Fossil Creek Waterfall - Swimming Hole near Pine, Arizona
Fossil Creek Rd, Pine, AZ 85544, USA,Pine,Arizona
34.40506846676824, -111.61401271820068
9.2 miles W of Pine, Arizona
Address: Fossil Creek Rd, Pine, AZ 85544, USA
GPS: 34°24'18.2"N 111°36'50.4"W
Maps | Directions
State: Arizona
Trail Length: 1.00 miles
Trail Type: Out & Back
Hike Difficulty: Beginner
Trails/Routes: 1.1 mi

Rivers Waterfalls Trails

Hike and Swim

Fossil Creek is one of Arizona's two designated "Wild and Scenic" rivers. The waterfall is the most popular place to visit to cool off and see the natural beauty. Located between the towns of Strawberry and Camp Verde, south of Flagstaff, the creek is a uniquely lush piece of Arizona's Coconino National Forest. The waterfall is a short hike away from the parking area, which is itself a long drive down a dirt gravel road. At the base of the falls is a pool deep enough to swim in, and refresh from a hot day.

There is a restroom at the trailhead, but there is no potable water or trash service, so be sure to pack out all trash to keep the environment clean for the others who follow behind. Take care to stay on the trail, since many have seen snakes along the path.

Note that this hike does not lead to the old Fossil Creek Dam, or the "Toilet Bowl", as that is a separate trail.

From April to October, registration and a $10 pre-printed parking permit is required for day use at the site. You cannot get a permit on site, so make sure to have it before you leave. The rest of the year, no permit or registration is required. You can get your permits at https://www.recreation.gov/permits/251863

Updated June 27, 2026
2.0K Written by camilledupar

More Information

Arizona's Fossil Creek Waterfall Hiking Trail: Waterfall Heaven

★★★☆☆ The short, easy Waterfall Hiking Trail leads to Camp Verde's Fossil Creek, with its crystal clear water and 15' fall. Permits required.

https://www.azutopia.com/easy-hikes/fossil-creek-waterfall-trail-from-camp-verde/

Canyon Dave: Trampled by Arizona: Fossil Creek and Tucson

I have a brother! He was in town for 10 days taking his WFR course before he goes to the Florida Keys to Scuba Dive with the youth and teac...

http://canyondave.blogspot.com/2010/06/trampled-by-arizona-fossil-creek-and.html

Coconino National Forest : Recreation

Find and Discover Recreation Sites and Trails in Coconino National Forest

https://www.fs.usda.gov/r03/coconino/recreation

Fossil Creek Waterfall Hiking Guide

Overview Fossil Creek Wild and Scenic River Recreation Area is nestled between the towns of Strawberry and Camp Verde in Central Arizona. This riparian oasis features plenty of opportunities for swimming in the 70 degree water or just hanging a hammock and enjoying the sunshine. The heavy calcium content of Fossil Creek gives the water a vibrant cerulean sheen and contributes to the jagged rock formations adjacent to the creek. Fossil Creek Falls is a 25 foot waterfall accessed by a pleasant and easy hike along the creek. The most difficult part of this journey is the 16 mile dirt

https://backobeyond.blog/fossil-creek-waterfall-hiking-guide/

Recreation.gov - Camping, Cabins, RVs, Permits, Passes & More

We're here to help you dream up your next trip, figure out the details, and reserve experiences at over 3,600 facilities and 103,000 individual sites across the country.

https://www.recreation.gov/
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Be courteous, informed, and prepared. Read trailhead guidelines, stay on the trail, and don't feed the wildlife.

Read More
  1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
  2. Travel & camp on durable surfaces
  3. Dispose of waste properly
  4. Leave what you find
  5. Minimize campfire impacts
  6. Respect wildlife
  7. Be considerate of other visitors

Directions

From Pine, Arizona

  1. Head east on Hardscrabble Mesa Rd toward AZ-260 W/AZ-87 N (138 ft)
  2. Turn left onto AZ-260 W/AZ-87 N (3.1 mi)
  3. Turn left onto Fossil Creek Rd
    Parts of this road may be closed at certain times or days
    (9.6 mi)
  4. Turn right (66 ft)
or

The creek and waterfall is best accessed through Camp Verde, Arizona.

THERE IS NO ACCESS TO THE CREEK OR WATERFALL BY CAR FROM STRAWBERRY, AZ. Know your destination and plan your route carefully before heading to Fossil Springs and Creek.  Courtesy of fs.usda.gov

Take AZ-260 E out of Camp Verde until reaching Fossil Creek Road, which is primarily dirt and gravel. Travel along Fossil Creek Rd. (Forest Road 708) until you reach the parking lot; the trailhead for the waterfall is a short walk away. FR 708 is closed beyond this point towards Strawberry and Pine, so you'll have to come out the way you came.

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Guest Review/Comments

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Sue Maysonet

4/4/19 10:06 am
Hello im plannong to go next week, Where i can find the site to do the registration? Is online? Or at the same place?
Reply
28.4K

endovereric

4/5/19 6:14 pm
https://www.recreation.gov/permits/251863
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A large, natural waterfall on Fossil Creek is the destination of an easy, one mile hike on Waterfall courtesy of Deborah Lee Soltesz of Coconino National Forest A large, natural waterfall on Fossil Creek is the destination of an easy, one mile hike on Waterfall courtesy of Deborah Lee Soltesz of Coconino National Forest↗
A large, natural waterfall on Fossil Creek is the destination of an easy, one mile hike on Waterfal courtesy of Deborah Lee Soltesz of Coconino National Forest  A large, natural waterfall on Fossil Creek is the destination of an easy, one mile hike on Waterfal courtesy of Deborah Lee Soltesz of Coconino National Forest↗ Waterfall Trail at Fossil Creek courtesy of Deborah Lee Soltesz of Coconino National Forest Waterfall Trail at Fossil Creek courtesy of Deborah Lee Soltesz of Coconino National Forest↗ Fossil Creek: Paradise in Arizona by Rick Hoppe
2.0K

Added by camilledupar

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