Fossil Creek Dam (Toilet Bowl)
Pine, Arizona
| Address: | Fossil Creek Dam (aka The Toilet Bowl), Fossil Springs Wilderness, Pine, AZ 85544, USA |
| GPS: |
34°24'24.4"N 111°34'6.4"W Maps | Directions |
| State: | Arizona |
| Trail Type: | Out & Back |
| Trails/Routes: | 2.2-6.1 mi |
Rivers Waterfalls
Dive, Hike, and Swim
Hidden within the vast Arizona desert is an oasis of a river that brings the surrounding banks to life around it. This is Fossil Creek--one of Arizona's two designated "Wild and Scenic" rivers. The creek offers a natural shelter for native wildlife, and has several destinations for people to enjoy themselves--including two waterfalls. One waterfall has a short, one mile hike from the parking lot; this is not that hike.
Despite the name, the Toilet Bowl is a beloved hiking destination due to its beautiful waterfall over the old dam along Fossil Creek. The name comes from a round slide on the side of the river into which many enjoy diving. The bowl will spin the diver around, and out into the main pool from the base of the falls. There is also a shallow cave from which swimmers can hide from the sun.
The dam can be accessed by hiking either Flume Trail to the west, or Fossil Springs Trail from the east. Be sure to bring plenty of water, no matter which trail you choose to hike down and back. The water at the falls is not safe to drink without purification.
Both trailheads require a $10 preprinted parking permit during the months of April through October, so be sure to register online and have that ready before leaving.
Mapped Route/Trail Distances
| Fossil Springs Trail (One Way) | 6.1 miles Round Trip |
| Fossil Springs Trail (One Way) | 2.2 miles Round Trip |
| Flume Trail (Alternate Route) | 4.6 miles |
More Information
Be courteous, informed, and prepared. Read trailhead guidelines, stay on the trail, and don't feed the wildlife.
Read More
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel & camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of other visitors
Directions
From Pine, Arizona
- Head east on Hardscrabble Mesa Rd toward AZ-260 W/AZ-87 N (138 ft)
- Turn left onto AZ-260 W/AZ-87 N (3.1 mi)
- Turn left onto Fossil Creek Rd (4.7 mi)
- Turn rightDestination will be on the right(0.2 mi)
Flume Trailhead: The Flume Trailhead is best accessed from the Irving Parking lot inside of Fossil Creek. The parking lot is located down the long stretch of paved and dirt roads that is FR 708. To get there from Camp Verde, take Highway 260 until the turnoff for Fossil Springs Rd. (FR 708). From this exit, the parking lot is 14 miles.
Fossil Springs Trailhead: The Fossil Springs trailhead is nearest accessed through the town of Strawberry, Arizona. Take FR 708 until the end of the road; the parking lot will be on the right.
Forest Road 708 is closed between the Fossil Springs trailhead and the Waterfall Trailhead until further notice.
Added by camilledupar
Trails
Distance ?
6.1 miles Round TripElevation Gain ?
-1,064 feetReal Ascent ?
302 feetReal Descent ?
1,366 feetAvg Grade (-4°)
-7%Grade (-21° to 20°)
-39% to 36%Distance ?
2.2 miles Round TripElevation Gain ?
-332 feetReal Ascent ?
115 feetReal Descent ?
447 feetAvg Grade (-3°)
-6%Grade (-26° to 17°)
-49% to 30%Distance ?
4.6 milesElevation Gain ?
507 feetReal Ascent ?
1,283 feetReal Descent ?
776 feetAvg Grade (1°)
2%Grade (-25° to 19°)
-46% to 35%Elevation differences are scaled for emphasis. While the numbers are accurate, the cut-away shown here is not to scale.
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