Visitors must bring PRINTED permits and passes to the site. Reservations for a specific parking lot must be made in advance.

Spring-Summer Season (April 1 - October 1): Permit is required for parking.

Parking Pass: Reservation Required Spring-Summer Season Roundtail chub must be immediately released unharmed no chub may be kept artificial fly and lure only single barbless hooks only. Catch-and-release only for roundtail chub. Fishing is allowed between the waterfall located approximately 1 mile above the Flume Trailhead parking lot along FS 708 and the downstream-most power line crossing (immediately below Sally May Wash). Fishing is allowed seasonally, from the first Saturday in October through April 30.

There is no access to the creek or waterfall by car from Strawberry, AZ.ĭownload Fossil Creek Seasonal Permit Area Guidesįor current fishing information refer to Arizona Game and Fish Department regulations.

High-clearance, 4WD vehicle strongly recommended.

Use this route for creekside day-use areas, Flume Trail, and Dixon Lewis Trail access.

Travel 14 miles down this rough dirt road (high-clearance 4WD vehicles recommended) to Forest Road 502 (Childs Road). Between mile 228 & 229, Forest Road 708 (Fossil Creek Road) intersects SR 260 on the right, signed as Fossil Creek/Verde River.

Many people who do so find themselves lost and miles away from the creek.Īccess via Camp Verde: From Interstate 17, exit 287, turn east on state Route 260 towards Payson and travel 10 miles.

Do not depend on online maps or your GPS for directions.

Know your destination and plan your route carefully before heading to Fossil Springs and Creek.

These roads may be extremely muddy, slippery, and treacherous after it rains.

Location: Fossil Creek is located about 22 miles southeast of Camp Verde (86 miles south of Flagstaff) off paved and dirt roads.

Mechanized vehicles, including mountain bikes and remote controlled aircraft, are NOT permitted in the Wilderness.

No trash service. Take all trash and other items with you to avoid fines for littering/trash dumping.

Creek-side on Forest Road 502 - southwestern creek-side lots on the road to Childs and Ike's Saddle, accessed from Camp Verde, Arizona on Fossil Springs Road via SR-260: Sally May, Purple Mountain, MazatzalĪttractions: Trails for hiking and horseback riding, swimming holes, waterplay, unique rock formations, great scenery, wildlife viewing, photography, and a lush riparian area.

Creek-side on Fossil Creek Road (FR 708) - central creek-side lots accessed from Camp Verde, Arizona via SR-260: Dixon Lewis Trailhead, Irving/Flume Trailhead, Tonto Bench, Fossil Creek Bridge, Homestead.A parking space at any lot can be reserved during the Spring-Summer Season. Parking spaces accommodate 22' vehicles unless otherwise noted. Review Frequently Asked Questions and Answers about Fossil Creek reservations.Printed permit is required for parking at all creek-side sites and trailheads.Campfires and glass containers are prohibited throughout Fossil Creek in its entirety.įossil Creek Hotline 92 Red Rock Ranger District - 92.Camping is prohibited between Fossil Creek Bridge and Fossil Creek Dam.

Fall-Winter Season ( Oct. 2 - March 31):.Camping is prohibited anywhere in the permit area.Spring-Summer Season ( April 1 - Oct. 1):.Visitors must bring printed permits and passes to the site.įall-Winter Season ( October 2 - March 31):.Reservations for a specific parking lot must be made in advance through.Parking permit required for parking in the Fossil Creek area.Spring-Summer Season ( April 1 - October 1): No fees, permits, or reservations are required.Spring-Summer Season ( April 1 - Oct. 1): Reservations for a specific parking lot must be made in advance on. Gates are open 24 hours unless there is a weather related closure.daily however, you may still exit the parking lot after 4 p.m.įall-Winter Season ( October 2 - March 31): Homestead, Fossil Creek Bridge, Tonto Bench, Irving (Flume Trailhead), Dixon Lewis Trailhead Parking Lots:

Sally May, Purple Mountain, and Mazatzal Parking Lots: Review the F ossil Creek Road Closure Forest Order for information.Fossil Creek Road Partial Closure: Fossil Creek Road (FR 708) is closed between Fossil Springs Trailhead (just west of Strawberry, AZ) and the Waterfall Trailhead (east of Fossil Creek Bridge) indefinitely.

Flume trail