Fossil Creek update: When will the falls open?
If swimming at the scenic travertine waterfalls of Fossil Creek is a summer tradition for you — or if you were hoping to make your first visit this year — you’ll have to hit pause.
The Fossil Creek recreation area, which is in Coconino National Forest and stretches across central Arizona between the Mogollon Rim and Camp Verde, is closed and isn’t expected to reopen anytime soon.
A wildfire that tore through the area in the summer of 2021 caused significant damage. Last August, forest managers announced that Fossil Creek would be closed through the end of the year and likely into 2022.
Why is Fossil Creek still closed?
The Backbone Fire caused extensive damage to the wilderness area near Strawberry. The blaze was sparked by lightning and burned nearly 42,000
acres between mid-June and mid-July. Hazards still exist.
“Fossil Creek has remained closed since the Backbone Fire that began June 16, 2021, and will likely remain closed the rest of the year due to postfire hazards, dead trees, flash floods, debris flows and debris dams,” said Brady Smith, Coconino National Forest public affairs officer.
“This is fairly regular protocol for an area that has experienced the type of wildfire the Backbone Fire produced. The Forest Order is set to expire on Dec. 31, 2022.
“It is possible to have a forest order rescinded sooner than the expiration date, and we will be assessing the area throughout the year to see if that is possible, but I wouldn’t plan any summer trips to Fossil Creek, because it will definitely be closed through the summer.”
How do I get a permit when Fossil Creek reopens?
Before the closure, permits were required to visit Fossil Creek between April 1 and Oct. 1. When Coconino National Forest determines the area is safe to reopen, officials will announce whether and when permits will be required.