Flume Trail No. 154 to Fossil Creek Dam

Fossil Creek

There are ten recreation sites and trails along Fossil Creek Wild and Scenic River. Each site features deep pools and beautiful scenery.

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The Flume Trail starts at the old Irving power plant location and follows the line of the removed-flume that used to carried the water to the power plants for generating electricity. The trail ends at the old dam, a 5-mile trek one way. The trailhead is located on Fossil Creek Road (FR 708) north-east of the Fossil Creek Bridge at the Irving/Flume Trail parking lot. There is a shallow but swift water (knee deep) creek crossing at the trailhead. There is no creek access after the trailhead until you reach Fossil Creek Dam. To hike this trail use sturdy footwear, sun protection and more than enough water and food for the whole day!

Destinations: Flume Trail | Dixon Lewis Trail | Fossil Springs Wilderness | Other places to go

April 1 - Oct. 1

Spring-summer season.
Parking permit required.
No camping allowed.

Oct. 2 - March 31

Fall-winter season.
No permit required.
Some camping allowed.

Never allowed

Campfires and glass containers are never allowed in the area.

For current conditions, call Fossil Creek Hotline 928-226-4611

General Information

Attractions: Trails for hiking and horseback riding, swimming holes, waterplay, unique rock formations, great scenery, wildlife viewing, and lush riparian area.

Notes:

• There is no creek access along the five mile trail between the creek crossing at the parking lot and the end of the trail at Fossil Creek Dam.
• Mechanized vehicles, including mountain bikes and remote controlled aircraft, are not permitted in the Wilderness.
• This area can be quite hot in summer, and drinking water is not available. Carry at least one gallon drinking water.
• Search and Rescues are common on this trail due to unprepared hikers.
  • Don't become a statistic.
  • Bring more than enough water and food for you entire day.
  • Avoid hiking in the heat of the day, and wear sun protective clothing.
  • There is very little shade on this trail, so a wide-brimmed hat is advised.

Location: Fossil Creek is located about 22 miles southeast of Camp Verde (86 miles south of Flagstaff) off paved and dirt roads. Fossil Creek Rd. (FR 708) and Childs Rd. (FR 502) are steep and very rough. These roads may be extremely muddy, slippery, and treacherous after it rains.

GPS (Map): 34°24'11.6"N 111°37'02.4"W

Access: I-17 to Camp Verde. Exit southeast on Highway 260 (FH 9). Turn right on Fossil Springs Rd. (FR 708). Travel 14 miles down this rough dirt road (high-clearance 4WD vehicles recommended) to the trailhead. (Flume Trailhead cannot be accessed from the Strawberry, AZ end of Fossil Springs Rd. due to an indefinite closure just past Fossil Springs Trailhead.)

Download Fossil Creek Seasonal Permit Area Guides

English

Spring-Summer Guide
April 1 - October 1
(PDF, 1.7 MB)

Fall-Winter Guide
October 2 - March 31
(PDF, 1.6 MB)

Español

Guía para la primavera y el verano
1 de abril - 1 de octubre
(PDF, 220 kB)

Guía para el otoño e invierno
2 de octubre - 31 de marzo
(PDF, 250 kB)

• Spring-Summer Season (April 1 - Oct. 1): Permit is required for parking at the Flume Trailhead (Irving parking lot). Reservations must be made in advance. Visitors must bring printed permits and passes to the site. Permits cannot be purchased on-site. See Frequently Asked Questions and Answers about Fossil Creek reservations.
• Fall-Winter Season (Oct. 2 - March 31): No passes or permits are required.