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Fossil Creek Wild and Scenic River

Information Regarding Specific River Access Points/Parking Areas

All permitted parking lots have their own river access points. Choose the parking lot that best matches your desired experience. No matter what parking lot you choose, you will be able to swim and wade and enjoy the cool beautiful waters of Fossil Creek. 

EXTREME HEAT! Please be aware that the Fossil Creek area is often extremely hot (100° or more) and visitors must be prepared. Because of the heat and distace, hiking to the Dixon Lewis Waterfall from lots #8, #7, #6, #5, or #4 is not recommended. The hike is on a busy, shadeless road and past hikers and suffered from heat exhaustion and heat stroke while attempting this trek. Make a smart choice: stay cool and stay safe.

  • Mazatzal (Lot #8)
    • If you want to experience the wilderness and have a more peaceful visit to Fossil Creek, this is a fantastic location. This is the most serene location on busy days in Fossil Creek. The hike to the water is ~100 yds down a dirt path, and you are treated to amazing views of the Mazatzal Wilderness. 
    • If you choose to hike to the Dixon Lewis Waterfall, this is a 9-mile round trip hike. 
  • Purple Mountain (Lot #7)
    • Purple Mountain is a quiet location which typically sees less users than other access points. The walk to the creek is ~20 yds and the prime feature of this location is the shade provided by the trees. The riffles and deep wading areas make this location perfect for groups looking to truly experience the nature Fossil Creek has to offer. This delightful section of river provides many locations your group can find privacy.
    • If you choose to hike to the Dixon Lewis Waterfall, this is a 8.3-mile round trip hike. 
  • Sally May (Lot #6)
    • Sally May is a popular location due to it's set of cascading riffles and a large and deep swimming area. There are large, smooth rocks protruding into the swimming area which offer an excellent sunning location. This is an excellent spot for all Fossil Creek has to offer.
    • If you choose to hike to the Dixon Lewis Waterfall, this is a 7.4-mile round trip hike. 
  • Homestead (Lot #5)
    • Homestead is another well-shaded location. The hike to the water is about 40 yards and offers a large, flat bank next to the creek. The water runs slowly in Homestead, and visitors enjoy wading and swimming under the dappled light shining through the tree canopy. This is an excellent spot to bring the kids (with flotation devices of course) to enjoy a less turbulent part of the creek.
    • If you choose to hike to the Dixon Lewis Waterfall, this is a 6.2-mile round trip hike. 
  • Fossil Creek Bridge (Lot #4)
    • This location offers a large swimming area and cascading riffles. The bridge offers perennial shade, making it a great location for the whole family. The hike down to the water includes rock steps, as is about 30 yards from the parking area. 
    • If you choose to hike to the Dixon Lewis Waterfall, this is a 4.7-mile round trip hike. 
  • Tonto Bench (Lot #3)
    • Tonto Bench offers deep swimming holes, cascading riffles, and great views of the famous travertine rock formations in Fossil Creek. This area is popular with large groups to enjoy all that Fossil Creek Offers.
    • If headed to the Dixon Lewis Waterfall, be aware it is a 3.5-mile round trip hike. It's advised to wear sturdy footwear, avoid bringing coolers, and esure each person carries at least 1 gallon of water. While this hike may seem brief, hikers have experienced head-related illnesses due to the challenging conditions.
  • Irving/Flume Trailhead (Lot #2)
    • Irving has a fantastic waterfall which leads to a large and deep swimming area. Upstream of the waterfall, there are many opportunities to hang out in a swimming hole. This is also the location for the start of the Flume Trailhead, and has the remains of an old hydroelectric powerplant. 
    • If headed to the Dixon Lewis Waterfall, be aware it is a 2.5-mile round trip hike. It's advised to wear sturdy footwear, avoid bringing coolers, and esure each person carries at least 1 gallon of water. While this hike may seem brief, hikers have experienced head-related illnesses due to the challenging conditions.
  • Dixon Lewis (Lot #1)
    • The Waterfall at the end of the Dixon Lewis parking lot is the most popular (and often most crowded) location in Fossil Creek. Although the hike to the Waterfall is relatively short, please note that medical evacuations have been necessary for some hikers, and emergency response can take hours. Make sure you're prepared with enough water and proper footwear (wear your hiking shoes on the trail and change into water shoes when you reach the Waterfall).
    • Along the 1-mile trail, there are plenty of locations to wade and swim. DO NOT SWIM NEAR BASE OF WATERFALL OR WALK BEHIND IT. The waterfall creates an undertow that has drowned past visitors.