After living in Arizona for 17 years, we are still continually discovering hidden gems, like Fossil Creek Waterfall.
This enchanting waterfall is found at the end of a rugged dirt road in the barren landscape outside of Camp Verde. As you swim in these crystal clear falls, you would never guess that this oasis was hiding in the middle of the Arizona desert!
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Everything you need to know about visiting Fossil Creek Waterfall
Table of Contents
- Fossil Creek Waterfall Trail information
- Are Fossil Creek Falls and Fossil Springs Falls the same thing?
- How do you get to the Fossil Creek Waterfall?
- Do you need a permit to hike to the Fossil Creek Waterfall?
- What is the best parking lot to buy a permit for when visiting Fossil Creek Waterfall?
- What to expect when hiking the Fossil Creek Waterfall Trail
- How do I get to the Verde Hot Springs from Fossil Creek Waterfall?
Fossil Creek Waterfall Trail information
- Length: 2 miles roundtrip
- Difficulty: easy
- Elevation gain: 250 feet
- Pet friendly: Yes
- Family-friendly: Yes, great for kids and all skill levels
- Hours: The entrance gate is open from 8 am – 4 pm. However, the exit gate is open until 8 pm.
Are Fossil Creek Falls and Fossil Springs Falls the same thing?
There is a lot of confusion about Fossil Creek Waterfall and Fossil Springs Falls, but the short answer is NO.
While both falls can be found along Fossil Creek and are fed by the same springs, Fossil Springs refers to the waterfall found at the Old Fossil Creek Dam.
Here you will find the “toilet bowl” whirlpool, the mermaid grotto, and the La Croix cave, along with the waterfall.
The Fossil Spring Falls at the dam can be reached by a strenuous 8-mile round trip hike on the Bob Bear Trail, formerly Fossil Springs Trail.
The trail can only be accessed via Strawberry. If you do plan on hiking to Fossil Springs, I would recommend spending a Weekend in Strawberry since there is so much to do in the area.
At one point, visitors could reach the Bob Bear trailhead from Camp Verde along FR 708 but a portion of that road has been closed indefinitely.
Alternatively, the Fossil Springs dam and waterfall can be accessed from Camp Verde via a 10-mile roundtrip hike along the Irving/Flume Trail.
While this trail is longer than the Bob Bear Trail, it is along an old dirt road so it is not quite as strenuous until you reach the end and descend into the canyon.
The Fossil Creek Waterfall that this post is about can be reached by an easy 2-mile round trip trail.
The waterfall isn’t quite as tall as the Fossil Springs Falls, but you’ll still find the same optically pure water with a fraction of the effort!
How do you get to the Fossil Creek Waterfall?
The Fossil Creek Waterfall is found in the Coconino Forest within the Fossil Springs Wilderness Area about 22 miles southeast of Camp Verde.
The waterfall can only be accessed via Camp Verde, as FR 708 between Strawberry and the Fossil Creek Waterfall Trailhead has been closed indefinitely.
From I-17 in Camp Verde, take exit 287 onto Route 260 towards Payson. After about 10 miles, turn right onto Fossil Creek Road (FR 708).
The turnoff is well-marked with signs indicating access to Fossil Creek and the Verde River. This is the beginning of the long primitive washboard road to reach the Waterfall Trailhead.
You’ll follow this road for 14 miles before coming to a junction. Continue to the left past the entrance gate and ranger checkpoint to reach the parking lots.
*Update: It has been reported that the road has been better graded and it is no longer as bumpy!
While the road for the most part is clear of large potholes and boulders, and not nearly as bad as the road to Cibecue Falls or Toquerville Falls, it is still rough and a high clearance vehicle is recommended.
The last mile before the Waterfall Trailhead parking lot is particularly treacherous, with large ruts and rocks.
You’ll need to take it slow, plan for about 45 minutes to drive the narrow 17-mile road.
Some portions are along a steep edge with no guard rails, so use caution and avoid driving on the road after it has rained as it can be extremely muddy and slippery.
Before you leave, call the Fossil Creek Hotline at 928-226-4611 for updated information on the road conditions and any possible closures.
Do you need a permit to hike to the Fossil Creek Waterfall?
If you are planning to visit the falls between April 1 – October 1, a $6 parking permit is required. While it can be tricky to snag a permit, it really helps to limit the crowds and protect this beautiful Arizona treasure.
You must reserve a permit online in advance, permits are not available for purchase onsite.
Permits are released one month in advance at 8 am. A small number of permits will also be released 3 days in advance at 8 am. They usually go fast, so set an alarm.
Be sure to print your permit and bring it with you. Rangers are posted at the beginning of Fossil Creek Road to check for permits.
There is also another checkpoint at the access gate just before reaching the parking lots.
A permit is not required if you are visiting Fossil Creek Waterfall between October 2 – March 31.
What is the best parking lot to buy a permit for when visiting Fossil Creek Waterfall?
When you go online to purchase a parking permit for Fossil Creek Waterfall, you’ll be overwhelmed to see that there are 8 different parking lots that you can purchase a permit for!
There are a total of 148 available parking spots in all of the lots combined.
The Waterfall Trailhead parking lot is located right at the beginning of the trail and it is the best lot to get a permit for.
However, these permits go the quickest. If that lot is full, you can purchase permits for another lot and just walk to the trailhead.
