Fossil Springs, Arizona

“I am planning a trip Arizona in late April. I am looking at the Fossil Springs Wilderness area as a destination. Has anyone visited this area? I would like to spend 4-7 days in the area. Available information seems to be limited so any input would be greatly appreciated.
http://www.wilderness.net/index.cfm?fuse=NWPS&sec=wildView&wname=Fossil%20Springs
Thanks,
HBH”

“I would check in at www.hikearizona.com. Lots of folks there are familiar with that area. There are significant changes in that area relating to deconstruction of the flume and access limitations. Since you can get very close with 4WD and it's a rare AZ swimming hole, it gets heavy use and nearby camping areas (perhaps now closed) were pretty trashed. Bushwhacking upstream is reputed to be interesting, but slow going. I've hiked some in that general area, but not Fossil Springs itself.”

“Thanks,

A bushwhack was what I was planning. Wilderness.net only showed two short trails into the area.”

“The flume trail is longer, yet easier, the trail head just out of strawberry is shorter but considered harder. It is a NEAT area, but it is also VERY VERY popular. It is currently closed till early 2009 as they are removing a hydro electric plant and the flume and some other equipment from it.

as you hike in from the FS trailhead you go decend for about 3 miles then you start going down stream and as you go you encounter 3 separate springs that feed the creek. There are 3 swimming holes 2 of them have rope swings. the third spring you encounter is where there is a small dam and a the start of the flume that carried the water way down stream to a hydro electric generating station. this is also the best swimming hole.

here are a bunch of pics i took
http://www.flickr.com/photos/freeride21a/sets/72157608714472142/

It is a gem, but at the same time It is so popular that it sadly does get trashed on a good weekend.
last edited: 11/06/08 3:55:41 PM”