Wild Ride in Fossil Creek Arizona

Pack your bags, grab the kids, and get ready for an unforgettable family adventure in central Arizona’s Fossil Creek. Nestled in the Coconino National Forest, Fossil Creek is an oasis of natural wonder just waiting to be explored.

Over 30 million gallons of crystal-clear water burst from the canyon walls every day, creating azure pools, thundering waterfalls, and riparian habitats teeming with native wildlife. There’s something for everyone in the family in this lush, verdant canyon.

Will you go tubing down the creek, splash in the swimming holes, hike to remote waterfalls, or try your hand at some world-class bird watching? However you choose to experience the beauty of Fossil Creek, one thing is for sure—this is one family adventure you’ll be talking about for years to come!

What Are the Best Family Hiking Trails in Fossil Creek Arizona?

Are you looking for an exciting outdoor adventure the whole family will enjoy? Head to Fossil Creek in central Arizona! This scenic river canyon is filled with amazing hiking trails perfect for all skill levels.

What is the Waterfall Trail?

One of the most popular trails is the 2.5-mile Waterfall Trail. This easy hike will lead you to a spectacular 50-foot waterfall! The trail starts at the Fossil Creek parking area and follows the creek, winding through a canyon filled with lush greenery. Once you arrive at the waterfall, you’ll find large swimming holes where you can cool off – perfect for a hot summer day! This is a great introductory trail for younger kids or inexperienced hikers.

What About the More Difficult Trails?

For those looking for a challenge, try the 7.5-mile Fossil Springs Trail. This strenuous hike ascends over 1,500 feet up the side of a mountain, eventually leading to the source of Fossil Creek at Fossil Springs. The views at the top are breathtaking! Pack plenty of water and snacks, as this hike can take 4-6 hours.

What Other Activities Are There?

Fossil Creek offers more than just hiking. Go inner tubing or kayaking down the creek, rock climbing the canyon walls or camping under the stars. You can even go horseback riding through the ponderosa pine forest! There’s so much to experience in this natural wonderland.

No matter what activities you choose, Fossil Creek is guaranteed to delight both kids and adults. The stunning scenery, opportunities for adventure, and the chance to connect with nature will create memories that will last for years to come. Round up your favorite people and get ready for an unforgettable family adventure in the heart of Arizona!

Where Can You Go Swimming With Kids in Fossil Creek?

Where Can You Go Swimming With Kids in Fossil Creek?

Fossil Creek is swimming heaven for families with kids! The creek’s crystal-clear, spring-fed waters stay a balmy 70 degrees all year round, perfect for splashing around on a hot summer day. Two of the most popular swimming holes along the creek are Waterfall Trail and Fossil Creek Bridge.

At Waterfall Trail, a gorgeous 20-foot waterfall tumbles into a deep, emerald pool surrounded by massive boulders. Little ones will love playing in the shallow areas along the edge, while bigger kids can swim right up to the falls or jump off the lower ledges into the deeper parts of the pool. The half-mile hike down to the falls is easy enough for most kids. Pack a picnic, bring floaties and pool toys, and make a day of it!

For easier access, head to Fossil Creek Bridge. The creek pools up into a large swimming area right below the historic bridge with shallow, gently sloping entry points perfect for younger kids. Teenagers will enjoy jumping off the bridge into the deeper channel, but of course, exercise caution. There are changing rooms, picnic ramadas, and hiking trails along the rim of the canyon here as well.

Other creekside activities kids will love include:

-Exploring the creek bed and canyon walls for fossils, rocks, and critters

-Tubing or kayaking downriver from Waterfall Trail

-Spotting birds, lizards, fish, and other wildlife along the trails

-Camping under the stars and listening to the sounds of the creek at night

A trip to Fossil Creek is a splashy good time your whole family will never forget! Head out for a wild weekend adventure in nature and cool off in one of Arizona’s most scenic swimming holes. The kids will be begging to go back again as soon as you head home!

What Kind of Camping Is Available for Families Near Fossil Creek?

Are you looking for an exciting family adventure this summer? Then pack up the tent and head to Fossil Creek near Strawberry, Arizona! This scenic area offers some fantastic camping options for families with kids of all ages.

What kind of campsites are available?

You’ll find developed campgrounds with amenities like picnic tables, fire pits, and vault toilets, as well as more primitive backcountry sites if you want to rough it. The Fossil Creek Campground has 22 sites right along the creek that are perfect for RVs and tents. Up the dirt road, the Strawberry Campground has more secluded walk-in tent sites in a ponderosa pine forest.

What activities can we enjoy?

There’s no shortage of fun to be had! Go tubing or kayaking down the creek, with lots of small rapids and swimming holes along the way. The kids will love splashing around in the refreshing spring water. Pack a lunch and go on a scenic hike to a stunning waterfall. In the evening, roast marshmallows over an open fire and stargaze in the night sky.

Are there any amenities nearby?

Yes, the charming town of Strawberry has basic amenities only 15 minutes from the campgrounds. Stock up on supplies at the general store, grab burgers and shakes at the diner, or rent kayaks and tubes. If you need a break from the heat, the movie theater shows family films on weekends. Medical facilities and groceries are available 30 minutes away in Payson.

A family adventure to Fossil Creek promises to be an unforgettable summer experience for all ages with a perfect mix of outdoor recreation, natural scenery, and small-town charm. Pack your sense of adventure and get ready for a wild ride! The kids will talk about the fun they had for years to come.

What Other Fun Family Activities Are There at Fossil Creek?

Are there any hiking trails?

