Fossil Springs Wilderness

This 11,550 acre Wilderness boasts what has been described as the most diverse riparian area in Arizona. Over thirty species of trees and shrubs and over a hundred species of birds have been observed in this unique habitat. The stream seems to appear out of nowhere, gushing 20,000 gallons a minute out of a series of springs at the bottom of a 1,600 foot deep canyon. Over the years these calcium laden waters have laid down huge deposits of a material called travertine. That rock-like substance encases whatever happens to fall into the streambed - forming the fossils for which the area is named.

Most people come to Fossil Creek to sunbathe, wade, hike and birdwatch. It's also a great place to take photographs. The lushness of the riparian area strikes a sharp contrast to the brittle desert that surrounds it. While you're here, keep an eye out for javelina. These collie dog-sized wild pigs are plentiful in the area.

The photo on the right is a falls along Fossil Creek about half a mile northeast of the old Irving Power Plant. The photo below is old travertine formations fossilized over time, logs and roots have since decayed and the river course has changed. Click the images for a larger view.

Location: About 30 miles southeast of Camp Verde or 86 miles south of Flagstaff off paved and graveled roads some of which are always steep and rough and usually muddy after rains.

Access: Two routes provide access to Fossil Springs Wilderness: from Camp Verde via FH 9 and FR 708, or from Flagstaff via FH 3, U. S. 87 through Strawberry and FR 708.

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

Notes:

• Mechanized vehicles, including mountain bikes, are not permitted in the Wilderness. This area can be quite hot in summer. The stream flow is intermittent but the springs flow year-round.
• Trails in the Wilderness: FR 154 has been closed about 0.5 miles above Irving and serves as a hiking trail upstream to the springs (4 miles). A trail branches off FR 708 about 4 miles west of Strawberry. However, please see news release regarding the temporary (though "long-term") closure of these trails.
• Most of the Fossil Springs Trail is on the Tonto. Click link for .pdf file.
• Please see "The Ranger's Corner" for September about the Fossil Creek Restoration, and the Childs-Irving Hydropower Decommissioning
• See NAU's Fossil Creek Webpage for some more information.

Restoration of Native Fish in Fossil Creek

In order to allow fish populations to recover after restoration of the creek, the Arizona Game and Fish Department has issued a new Commission Order that closes the entire Fossil Creek to fishing until December 31, 2008. [MORE]

Additional Source: The Wilderness Institute (a non-Forest Service site - this link will open in a new browser window)

For more information contact:
Mogollon Rim Ranger District, HC 31, Box 300, Happy Jack AZ 86024, (928) 477-2255 FAX (928) 527-8282
or
Verde Ranger District, 928-567-4121 or
Red Rock Ranger District, P.O. Box 20249, Sedona AZ 86341, (928) 282-4119