Fossil Creek Falls

Fossil Creek Falls drops about 25 feet into a pool of astonishing blue-green water, the color created by calcium carbonate from the travertine-forming springs that feed the creek. The falls are the centerpiece of the Fossil Creek Wild and Scenic River corridor, where crystal-clear spring water maintains a constant 72 degrees year-round. The surrounding Sonoran-to-Transition Zone vegetation creates a lush riparian oasis that feels impossibly verdant in the Arizona desert.

The most popular approach is the Fossil Creek Waterfall Trail, a 2.2-mile out-and-back from the parking areas in the canyon. Access is complicated: Forest Road 708 from the Camp Verde side is a rough 14-mile dirt road requiring high clearance, and the eight canyon parking lots fill quickly. A timed-entry permit system operates from April through October, and permits are required for all visitors during this period.

The constant 72-degree water makes Fossil Creek a year-round swimming destination, though permits are only required during the warm season. The creek below the falls offers numerous additional swimming holes and cascades to explore. Visit on a weekday for the best chance at parking and permits. The travertine formations are fragile — do not climb on or disturb them.