday to Sunday, so read the current notice. From October 2 to March 31, no permit is required.

Day use ends at 8 p.m., and there's no camping during the permit season. Bring at least a gallon of water per person, as there's none to drink. No fires, charcoal, glass containers or amplified sound are allowed. There are no lifeguards, flash floods are possible, and cell coverage is almost nonexistent. Call the Fossil Creek Hotline at 928-226-4611 for current conditions.