The Waterfall Trail on Fossil Creek is one of the most popular areas on the creek. The trail itself is one mile, but you'll have to hike about a quarter of a mile from either parking area to get to the trailhead.
The parking lot is located a few hundred yards downhill from the entrance to the trail. Visitors must park in the lot and walk up the road to the beginning of the trail. The trail starts at the far end of a fence line that was put up to protect rare spring snails. The trail follows the hillside down to the creek and continues along it. It dead ends at the waterfall.
WARNING
Because of traffic problems, occasionally the roads will be closed. Click on "Overview/Background" in the right column of the "Fossil Creek" page for notice with photos about periodic road closures. For an up-to-date information recording, call the Fossil Creek Hotline at 928-226-4611.
At a Glance
Open Season:
Year 'round
Usage:
Medium
Closest Towns:
Camp Verde, AZ
Restroom:
Temporary portable toilets
Operated By:
Red Rock Ranger District - 928-203-2900
General Information
Latitude: 34.40501
Longitude: -111.61398
Length: 1 mile
Elevation: 3810 at trailhead
General Notes:
Attractions: Trails for hiking, swimming holes, waterplay, unique rock formations, great scenery, wildlife viewing, lush riparian area
Mechanized vehicles, including mountain bikes, are not permitted in the Wilderness.
This area can be quite hot in summer. Bring your own drinking water.
Please practice "Leave No Trace" ethics and help keep this area pristine.
Directions:
Location: About 30 miles southeast of Camp Verde or 86 miles south of Flagstaff off paved and graveled roads.
A portion of Forest Road 708 is closed from Fossil Springs Trailhead to Waterfall Trailhead until further notice. This closure is in effect to provide public health and safety.
The only way to access the Waterfall Trailhead by motor-vehicle is to take the road from Camp Verde.
Access: From Camp Verde via FH 9 (Hwy 260) and FR 708
