Vehicle Restrictions in Fossil Creek Wild & Scenic River Permit Area

U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest Service 
Coconino National Forest - Red Rock Ranger District 
Tonto National Forest - Payson Ranger District 
Fossil Creek Wild and Scenic River Permit Area 
Motor Vehicle Closure

PROHIBITIONS 

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a) and (b), the following is prohibited 
on the National Forest System (NFS) lands in the Red Rock Ranger District, Coconino 
National Forest, and Payson Ranger District, Tonto National Forest, described below and 
shown on the attached map incorporated into this Order as Exhibit A (the “Described Area 
and Roads”): 

1. Going into or being upon the Described Area with a motorized vehicle. 36 C.F.R. 
   § 261.53(e).
2. Using a motorized vehicle on the Described Roads. 36 C.F.R. § 261.54(a). 

EXEMPTIONS 

Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order: 

1. Persons with Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of Roads, 
   Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation or Order), specifically exempting them 
   from this Order or a written determination by a Forest Service authorized officer 
   that a permit is not required under 36 C.F.R. § 251.50(e)(1) or (2). 
2. Any Federal, State, Local Officer, Utility Manager, or member of an organized 
   rescue or firefighting resource in the performance of an official duty. 
3. Any persons operating or occupying a motorized vehicle on Forest Road 708 
   and/or Forest Road 502 for the sole purpose of transit without stopping, parking, 
   or otherwise delaying their deliberate passage, except for emergencies.
4. Any persons operating or traveling within a motorized vehicle occupied by a valid 
   Fossil Creek Wild and Scenic River permit holder on the day the permit is active 
   as indicated by the reservation date. 

DESCRIBED AREA AND ROADS 

As depicted on the map in Exhibit A, the Described Area and Roads includes all NFS 
lands and Roads: 

• Within one-quarter (0.25) mile on either side of Fossil Creek from the confluence of 
  Sandrock Canyon and Calf Pen Canyon (34°26’48.64”N; 111°32’ 25.01”W), 
  downstream to the confluence with the Ike Saddle Drainage (34°21’19.31” N; 
  111°39’52.48”W). 
• Within one-quarter mile on either side of Forest Road (FR) 708 from the cattle guard at 
  Cimarron Saddle (34°25’28.95”N; 111°40’23.24”W) to the East Entry Gate outside of the 
  town of Strawberry (34°24’17.78” N; 111°32’50.25”W). 
• Within one-quarter mile on either side of FR 502 from the junction with FR 708 to the 
  junction of FR 502 and FR 502E. 
• Within one-quarter mile on either side of Forest Trail #18 (Bob Bear Trail) from the 
  intersection of Forest Trail #154 (Flume Trail) to the Bob Bear Trailhead off of FR 708. 
• Within an area bounded by Fossil Creek to the north and west, the Bob Bear Trail #18 
  to the east, and FR 708 to the south. 

PURPOSE 

The purpose of this Order is to protect public health and safety and preserve resource 
integrity. 

IMPLEMENTATION 

1. This Order shall be in effect from April 01, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. through October 01, 
   2026, at 8:00 a.m., unless rescinded. 
2. A map identifying the Described Area is attached and made part of this Order as 
   Exhibit A. For a digital version of this Order and Exhibit A, go to: 
   https://www.fs.usda.gov/r03/coconino/alerts. 
3. Unless otherwise expressly defined in this Order, the terms used in this Order are 
   defined by the regulations of the Secretary of Agriculture, 36 C.F.R. Chapter II, 
   Parts 200-299. If there are terms in this Order that are not expressly defined in the 
   Order or 36 C.F.R. Chapter II, Parts 200-299, their meaning shall be determined 
   by their plain language definitions. 
4. A violation of the above prohibitions is punishable as a Class B misdemeanor by
   a fine of not more than $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations, or by
   imprisonment for not more than six months, or both. 16 U.S.C. § 551; 18 U.S.C.
   §§ 3559, 3571, and 3581.
5. Contact the Red Rock Ranger District, (928) 203-2900, or the Coconino National
   Forest Supervisor’s Office, (928) 527-3600, for more information about this Order.
6. This Order supersedes any previous Orders prohibiting the same or similar acts in
   the same Described Area.