02. Classic Section Wild

Fossil Creek is designated as a Wild and Scenic Area with restrictions for camping, parking and fire. Because this area is being loved to death by visitors, the Coconino National Forest Service has implemented a permit system for day-use access to the river corridor from April 1 through October 1. Most of this run is alongside a foot trail or the road. Fossil Creek is the only navigable travertine waterway in the U.S., creating a truly unique section of whitewater. The travertine and limestone deposits create a fun low- water run unlike anything you’ve paddled before. A spring-fed creek with annual flows around 40 CFS, this low volume micro- creeking run holds narrow chutes and several 4 to 5 foot drops or slides. This technical run requires advanced maneuvering/ edging around the unique travertine geology to avoid scraping up your boat/ you. Packrafting video Logistics: To access this run from Camp Verde Arizona, head east on State Route 260 and turn onto Fossil Creek Road (Forest Road 708) which is a 14 mile dirt road that heads down to Fossil Creek. As you approach the junction of Forest Road 708 and 502 you will enter the Fossil Creek Permit Area (reservations required for parking April 1 - October 1 for any of the 9 day use parking area). At the Forest Road Road 708/502 junction, turn left to head upstream toward the run. You will cross Fossil Creek and pass by the two take-out options as you head 2 miles upstream from the junction to the Waterfall Trail Parking area. Put- In: Fossil Creek Waterfall Waterfall Trail Parking (Lot 5) is the preferred parking permit for the run. The start of the run is at the Fossil Creek waterfall, a 20 ft drop in to a crystal clear pool. From the parking area you hike approximately 1.2 miles up the trail to the waterfall. If you wish to run the falls, you need to scramble up 50 ft with your boat, otherwise put in on the pool. There are travertine chunks in the landing, so swim your LZ. Take- Outs Option 1: The Irving Flume Trailhead Day Use Area (aka Powerhouse Falls or Double Drop) is roughly the halfway marker for the run. You’ll recognize it from the old foundation/clearing on river right before the falls. There are plenty of spots to eddy out on either side to scout, but to end your run eddy out on river left. The parking for Irving (Lot 4) is approximately 100 ft from the creek via a maintained trail. If you parked your car at Waterfall Trail Parking area you can walk up to get it. Option 2: Fossil Creek Bridge Day Use Area (Lot 2). This is the end of the classic run for Fossil Creek. Beyond this point you will go further from the road and have less river access points to stop. Due to the overuse of the area there are now paths on either side just before the bridge and just after to hike up with your boat. You’ll need to hike up the steep bank with your boat to the road. From there you can hike approximately 1.6 miles up the road to retrieve your car from the put-in assuming you don't have a shuttle with a separate parking permit for Fossil Creek Bridge. This sensitive ecozone requires your careful use and planning.