I have been to Fossil Creek Falls three different times now and it is truly special place in the desert of Arizona. Crystal clear blue waters and a magnificent waterfall to cool off in the summer heat. This trail has recently re-opened after damages from forest fires. This is just a short drive from Phoenix, Arizona or Flagstaff, Arizona and a super easy hike to a waterfall paradise. It is important to remember that Fossil Creek Waterfall is different than the Fossil Springs Trail (Dam Waterfall, Bob Bear Trail). I have another post that goes through the guide of Fossil Springs Waterfall Dam (https://amoradventures.com/2023/06/24/bob-bear-trail-travel-guide/).
In this post, you will be able to find everything you need to know for making an epic adventure day at the amazing fossil creek waterfall.
Where is Fossil Creek Waterfall / Getting to the Fossil Creek Waterfalls Trail Head
Fossil Creek Falls is located in the Coconino National Forest, 86 miles from Flagstaff, Arizona and about 22 miles southeast of Camp Verdes. This is the only way to get the waterfall trailhead. This waterfall cannot be accessed from Strawberry, Arizona. Only the Fossil Springs Waterfall trailhead can be accessed from Strawberry, Arizona (I will go over in a different post).
Take Interstate 17, exit 287, turn east on State Route 260 towards Payson and travel 10 miles. Between mile 228 and 229, Forest Road 708 (Fossil Creek Road) will intersect SR 260 on the right, signed as Fossil Creek/Verde River. It will then be about 17 miles down a rough dirt road to the trailhead parking. The dirt road will take about 1 hour to get through depending on your vehicle and how comfortable you feel going on the dirt road. There are no guard rails and it is roughly graded
It is recommended to have a proper vehicle that is suited for a bit of off road to make it through the 17 miles of dirt road. I have done it in my Subaru Forester with no problem, and I have also seen a mustang, camaro, and a mini van take it down the dirt road with no issues either. Go slow and take your time, let the big lifted trucks pass you. It is most important for you to arrive safely to and from your adventure.
There will be a park ranger at the beginning of the dirt road and you will have to show them the permit, then 14 miles down the dirt road there will be another park ranger who will also ask to see your permit.
GPS: 34°24’18.0″N 111°36’50.3″W
Directions to Fossil Creek Falls from Phoenix, Arizona
Take I-17 North, get off at exit 287, turn east on State Route 260 towards Payson and travel 10 miles. Between mile 228 and 229, Forest Road 708 (Fossil Creek Road) will intersect SR 260 on the right, signed as Fossil Creek/Verde River. Then the trek down the dirt road begins. It will take a total of 2.5 hours to get to the waterfall trailhead.
When Is The Best Time to go to Fossil Creek Falls?
Spring / Summer: April to September
Pros:
- Swimming in the amazing crystal clear water
- Cliff jumping / Waterfall Slide
- Park rangers monitor gate access
Cons:
- Crowded
- Permit fees
- Camping prohibited everywhere
- Potential flooding from rain
- Day use only
Fall / Winter: October to March 31st
Pros:
- Less People
- No permit fees
- Camping is allowed in all places except between fossil creek bridge and fossil creek dam
Cons:
- A bit chilly for swimming
- Park rangers are not at gate
How to Get a Fossil Creek Waterfall Permit
It is required to have a reserved printed permit when arriving into the parking area between April and September. You can book a permit one month before going. For example, May 1st, you can purchase a permit for any day in June. We do recommend booking at the beginning of the month. These will sell out fast. The permit is worth it and it is great because it limits how many people are allowed access. When filling out the permit online it asks for the guests on your permit that will be traveling with you and also the license plate of the vehicle that you will be driving. A few times I wrote down a friends name and then a different friend ended up coming. Do not stress about that, they really just want to make sure that the person who booked the permit is there upon arrival. The person who booked the permit will have to show their ID to the park ranger, then the park ranger will mark you down as arrived. To reserve a parking permit go to Recreation.gov.
