Fossil Springs: One of Arizona’s Most Beautiful Waterfalls
Have you heard of the beautiful waterfall in northern arizona with the caves, clear blue water, and rushing falls? That’s Fossil Springs! If I were a betting woman, I’d bet you’ve heard of the falls, maybe you’ve even been wanting to go, and you want to know HOW to go, so now you’re here. I’m so glad! I find so much joy in helping people explore Arizona’s beauty safely with the right preparation. So let’s get into this.
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Where is Fossil Springs?
Fossil Springs/ Fossil Creek is located in Northern Arizona. There are multiple ways to access the area, which we will get into. It takes about 1.5-2 hrs depending on where in the valley you are coming from. It is located between Strawberry/Pine area and Camp Verde. If you’re not overly familiar with the area, it is southeast in relation to Sedona and Flagstaff, northwest to Payson.
What Time Is Best to Visit Fossil Springs?
Time of the year
A Permit is Required from April 1- October 1 (the summer season). This is when people primarily visit, as it’s warmer and they seek the relief of the cool Fossil Springs water. Although swimming is best in summer, this season is the HOTTEST, so you need to be smart, because the hike in is long. Both times I went in May. I would suggest April-May or October-November.
Time of the Day
The parking gates from both directions open at 8am and close between 3-4pm. They are day use parking lots, you cannot park overnight. You need to be in before 4 on the Bob Bear Side and 2pm on the Camp Verde Side, but you can get out afterwards. They don’t want people parking in the dark, for good reason. I suggest starting at 8am or 2pm (you can always wait in your car a while) to minimize your time in the heat of the day.
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Permit System
Permits are required from April 1- October 1- the busy season.
“During this season, a maximum of one permit per person per calendar month may be reserved (one permit=one day). Permits are made available on the first of the month one month ahead of time. For example, permits for the month of April are available beginning March 1.
The permit allows parking for one vehicle only at your chosen parking lot. Maximum vehicle length is 22 ft. All persons listed on the permit must be accommodated inside the vehicle with a legal seatbelt. The permit guarantees parking within the specified parking lot, but specific parking space assignments are not made. Parking spaces are occupied on a first-come, first-serve basis.”
Fees are $6 per car. Permits for April are released on March 1, April 1 for May dates, etc.
For the Fossil Creek side, 20% of permits are released 3 days prior. “For example, if you wanted a permit for August 4th and were unable to secure a permit one month in advance, permits will be available for purchase for that date on August 2nd at 7:00 a.m. Arizona Mountain Standard Time.”
From April 1-October 1, You need permits for the Fossil Creek Area.
Fossil Springs vs. Fossil Creek
It is VERY important that you understand the difference between Fossil Springs and Fossil Creek. Although the two waterfalls are only a few miles apart, to get to the parking lots for each takes HOURS. Not many people see both waterfalls at the same time either. So let’s get into each waterfall, parking lots, and the permit process.
There are two very different parking lots to get to the same area. It is imperative to know which way you are going.
Fossil Creek
As I show in the photo above, Fossil Creek is accessible from Camp Verde. If you’re at the closest parking lot, it is 2.6 mi RT and does NOT have a lot of elevation gain. This tends to be the most popular for families because it’s not as much work to get to. Both are beautiful and have that same clear, clean, blue water. I don’t know the exact heights, but Fossil Creek is not as tall as Fossil Springs.
Fossil Springs
Fossil Springs is HARDER to get to. You need to be prepared, from either direction. Summer is HOT and dry. You won’t have access to water for the whole trail either. Fossil Springs is popular amongst adventurers, or high adventurers as I may say. On top of the waterfall, there is also a popular large cave where the water looks VERY BLUE, that is popular for photos and videos. You can go to Strawberry, AZ and hike the Bob Bear Trail to get here OR go via Camp Verde and hike the Flume Trail. I have done both directions. Bob Bear Trail is a bit shorter. Both have similar elevation gain.
Hiking to Fossil Springs- Bob Bear
Parking at Bob Bear Trail
You won’t have an issue parking at Bob Bear, as there are enough spots for everyone with a permit. We started at 8am and were one of the first ones there- secured a shaded spot!! The trailhead has very clean pit toilets and trash, as you can see below. There was a bit of a dirt road to get to the trailhead, but very short.
