Directions: Take HWY 87 approx. 90 miles from the McDowell Road. You will pass through Payson, Pine and then get to Strawberry area. Turn right (west) on Route 708 (also known as Fossil Creek Road). The road is paved for 2.5 miles then becomes unpaved. Stay on FR 708 to the 81.1 mile point, where you will see the signed road to the trail head to your right. Turn off on this access road which has some washouts, but can be driven by any car that has reasonable clearance. You will reach the loop parking area at 82 miles.
Time/Place:We will be meeting at the church Saturday morning at 7:00 a.m.
Preparations: This trip will last the majority of the day. Please bring enough food and WATER for you and your family!!!.
The Hike: Per HikeArizona.com
The trail down is wide and very easy as it was once an old road but is now closed to vehicles. The beginning of the trail is mostly desert but as you descend into the canyon the vegetation changes until you are finally amongst tall Sycamore trees, Oak trees, fern grottos and wild blackberry bushes. Once you reach the bottom of the canyon, you will reach a streambed and the trail then becomes a footpath. Follow it to the west.
Fossil Creek is one of the most reliable, abundant water sources in Northern Arizona and therefore has been used since 1916 to generate hydroelectic power. Rumor has it that Irving Plant is about to be shut down in which case the roads to Fossil Springs will probably not be kept up.
It is 2.76 miles just to the mouth of Fossil Springs, then another 5 miles until you hit Irving Power Plant. Depending on how much you want to explore will determine the length of your trip. Just be sure to leave ample time for your steady climb back UP! I have also encountered several people who head back up the trail with not nearly enough water - you will need a lot of energy for this hike back out, it is the most difficult part of the whole hike! A great shuttle trip would be to go down the east side and out the Flume rd.
Whatever your choice is, make sure you take most of the time to just soak the gorgeous scenery in and enjoy the sounds of the springs, and the feel of the clean crisp water.
It was a great trip!!!
ReplyDeleteHere are some pictures from the Scout's campout there and from when we met up with the Elders Quorum.
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=Justin.B.Hutchins&target=ALBUM&id=5503078562263767313&authkey=Gv1sRgCMjgxNyWwK-AJQ&feat=email