The Coconino National Forest has adjusted the reservation system for Fossil Creek to enhance accessibility and reduce the number of unused permits. The updates offer two avenues to secure a permit via recreation.gov for any specific date.
The majority of permits (80%) will be accessible on a rolling daily basis, one month in advance, starting at 8 a.m. (Arizona time). Visitors can secure permits for dates up to one month ahead from the date of accessing the system. For instance, the earliest opportunity to acquire a permit for August 4 would be on July 4 at 8 a.m.
About 20% of permits will be released three days beforehand. These permits, also available at 8 a.m., offer a secondary chance to visit the sought-after forest destination. For example, those aiming for an August 4 permit can reserve it on August 1 at 8 a.m.
Permits are mandatory only during the spring-summer season, from April 1 to October 1. Each individual can reserve a maximum of one permit per calendar month, and permits are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Several adjustments have been made for the Fossil Creek area. The Waterfall Trail and parking lot have been renamed “Dixon Lewis” in honor of an influential Tonto Apache elder and educator who resided in Fossil Creek and worked at the Irving power plant during its operation.
Access gates to various parking lots, including Dixon Lewis, Irving/Flume, Tonto Bench, Fossil Creek Bridge, and Homestead, now close daily at 3 p.m. Group sizes are limited to 12 people per permit, and identification is verified upon arrival to confirm the permit holder’s presence in the authorized vehicle.
Apart from being one of Arizona’s two National Wild & Scenic rivers, Fossil Creek boasts several cultural sites significant to the Western Apache and Yavapai communities. These indigenous groups of the Verde Valley have inhabited Fossil Creek for generations, regarding the canyon as their ancestral homeland, returning to it to connect with their heritage and honor their past.
Given the limited facilities in the Fossil Creek area, visitors should be prepared for primitive and remote conditions. Those venturing into Fossil Creek are advised to bring sufficient water, carry out all waste, adhere to designated recreation areas, and comply with posted signage indicating any restrictions or closures.
Important:
- Campfires and glass containers are strictly prohibited
- Camping is not permitted in the Fossil Creek Permit Area from April 1 to October 1
- Arizona does not observe Daylight Saving Time
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