The Trail to Fossil Springs
The trail is pretty narrow and rocky, but not too bad! There is limited shade, as trees are SHORT. The views are good, but the best of it is at the end. Definitely bring a friend or a group- it makes the time pass more quickly! It is dog-friendly and my dog is very adventurous, but due to the length and the heat, I chose not to take her and I felt it was the best decision. It took us 25-30 min per mile, so 2 hours down and 2 hours up.
Fossil Springs via Bob Bear Trail
We did check out the northern option and saw the lighthouse from the distance, but we decided to do the shorter hike instead. There were other people there, which made it easier to follow the trail, but it is pretty obvious. I didn’t need a map when I wasthere, but I think looking at the photos ahead of time and having a pin on your map will help you find it and start it. When you start hiking the shorter trail you’ll see a sign that says WARNING, the blowhole is NOT a waterpark. Take it seriously. People have been seriously hurt standing too close to the blowhole.
Hiking to Fossil Springs- Flume Trail
Parking
If you plan on hiking to Fossil Springs via the Flume Trail, you’ll come from Camp Verde. This route has a 14 mile washboardy dirt road- keep this in mind. You shouldn’t need 4×4, but high clearance is important.
Parking wise, get a permit for Irving/Flume Trailhead if possible. The parking lots are far apart and you don’t want to add to your already-long hike.
road to fossil springs from camp verde
The Trail to Fossil Springs
The Flume Trail starts by crossing the creek, actually. It’s so clear and beautiful. Then you gradually follow the trail up the side of the canyon until you reach the falls. I like the views on the Flume Trail more than on Bob Bear Trail. We actually mountain biked the trail (did it in college- college kids are nuts, haha). This trail is rocky as well, but not as narrow.
This was one of those low-quality photo, high-quality people days, haha.
Fossil Springs via Flume Trail
Fossil Springs- The Destination
Let’s go over what to expect when you reach Fossil Springs, no matter from which direction. You’ll be ON TOP of the falls, seeing down into the small canyon. You’ll see signs pointing you in the correct direction, along with signs saying that you can’t camp or have campfires.
Top Of Fossil Springs
SAFETY TIP: DO NOT SWIM IN THE TOILET BOWL.
You can see in the photo above a circular “hole” that water is rushing into. This is called “The Toilet Bowl” because of the rapid circular spinning of the water. Unfortunately, many people have died trying to swim in here. There is an underwater arch/cave that connects The Toilet Bowl to the calm waters, It is not worth it. The same week I did this hike, two college kids died getting in here.
Bottom Of Fossil Springs
This part of the waterfall is safe to swim in, but I would still suggest not getting too close to the edges or to the fall itself. Mother nature can be brutal. Be careful! The water is sooooo refreshing in the middle of the summer.
The Cave
The cave at Fossil Springs is almost cooler than the waterfall itself! For whatever reason, the water looks SOOOO CLEAR AND SOOOO BLUE in this cave. It is located just downstream from the falls ACROSS the creek- it’s large and obvious. It’s all in the same area- trust me, you’ll find it. If you’re not comfortable swimming, bring flotation gear. In the cave, there are lot of “shelves” or places you can hold onto and enjoy the water. If you want to take some videos underwater, grab THIS PHONE CASE!
What to Bring to Fossil Springs
Hiking Outfit
To hike into Fossil Springs, YOU NEED SUN PROTECTION. To achieve this, I wore a visor, sunglasses, and this Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake Sun Hoodie. Underneath, I just wore a sports bra. Shorts wise, I’m wearing my REI Amphib Shorts– very comfortable and light. I always recommend Darn Tough Socks– my most comfortable and sweat-wicking socks. I always debate between Boots and Trail Runners for hiking and for this one decided on my light, mobile Altra Timp 5 Trail Runners.
Water Gear
To carry everything in, I wore my REI Flash Pack. For taking photos underwater, I brough my cheap $10 waterproof phone case– A MUST!!! You definitely need to bring a towel if you’re swimming, and you don’t want a giant towel that takes up space, so bring something like this Nomadix Towel. Swim wise, I am a curvy girlie and it is HARD to find a nice swimsuit that doesn’t dig into my skin, and emphasizes my curves, so I wear this cute yellow bikini.
