An Oasis in the Rim Country of Arizona

On a recent trip to Payson I took a side trip to Fossil Creek, a water wonderland outside of the town of Strawberry.

On the Beeline Highway, also known as Route 87, head northwest from Payson to Strawberry.  A short yet magnificent drive through picturesque mountains, the small town of Strawberry with its antique shops, art galleries and sweet shops comes up quickly, so don’t blink.  Look for a sign to the Fossil Creek Trail about 4.8 miles west of Strawberry.  This road features some amazing log homes and cabins that would make a lovely getaway for the city slicker.  Right before the road starts to get bumpy, the Up the Creek B&B (map) is a wonderful spot if you’d like to enjoy a romantic, relaxing weekend in the area. 

The 8 mile drive to Fossil Creek.

Stay on this road, but don’t let the sign indicating the Fossil Creek trail head fool you, you still have quite a driving adventure to go.  After the trail head the road becomes rugged and you’ll find yourself driving along a sheer drop about 1,300 feet above your final destination of Fossil Creek.  I found myself white knuckling the strenuous, 8-mile drive.  The road is narrow in some places, twisty in others and washboardy over nearly all its length. You can make the drive in a sedan (at least in good weather), but you may feel more confident in a high-clearance vehicle.

Once you’ve traveled down into this canyon look for the main parking lot.  There aren’t many spots available and you may have to be creative and find a spot a bit down the road.  Look out for the no parking signs. 

When you jump out of your car you can hear that unmistakable sound of running water.  You can walk down to the creek from any point, but you might want to start at the main parking lot to find the trail.

You'll follow along the creek on your hike to the waterfall.

Fossil Creek History
In 1909, construction began on a powerplant near Childs, Arizona under the authority of the Arizona Power Company (now Arizona Public Service). It had a healthy native fish community, but the 14 miles of river downstream were affected from reduced flows. The return of full creek flow caused large travertine deposits that created fish habitat, as the creek did prior to the dam’s construction.

In 2006, the power plant was closed by APS.  The reintroduction of native fish—including speckled dace, roundtail chubs, Sonora suckers and desert suckers—was integral to the stream restoration process.  Today, 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.

On March 30, 2009, President Barack Obama signed legislation designating Fossil Creek as a Wild and Scenic River.

Enjoy the cool waters of Fossil Creek.

Searching for the Waterfall
My hiking partner, Robin and I had heard that there is a waterfall at the end of the creek.  We found a local ranger, Charlie, who led a group of us interested in seeing this waterfall.  We started at the main parking lot and walked about ¼ mile back up the main road that you drove on and found the trail that started the trek down to the creek and the waterfall. 

First of all, you need two things for this hike.  Wear hiking shoes or boots and bring water shoes.  You’ll be hiking over a variety of terrain including rocks and dirt in a gradual descent.  I don’t believe that the hike itself was difficult, but it did take about an hour to get to the waterfall. 

You’ll see the creek peeking out through the trees and hear kids splashing in the water.  At anytime you can divert and simply head for the creek, but if you stick with it you’ll be happy you did when you finally reach this water oasis.

A hiker takes a daring jump over the falls of Fossil Creek.

The path is wooded, but clear with plenty to keep you entertained along the way.  You know that you’re close to your destination when you find a small stretch of large rocks that you will have to walk over to continue on.  This can be a bit of a struggle because by this point you’re fatigued.  The waterfall is just beyond these rocks and well worth the effort.  It’s a popular spot where you can enjoy the cool water and swim in the stream.  The more adventurous climb up onto the rocks and jump over the 25 foot falls into the water.  Take a seat on one of the rocks and enjoy, you’ve earned it!

**It’s important to note that this trail is surprisingly popular, even during the summer.  I suggest that you start early to try to avoid the crowds.

Fossil Creek Trail

For more information call 1-(928)-474-7900

Total miles:  Take Arizona 87 northeast about 100 miles to Payson from Central Phoenix. Continue 22 miles north on Arizona 87/260 through Pine to Strawberry, then turn west on Fossil Creek Road (a k a Forest Road 708). Go west a little more than 8 miles (all but the first 2.5 miles of which are unpaved).

Photos from personal collection.