Fossil Creek

National Wild and Scenic River

Status: Open

Overview/Background

Most people come to Fossil Creek to sunbathe, wade, hike and birdwatch. It's also a great place to take photographs. The lushness of the riparian area strikes a sharp contrast to the brittle desert that surrounds it. While you're here, keep an eye out for javelina. These collie dog-sized wild pigs are plentiful in the area.

What Makes Fossil Creek Special?

The Apache and Yavapai people of the Verde Valley lived along Fossil Creek for generations. Even today, they recognize and care for the canyon as their Ancestral homeland and return here to connect with their past and honor their heritage. Please respect their special feelings as you visit the sacred landscape of Fossil Creek and please leave it looking as if you were never here. Visiting with respect preserves Fossil Creek for future generations.

Fossil Creek is one of only two National Wild & Scenic rivers in Arizona and is fed by springs coming from the cliffs of the Mogollon Rim. Over 30 million gallons of water are discharged each day at a constant 70 °F. The high mineral content leaves travertine dams and deposits, giving rise to fossil-like features.

In 2005, Arizona Public Service (APS) decommissioned the Fossil Creek Dam and Flume, restoring full flows to Fossil Creek.

Fossil Creek is a rare riparian area within an otherwise arid landscape. Many plants and wildlife depend on Fossil Creek for habitat, including otters, beavers, leopard frogs, and common black hawks.

In 2009, Congress designated Fossil Creek as a Wild and Scenic River to protect the river's amazing attributes for years to come. The Forest Service is mandated to develop a Comprehensive River Management Plan (CRMP) that will analyze existing conditions and prescribe management designed to protect the area.

Fossil Creek has a number of Dilzhé’é (Western Apache) cultural sites. The Dilzhé’é lived along Fossil Creek for generations and several families consider this to be their homeland.

View Fossil Creek & Fossil Springs Wilderness photo gallery [Flickr]