Fossil Creek
Location
Arizona, the last place I thought had water, let alone a creek or river! I truly thought that Arizona was comprised of pure dirt considering what you usually see in Tempe, Phoenix, and Tucson. I mean, I know they had water but I wasn’t aware that there was so much greenery and so green.
The creek can be found smack in the middle of Arizona in the Coconino National Forest just south of Flagstaff in Camp Verde. At first we had a bit of trouble trying to find the location because of course there isn’t much service and it was 3am when we were trying to find out how to get to the parking lot.
Getting to the Trail
Keep in mind, by putting “Fossil Creek” in your GPS will give you nothing but dead ends to closed roads that are unfit for standard road vehicles. You’ll want to head down Fossil Creek Road off of Highway 260. You’ll see a small parking lot, but don’t park yet! You are going to head about 14 miles through the mountain before you get to the parking lot for the trail. Head all the way to the end and make sure that you stop at the last parking lot. There are several “Fossil Creek” parking lots that you will see, but make sure you park at the fifth one. Once you see the barricade in the middle of the road then you know you’ve made it.
Ideal situation for taking this trip would be to have a 4-wheel drive vehicle or something with elevated suspension. The road is comprised mostly of rocks and dirt. In the diagrams above you can see the map of the road that is accessed when heading to the waterfall trail.
Trail Head
Trail Markers
Trail Markers
The Trail
Once you get to the parking lot. You’ll find a few markers like the one pictured above that will lead you down the trail. Head up to the main road behind the barricade and go up the hill to access the trail. once you head up the hill you will see a bulletin board and rocks that look like stairs. This is the beginning of the trail head.
Most of the trail is comprised of loose gravel and paved rocks. There is one section that is completely paved rocks. but most of it is pretty easy when walking. It is about a 4 mile hike round trip, which isn’t the most grueling considering it is mostly flat.
A little ways down the trail (maybe about half way) you’ll see an opening to the left and the little creek pictured below. At this point in the hike you can take a little break and swing from a tree into the creek. There is a rope with a piece of wood hanging from it that’s perfect for a swing into the creek.
Fossil Creek
The water isn't too deep in many parts of the creek but the rocks that make up the bottom of the creek floor are extremely slippery. There are also a few currents that you will encounter on your way up to the waterfall.
Fossil Creek Trail
Some of the views that you will see on your hike to the waterfall. For someone from anywhere but Southern California this may be typical, but coming from SoCal it isn’t everyday that you get to see the fall colors that will see when visiting fossil creek.
You’ll also be met with a few log bridges on the way to the waterfall pictured below. They are pretty sturdy and stable for walking, but can’t say the same about the handrails.
Fossil Creek Bridge
Camping
In the Coconino National Forest there are 3 ranger districts and more than 15 campgrounds that visitors can choose from. We chose to stay in Camp Clear Creek which is about an hour away from the Fossil Creek Waterfall, but only five minutes from the highway 260 entrance.
The campground is fairly large that have room for group camping or single family camping. There is well water on tap as well as a composting toilet (not flushable, but a full sized restroom). There is a picnic table for every site with a fire pit with an attached slatted grill.
Clear Creek Campground
The host for the campsite is also on site and can help you out if you have any questions. There is also ice and firewood that can be purchased from the host also. The cost is $18/night for single site + vehicle and reservations are not available for single site usage. Reservations are required for group sites that can accommodate groups up to 80 people.
Clear Creek Campground
There is a small creek that is near the campground, hence the name clear creek. It is a natural occurring creek that is used by agricultural farmers in the nearby area. This is one of the closest areas where you are able to legally camp.
Near the clear creek campground there are many primitive trails that you can hike in the area. Bullpen in the surrounding area is the only trail that is recognized by the Bureau of Land Management.