When reserving a permit, it is important to understand where the parking areas are located. The best parking area is the Waterfall trail head, then the Irving/Flume and the Tonto Bench Trail head are a little up the road which are not too bad either. I was able to pull off the waterfall trail head twice, but one time I booked a bit too late and the only parking still open was the Tonto Bench. I still booked it, it was 0.75 miles extra to the waterfall trailhead (not bad at all).
You can go with no permit from October to March 31st. I have seen people with no permit make the long drive down the dirt road in the summer then realize by the park ranger that they cannot take their vehicle further because they do not have a parking permit. Normally the people will then think ahead and book a permit on time and then come back another day. In some cases, I have seen people with no permit, park at the area where the park rangers sit, then they will start hiking down the dirt fire road. This is not advised, and will be an additional hike to the trail head.
The Trail to Fossil Creek Waterfall
The trail is about a 1 mile hike from the waterfall trail head (1 way) and takes about 30 minutes. I have seen all ages do this hike. Kids to older adults should have no problem with this hike. Bring enough water and you will be fine. I have seen a rattle snake near the trail. Just be careful and watch your steps, they are much more scared of you then you are of them. When starting the trail head there will be a closed gate where cars cannot enter, go past the gate (about 5 minutes walk), then on the left hand side you will see the trail to start and lead down into a proper trail head location. It is a well tracked trail that is mostly shaded. The trail will then turn into a dry creek rock bed. Continue following the rock bed and it will lead to the main waterfall at the end. You will pass a few nice swimming holes where you can also stop and relax at. Near the end there will be a small wooden bridge – that is when you will start to hear the raging of the waterfall and become truly amazed from the mind blowing crystal clear blue waterfall.
What Gear to Bring on your Fossil Creek Waterfall Hiking Trip
With the hike being pretty short and easy from the waterfall trail head, I have seen people bring everything from a BBQ grill to a large yeti cooler with two guys carrying it in. I recommend traveling somewhat light and bringing only the essentials that you’ll need. Remember you will have to hike back at the end of the day after being a bit tired from swimming and exploring the area. This area gets extremely hot in the summer, bring enough water and sunscreen. There is no potable water available.
- Hiking Shoes / Water Shoes
- Sunscreen
- Food & Water
- Trash Bag – Bring your trash with you
- Swimming Suit
- Camera – Action Camera to take crystal clear underwater pictures
- First Aid Kit
- Spare Tire & Car Jack
Extras
- Floaty
- Goggles
REMINDER TO ALWAYS PICK UP AND CLEAN UP YOUR TRASH BEFORE LEAVING. PACK IT IN, PACK IT OUT
Cliff Diving at Fossil Creek, Arizona
You will see a few people jumping off the top of the water fall. There are warning signs that say to not jump. Be careful if you decide to. If you are going to jump make sure you jump off far enough into the whitewater from the raging waterfall. If you do not jump off far enough, there is a shallow ledge that can cause some serious injuries. There is also a natural water slide. Sit at the top of the waterfall and find the natural slit made. Sit back a bit and let the waterfall take you down. If you decide to do it, ask somebody who has done it before and find the best location for jumping and sliding down the waterfall.
Other Tips for Fossil Creek Falls
The best area to settle down is right across the river overlooking the waterfall. Get a bit wet and travel across the river, it is a small rock area but can hold about 5 people comfortably.
There is a small portable bathroom at the waterfall trailhead. The park is operated by the Red Rock Ranger District and can be contacted at 928-203-2900. The information center can be contacted at Fossil Creek Hotline 928-226-4611.
Dogs are allowed to be on this trail but they are supposed to be on a leash
No mechanized vehicles, mountain bikes, remote controlled aircrafts (drones) are permitted.
Leave no trace and keep this a special place for everybody to enjoy.
Let me know what you guys think – Leave a comment and have a blast at this desert paradise!
