Official websites use .gov
A .gov
website belongs to an official government organization in the
United States.
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock
(
) or https:// means you've safely
connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only
on official, secure websites.
Bob Bear (formerly Fossil Springs) Trail-No. 18
This strenuous trail on the Tonto National Forest descends four miles into a 1600' deep canyon before you'll see a drop of water. Unlike the other eight parking lots in Fossil Creek, the Bob Bear Trailhead parking lot DOES NOT provide direct access to Fossil Creek's water! Loose rock and the steep ascent makes the return climb out challenging. No water is available along the first four miles of trail. In 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 more than a few hikers), sun screen, and enough food and water to last the whole day.
View photos of Bob Bear (formerly Fossil Springs) Trail and Fossil Springs & Dam on Flickr.
Permits Required April 1 to October 1
Note: Permits for the Bob Bear (formerly Fossil Springs) Trailhead must now be reserved through a separate reservation system.
Reserve a permit at Recreation.gov for any of the parking areas in the Fossil Creek area. During the Spring-Summer Season, the Fossil Creek and Bob Bear area is day-use only. Camping, campfires, and glass containers are prohibited. See Fossil Creek Reservation System Information for videos, news, and more! See this brochure explaining the regulations for Fossil Creek Visitation.
For current conditions, call the Fossil Creek Information Hotline at 928-226-4611
At a Glance
| Operational Hours: |
|
|---|---|
| Reservations: | |
| Area Amenities: | Fee charged for some activities, Parking |
| Fees: |
|
| Permit Info: |
|
| Open Season: | Year-round |
| Usage: | Heavy |
| Busiest Season: | Summer and weekends |
| Restrictions: | 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 |
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 seasonal recreation guides for Fossil Creek and Fossil Springs Wilderness
Spring-Summer Guide
April 1 - October 1
(PDF, 1.7 MB)
Fall-Winter Guide
October 2 - March 31
(PDF, 1.6 MB)
Mapas y guías de área de permisos de Fossil Creek (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 |
Horse Riding
Parking: There are 3 horse trailer parking spaces at this trailhead. If needed ensure you make a specific reservation for one of three equestrian only parking spaces at Fossil Springs Trailhead parking lot (vehicle and horse trailer maximum length is 50 feet).
- 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 |
Amenities
| Parking: | 30 22' parking spaces, plus 3 horse trailer spaces. Spring-Summer Season (April 1 - October 1): Printed, reserved parking permit required and NOT available on site. Parking permits not required in Fall-Winter Season. |
|---|---|
| Fee charged for some activities: | Spring-Summer Season (April 1 October 1): $10 pre-purchased parking permit required. No fees in Fall-Winter Season. |
Related Information
Location