You bet! This wild and scenic river area has over 20 miles of hiking trails to explore. The Fossil Creek Trail runs right along the creek and is perfect for the whole family. The trail is mostly flat and shaded, with spots for picnicking and swimming in the crystal-clear water. For the more adventurous, check out the Fossil Springs Trail which leads to the headwaters of Fossil Creek, with stunning limestone cliffs and waterfalls along the way.

What about camping?

If you want to extend your Fossil Creek adventure, camping is allowed along the Fossil Creek Trail on a first-come, first-served basis. There are 11 designated campsites with fire pits, picnic tables, and composting toilets. Fall asleep under the starry night sky and wake up to the sounds of the flowing creek – it’s a perfect way to unplug from the real world for a while! Some tips:

• Campsites fill up quickly, especially on weekends, so aim to arrive early.
• Pack out all your trash and any waste. Help keep this natural wonder pristine!
• Fires are only allowed in the provided fire pits. Never leave a fire unattended.
• The creek water is clean but not potable. Bring plenty of drinking water.
• There are no showers, so a dip in the creek can double as a refreshing rinse!

How about wildlife viewing?

Fossil Creek’s riparian habitat is home to an array of wildlife. You may spot great blue herons, belted kingfishers, and several species of swallows swooping over the water. Lucky visitors sometimes see beavers, otters, coyotes, and bobcats along the creek banks. The calls of canyon wrens, black phoebes, and yellow-breasted chats can be heard echoing through the canyon. At night, look for bats fluttering under the light of the moon and maybe even glimpse an elusive ringtail cat. Bring binoculars and a field guide to help identify the creatures you discover in this ecological wonderland.

With scenic beauty, refreshing swimming holes, hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing, Fossil Creek offers an exciting array of fun family activities in a pristine natural setting. Pack your sense of adventure and get ready for a wild ride!

What Should Families Know Before Visiting Fossil Creek Arizona?

Are you ready for an adventure with the whole family? Then head to Fossil Creek in central Arizona! This scenic river canyon is filled with opportunities for outdoor recreation and connecting with nature. Pack your swimsuits, hiking boots, and sense of wonder—you’re in for a wild ride.

What outdoor activities can we enjoy? There are tons of options for all ages and activity levels. Go tubing or kayaking down the creek, with Class I and II rapids perfect for beginners. The water stays a comfortable 70 degrees year-round, so you can splash around to your heart’s content. Feeling more ambitious? There are trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding along the creek and up into the hills. Climb up to see ancient Native American dwellings, stunning vistas, and desert wildlife in their natural habitat.

Are there any kid-friendly activities? Absolutely! Little ones will love playing in the shallow creek, building rock dams, and splashing in the swimming holes. Pack a picnic lunch, bring toys and games, and make a day of it. For school-age kids, activities like nature scavenger hunts, wildlife tracking, and learning about the local flora and fauna are fun and educational.

What facilities are available?

There are picnic areas with grills, restrooms, and changing facilities located along Fossil Creek Road. No entrance fees or permits are required for day use. Pack out all trash and waste to preserve this natural wonder. Most activities are self-guided, so come prepared with any gear you may need.

When is the best time to visit?

The spring and fall shoulder seasons, April-May and September-October, offer comfortable temperatures and smaller crowds. Summers can be very hot, so get an early start and stay well hydrated. Parts of the road and some trails may be closed in winter due to snow.

A family adventure in the great outdoors awaits you at Fossil Creek! Come make memories that will last a lifetime.

Tips for Planning Your Family Trip to Fossil Creek, Arizona

Are you looking for an exciting family adventure this summer? Pack your bags and head to Fossil Creek in central Arizona! This scenic river canyon is filled with opportunities for outdoor recreation and connecting with nature. Here are some tips to help you plan an unforgettable trip.

What activities can we do in Fossil Creek?

There’s so much to experience in Fossil Creek. Go tubing or kayaking down the creek, splash in swimming holes, hike scenic trails to waterfalls, picnic in the ponderosa pines, and more! The kids will love playing in the creek and spotting wildlife like birds, lizards, and fish.

Where should we stay?

You have a few options for lodging near Fossil Creek. Camp under the stars at one of the creekside campgrounds, rent an RV or trailer or get comfy at a motel in nearby Strawberry or Payson. For a special treat, book a cabin or vacation rental with views of the creek. No matter where you stay, you’ll be close to the action.

What else is there to do nearby?

When you’re ready to take a break from the creek, explore the surrounding area. Visit Montezuma Castle National Monument to see well-preserved Native American dwellings. Drive the scenic Rim Road for stunning views. Stop in Payson or Strawberry for shopping, dining, and supplies. You could even take a day trip to Sedona’s red rock country.

How do we get there?

Fossil Creek is about a 2 to 3-hour drive north of Phoenix. Head north on AZ-87 toward Payson. Take exit 298 for Fossil Creek Road/Forest Road 708. Follow signs for Fossil Creek Recreation Area. The unpaved Fossil Creek Road descends into the canyon, ending at the Fossil Creek Trailhead. Four-wheel drive is recommended, especially if there has been recent rain.

An adventure on Fossil Creek will create lifelong memories for your family. Pack your sense of wonder and get ready to reconnect with nature. See you on the creek!

Conclusion

So what are you waiting for? Pack up the family and head to Fossil Creek for an unforgettable summer adventure. With crystal-clear waters, scenic vistas, and thrilling activities around every bend, Fossil Creek is calling your name. The memories you’ll make jumping off cliffs into plunge pools, tubing downriver, and stargazing under the Arizona sky will last forever. No matter your interests, there’s something for everyone in the family at Fossil Creek. Escape the daily grind and reconnect with the ones you love in this natural wonderland. The wild beauty and endless recreation of Fossil Creek await you. All you have to do is go!