The Irving/Flume Trailhead lot is the next closest and is about .25 miles to the waterfall trail (this is also where you can take the 10-mile roundtrip trail to the Fossil Springs Falls at the dam).
The Tonto Bench lot is .75 miles to the trail, the Fossil Creek Bridge lot is 1.25 miles, and the Homestead lot is 2 miles.
Keep in mind, if you do park at this lot it will add 4 miles roundtrip onto your hike, making it 6 miles total.
The other lots are located further away along Child’s Power Road and I wouldn’t recommend parking there. This sign posted at the trailhead is helpful to visualize where the parking lots and trails are.
When we visited, we had a permit for the Fossil Creek Bridge lot.
We arrived around 2 pm and the ranger at the second checkpoint said that since it was a little later in the day there were a few openings at the Irving/Flume lot so he allowed us to park there. It’s always worth asking!
What to expect when hiking the Fossil Creek Waterfall Trail
Hopefully, that has cleared up some confusion regarding the planning and preparation. Once you have finally made it to the Fossil Creek Waterfall Trail, the fun really begins!
The trail starts out on the service road right at the Waterfall Trailhead parking lot.
Pit toilets can be found in the parking lot. These are the only restrooms on the trail, so be sure to make a stop before heading out on the hike.
From the lot, you’ll walk along the old road for about .2 miles before seeing a sign directing you to follow the trail down into the woods.
It won’t be long before you begin to see the creek.
The trail meanders along the creek where you’ll find secluded swimming holes to cool off in and rope swings to play on.
Our favorite rope swing is actually found down at the river by the Irving/Flume lot, but there are several along the hike as well.
Many people also bring hammocks to relax under the trees on the shaded river bank.
The trail is great for families, it is easy to follow with little elevation gain. There are some portions that are a bit muddy and a few wooden plank bridges to cross, so strollers are not recommended.
And if your kids love this trail, they will also love the Water Wheel Falls Trail!
The trail is mostly shaded, but can still get quite hot in the summer so be sure to pack plenty of water and wear sunscreen.
There were also swarms of biting gnats that ate us alive, so I would recommend bringing bug spray and wearing long-sleeved rash guards or covering up as much as you can.
Once you reach the falls, you’ll be blown away by the beauty of this desert oasis.
Overgrown vegetation surrounds a 25-foot waterfall that plunges into a deep crystal clear emerald pool. You would never guess that this was in Arizona!
Find a secluded spot along the banks to set up a blanket and have a picnic while the kids splash and swim in the water.
If you are brave enough, there is even a trail leading to the top of the falls where you can cliff jump.
From the top, you can also cross the river to jump from the other side.
You can even swim under the falls to discover a hidden grotto behind the cascading water.
The water is frigid, but so remarkably clear it’s unreal! Fossil Creek has been designated a “Wild and Scenic River” and it is exactly that. Here you’ll find the clearest water of any swimming hole in Arizona.
I wish we would have brought goggles to see all the little fish swimming around, but our GoPro and dome port were great for capturing underwater photos and videos.
Several people even brought inflatable pool floats to play and relax on. You’ll also want to bring water shoes, as the rocky shore and river bottom are rough on your feet.
You could easily spend all day playing here, my boys never wanted to leave!
As you make your way back down the trail, the enticing magic of these falls will have you already planning your next trip back!
How do I get to the Verde Hot Springs from Fossil Creek Waterfall?
The Verde Hot Springs is a bit of a hidden secret. These thermal pools overlooking the Verde River were once part of a ritzy 1920s resort that is rumored to have been frequented by Al Capone.
A fire destroyed the resort in the 1960s but the pools can still be found within the crumbling graffiti-covered remains of the resort.
The Verde Hot Springs can be accessed via the same Fossil Creek Rd/FR 708. It is easy to combine a visit to both the waterfall and the hot springs on the same day, if you arrive early enough.
At the second checkpoint and junction before the waterfall parking lots, you’ll see another dirt road leading to the right.
This is Child’s Power Rd and you’ll take it for about 7 miles until you reach the trail. The trail is about 2.5 miles round trip and involves a few river crossings.
The Verde Hot Springs has gained a reputation as being a college student and hippy hangout. Clothing is optional and there is usually a lot of drinking, so this is definitely not a family-friendly spot.
But if you are not traveling with kids and are up for exploring a unique destination then it’s worth checking out!
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Important things to note when visiting Fossil Creek Waterfall:
- The trail is located down a rugged 17-mile road so a high-clearance vehicle is recommended (*Update: it is reported that the road has been better graded and is not as rough).
- A parking permit is required if visiting between April 1 – October 1.
- The Waterfall Trailhead lot is the closest to the trail. The Homestead lot is the farthest and is 2 miles away.
- The Fossil Creek Waterfall can only be accessed via Camp Verde.
- The Fossil Creek Waterfall Trail is an easy 2-mile roundtrip hike good for all skill levels.
- Restrooms are located at the trailhead.
- There is no cell service on the trail and for much of the drive.
- Overnight camping and campfires are prohibited.
- Things to consider packing: food, water, sunscreen, bug spray, water shoes, goggles, pool floats, towels, hammocks, and an underwater camera.
- Always clean up your trash and leave no trace!
I hope you get a chance to visit Fossil Creek Waterfall, it truly is a remarkable oasis in the scorching Arizona desert! For more things to do in the area see our guide, 4 Day Arizona Hidden Gems Road Trip!
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