Fossil Springs Trail #18 (on the Tonto)

The trail to Fossil Springs follows a steep, dusty old jeep road two miles down past an old gravel pit. There is a lot of loose rock on this part of the trail making it easier to go down than the return climb out. The trail then turns south and goes a half-mile to the springs. From this trail you can discover the little Shangri La where you can swim, picnic, study fossils, or explore the waters of travertine pools along the creek.

The millions of gallons of 72ºF water that gush from the springs every hour have created a lush environment which supports over 30 types of trees and bushes and over 100 species of birds. The Canyon walls near the springs contain small fossils from an ancient sea that washed over the area 350 million years ago. The wood flume, built in 1916, used to supply water from the springs to the Irving and Childs Power Plants which relied on its water to turn their power generating turbines. Fortunately any further intrusions are now prohibited since the area became the 12,000-acre Fossil Springs Wilderness in 1984.

There is an "area closure" in effect for the Flume Trail and Fossil Creek area to the wilderness boundary north of the Irving Power Plant. This closure is expected to remain in affect over the next several years during the deconstruction activities of the flume structure and facilities. The Flume Trailhead located near the Irving Power Plant along FR708 is officially closed including access to Fossil Creek south of the springs. The Fossil Springs Trail and trailhead located on the Tonto NF along FR708 above the spring will remain open. Access to the Flume Trail from Fossil Spring is closed.

Location: South of the Fossil Springs Wilderness between Camp Verde and Strawberry.

Access: Drive north from Payson 17 miles on Hwy 87. Turn left on Fossil Creek Road (FR708) at Strawberry Lodge in the town of Strawberry. Go 4 miles west on a dirt road. Turn right and progress .5 miles to the trailhead parking lot.

Attractions: Trails for hiking and horseback riding, Unique rock formations, Great scenery, Wildlife viewing, Lush riparian area

Length: 3.1 miles

Hiking Time: 4 hours (round trip)

Rating: Moderate

Notes:

• No motorized of mechanical equipment including trail bikes.
• Spring water is not suitable for drinking.
• This will be a very hot hike in summer. Carry plenty of water.
• Carry all waste material out with you.

See Native Fish Restoration in Fossil Creek

See also: Recreation Opportunity Guide Fossil Springs Trail #18 (68kb .pdf)

And see NAU's Fossil Creek Webpage for some more information.

For more information contact:
Tonto National Forest, Payson Ranger District, 1009 E. Hwy 260, Payson, AZ 85541, (928) 474-7900
or
Verde Ranger District, 300 E. Hwy 260, Camp Verde, AZ. (928) 567-4121
or
Red Rock Ranger District, P.O. Box 20249, Sedona AZ 86341, (928) 282-4119