Fossil Creek Waterfall Trail: A Hidden Turquoise Oasis in Arizona
Fossil Creek Waterfall hiking trail is an Arizona gem. With a turquoise-blue waterfall shaded by trees, it really does make you feel like you’ve stumbled upon some secret place in the woods.
Tucked away in the Camp Verde area, between Phoenix and Sedona, Fossil Creek Waterfall trail makes for an easy day trip. After a short hike, you’ll reach a waterfall where Fossil Creek tumbles over rock into a crystal-clear pool. It’s one of the most beautiful spots in Arizona.
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.
Fossil Creek Permits & Parking for Peak Vs Non-Peak Times
If you are visiting Fossil Creek Waterfall Trail during peak times, April 1 through October 1, you will need a permit to visit. When you purchase a permit you will be asked which parking lot you want a permit for. The Dixon Lewis Trailhead Lot is the closest lot to the Waterfall Trailhead. The next closest is the Irving/Flume Trailhead Lot.
If you’re visiting during non-peak times, October 2 through March 31, you can visit without a permit. During this time of year you may very well be able to score a parking spot at the very end of the road on your left (Dixon Lewis Lot). If so, park. There is a restroom here and a few trailheads.
Note: The road after the Fossil Creek bridge is really rough, so if you’re parking at the Dixon Lewis Trailhead you will want a high clearance vehicle.
During peak times, Rangers will check your ticket at the entrance. If you’re not at the entrance by 2 pm it is not likely you will be allowed in.
How to get to Fossil Creek Waterfall
To get to Fossil Creek Waterfall Trail from Phoenix drive north on I-17 and take a right on the Camp Verde exit, drive 5 miles and make a right on Fossil Creek Road (FR 78).
From here it is a 16 mile drive down a washboard dirt road with no guard rails. We recommend driving a high clearance vehicle. The road will intersect with FR502 if you’re headed towards the Dixon Lewis Lot continue straight on FR 78.
This stretch of road can take an hour depending on your speed and who you are behind. The roads are narrow and there are some very pretty views.
How Long is the Drive from Phoenix to Fossil Creek
It takes about 1.5 hours from Phoenix to get to Camp Verde. From Camp Verde to Fossil Creek Waterfall Trailhead it can take an hour to 1.5 hours as well due to the condition of the dirt road.
Fossil Creek Waterfall Trail
If you parked at the Dixon Lewis Lot it may be hard to believe you’re about a mile from a gorgeous waterfall, but you are almost there. Look for the dirt road with the “Road Closed” sign. Walk down this dirt road for a short way.
You will see a fence on your left side and in a short distance there is an opening in the fence and a wooden sign for the Waterfall Trail trailhead.
Once you descend down the path is level. We have visited in both summer and fall. Summer is obviously a great choice to enjoy the cool turquoise waters, but fall is absolutely gorgeous too.
From hear you can hear the sound of rushing water. The hiking path is a short distance from the water and there are a few pretty detours to stop and enjoy.
If you continue down the path you will cross two narrow wooden planks that serve as bridges over the wet ground.
After the first bridge there is another area to stop and enjoy a small waterfall.
If you want to see the larger main waterfall continue past the second bridge and you will see why Fossil Creek is so popular. The water is clear and perfect for swimming.
Fossil Creek Wilderness Area
Every parking lots off FR 78 provides trail access to the creek and swimming holes. You don’t have to go to the Waterfall Trail to cool off in the water. If you want to hike to the waterfall I would recommend trying to get a parking in Lot 1 or Lot 2.
Fossil Creek Springs Vs Fossil Creek Waterfall Trail
Fossil Creek Springs is a different hike. This hike is accessed near Payson/Strawberry from the Bob Bear Trailhead. It is eight-miles round trip. Fossil Creek Waterfall Trail is accessed near Camp Verde. It is however in the same Wilderness area.
