The Gist

• Trip Type: Day Trip from Phoenix, Scottsdale or Cottonwood/Sedona.

• Location: They say Strawberry, AZ but that is deceiving. Directions are from Camp Verde, AZ as the Strawberry access is closed indefinitely.

• Permit: Required April 1–October 1, not the rest of the year

• What To Do: Swim in turquoise waters + waterfalls when it’s hot AF. Just look at it the rest of the time, I guess.

• Special Requirements: SUV or Truck to get there

A can’t miss destination just 2 hours from Phoenix is Fossil Creek, located in the Coconino National Forest. One of the main draws of Fossil Creek is its crystal-clear, turquoise waters. The creek is fed by a natural spring, resulting in a steady flow of mineral-rich, pristine water throughout the year. In the summer it’s great to swim and “cliff” jump because the water is cold, while the temps are around 100.

Booking Details

• Trip Type: Day Trip from Phoenix, Scottsdale or Cottonwood/Sedona.

• What It’s Like: From Waterfall Trailhead parking it’s 1 mile to the largest falls at trail end. There are 3 smaller falls and swimming holes along the way, each about .2 miles apart.

• Distance: 2-2.5 hours from Phoenix/Scottsdale or 1.5 hours from Cottonwood/Sedona

• Permit: Required April 1–October 1. Permits are not required October 2–March 31.

• Permit Process: A few days before the following month, the next month’s dates open. So, May 30th the dates open for June. You’re getting a permit for a parking space, not number of people. For instance we got one parking permit for 6 people.

• Parking Lots Map: The parking lots are along a dirt road that leads to the trail to the falls. From closest to furthest:

  • Dixon Lewis Trailhead - 2 mile hike round trip from this point

  • Irving/Flume

  • Tonto Beach

  • Fossil Creek Bridge

  • Homestead - We saw many people walking on the road and miserable by the time they got to the Waterfall Trailhead asking if they were almost there - they hadn’t even started, yet. The return is worse with no shade and the temps higher mid-day (100+ in the summer).

• Pro Tip: If you think you’d like to hike longer, think again. It’s not a fun one. Just walking down a road with no shade. The fun is at the falls, so spend time there, not on a “hike”.

Getting There

*The map below is only to the entrance of Fossil Creek Road. You still have an hour drive over dirt road, going 20-ish miles an hour.

• Arrival Details: From State Route 260, the first checkpoint is at the entrance to Fossil Creek Rd./Forest Road 708. The ranger there will tell you road conditions, what to look out for and any other necessary details.

• When to Arrive: Arrive early! The gate opens at 8am and it’s an hour drive down the dirt road. It started to get busy by noon with more people arriving. We got to the larger falls around 9:30 and there were just a few people. Around noon it got a little too busy for our taste so we moved to the smaller falls and swimming holes. We were the only ones there.

• What to Drive: SUV or Truck. It’s 45 minutes down a very bumpy dirt road to the bottom and second checkpoint, then another 10-15 down a rockier road to the parking lots.

Pro Tips:

Our trip was in July, so keep that in mind. It was 100 degrees plus by noon.

What to Wear: We wore t-shirt and shorts with tennis shoes and a hat for the trip and changed into our suits at the parking lot bathroom.

What to Bring: Each person had their own backpack with:

• Water shoes, sandals or no shoes for the water portion. I didn’t wear shoes most of the time and my feet started to get sore. I had some sandals I put on later.

• Swimsuit, you can change into it in the bathroom at the parking lots.

• Water bottle or water in a hydration bladder

• Lunch: we packed PBJ because it wouldn’t get gross in the heat, an apple, a bar

• Thin, light weight towel

• Cooler: We also left a cooler with ice and drinks in the car for when we returned. It turned out to be a really good move. Don’t carry a cooler there, it will be no fun.

• Sunscreen

• Hand sanitizer or wipes

• Bring goggles if you want to be able to see the fishies

What to Do: Go to the end of the hiking path first, the largest falls, where it will get the most crowded as the day goes on. Then, head back to the other ones where you can swim and jump off the sides with fewer people.

Bathrooms: There are bathrooms at each parking lot.

The Fluffy Info

There are several trails to choose from, catering to different skill levels and preferences. The Waterfall Trail, in particular, is a popular choice. This trail takes you on a scenic journey, passing by lush vegetation, towering cliffs, and ultimately culminating at a picturesque waterfall. The cool mist and the tranquil sound of the cascading water provide a refreshing respite from the desert heat.
For those seeking a more leisurely experience, relaxing by the creek's edge is equally rewarding. Find a comfortable spot on the riverbanks and soak in the sun while immersing your feet in the invigorating waters. Whether you're reading a book, enjoying a picnic with loved ones, or simply letting your worries float away, Fossil Creek offers the perfect backdrop for moments of tranquility and serenity.
Swimming enthusiasts will be delighted to know that Fossil Creek offers excellent opportunities to dive in and cool off. The clarity of the water allows visibility of up to 10 feet, giving you a glimpse into the underwater world of colorful fish and aquatic plants. Just be sure to keep in mind that there are no lifeguards on duty, so take necessary precautions and swim at your own risk.

Afterwards

We left around 1:30, when it started to get crowded and we were worn out. Keep in mind you still have an hour to drive back on the dirt road. We headed to Camp Verde for some burgers and beers at Babe’s Round Up which were really good.