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Bob Bear (formerly Fossil Springs) Trail-No. 18
Fossil Creek
There are ten recreation sites and trails along Fossil Creek Wild and Scenic River. Each site features deep pools and beautiful scenery.
There is no water along the first four miles of this strenuous trail which descends into a 1600' deep canyon. It is important that visitors know that the Bob Bear Trail parking lot DOES NOT provide direct access to Fossil Creek's water. Additionally, loose rock and a steep ascent make the return climb challenging. During summertime, the hike out can be brutally hot. The trail ends at the historic old dam.
Do NOT attempt this trail without sturdy footwear (flip flops have proved disastrous for hikers), sunscreen and enough food and water to last the whole day. For current conditions, call Fossil Creek Hotline 928-226-4611
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.
At a Glance
| Operational Hours: | April 1 - October 1:
|
|---|---|
| Reservations: | Reservations for a specific parking lot must be made in advance on Recreation.gov. |
| Area Amenities: |
|
| Fees: | April 1 - Oct. 1, Spring-Summer Season
|
| Permit Info: | April 1 - October 1, Spring-Summer Season:
|
| Open Season: | Year-round |
| Usage: | Heavy |
| Busiest Season: | Summer and weekends |
| Restrictions: | For all rules on Fossil Creek review:
Camping:
|
| Closest Towns: | Strawberry, Ariz. (10 miles), Camp Verde, Ariz. (60 miles via state Route 260) |
| Water: | Bring at least 1 gallon each hiker |
| Restroom: | Vault Toilet at Bob Bear TH |
| Operated By: | Fossil Creek Hotline 928-226-4611; Red Rock Ranger District 928-203-2900 |
| Information Center: | Fossil Creek Hotline 928-226-4611 Destinations: Flume Trail | Dixon Lewis Trail | Fossil Springs Wilderness | Other places to go |
General Information
Parking:Parking
- Spring-Summer Season (April 1 - October 1): Permit is required for parking. Reservations for a specific parking lot must be made in advance. Visitors must bring printed permits and passes to the site. Permits can NOT be purchased on-site. See Frequently Asked Questions and Answers about Fossil Creek reservations.
- Fall-Winter Season (October 2 - March 31): No passes or permits are required.
- Horse Trailer Parking: There are three designated parking spots for vehicles towing a horse trailer at Bob Bear Trailhead parking lot. The vehicle and horse trailer maximum length is 50 feet. If you need a parking spot for a horse trailer be sure to make a specific reservation for one of these three equestrian-only parking spaces.
Directions:
Location: Five miles west of Strawberry, Ariz. This trail does NOT access the waterfall! Access the waterfall is a 60 mile trip to the creek-side access via state Route 260 out of Camp Verde. The waterfall is a 20-mile round trip hike through the desert from this trailhead.
GPS (Map): 34°24'24.3"N 111°34'06.4"W
Access: From Stawberry, AZ, take Forest Road 708 to the turnoff to the trailhead. The trailhead will be on your right. NOTE: FR 708 is closed just beyond the turnoff to the trailhead! you can NOT reach the eight Fossil Creek parking lots from this location. Between April 1 and Oct. 1 a parking permit is required to park at this 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)
General Notes:
Attractions: Trails for hiking and horseback riding, unique rock formations, great scenery, wildlife viewing, and lush riparian area.
Hiking Time: 4 - 6 hours (round trip), this does NOT count the time spent at the creek or in the water.
Rating: Strenuous, 1500' elevation change over four miles between the trailhead and the springs. Hot with little shade in the warmer months. Wear appropriate footwear (e.g., hiking boots) and carry at least a gallon of water per person.
Notes:
- No motorized vehicles or mechanical equipment, including mountain bikes and remote controlled aircraft.
- Spring water is not suitable for drinking.
- This is a very hot hike in summer. Carry at least one gallon of drinking water per person.
- Carry all waste material out with you. "Pack it in and Pack it out."
Related Links:
- Fossil Creek Area Spring-Summer Regulations and Map (PDF)
- Fossil Creek Area Fall-Winter Regulations and Map (PDF)
- Fossil Springs Trail Guide (PDF)
- Fossil Springs Trail Color Map (PDF)
Activities
Day Hiking
Parking
- Spring-Summer Season (April 1 - October 1): Permit is required for parking. Reservations for a specific parking lot must be made in advance. Visitors must bring printed permits and passes to the site. Permits can NOT be purchased on-site. See Frequently Asked Questions and Answers about Fossil Creek reservations.
- Fall-Winter Season (October 2 - March 31): No passes or permits are required.
| Reservation required?: | Y |
|---|---|
| Permit required?: | Y |
| Difficulty Level: | Difficult |
Backpacking
Camping is prohibited between Fossil Creek Bridge and Fossil Creek Dam year round.
Camping and overnight parking are prohibited anywhere in the Fossil Creek permit area during the Spring-Summer Season (April 1 to October 1). See the Spring-Summer Guide for more information.
Parking
- Spring-Summer Season (April 1 - October 1): A permit is required for parking at this trailhead. Parking overnight at trailheads in the permit area is prohibited. You must bring printed permits and passes to the site. Permits can NOT be purchased on-site. See Frequently Asked Questions and Answers about Fossil Creek reservations.
- Fall-Winter Season (October 2 - March 31): No passes or permits are required. Overnight camping is permitted in some areas in and around the Wilderness, and overnight parking is permitted at trailheads.
| Reservation required?: | Y |
|---|---|
| Permit required?: | Y |
| Difficulty Level: | Difficult |
Related Information
Location
