Arizona Trailblazers Hiking Club
Fossil Springs Day Hike

when	April 14, 2024 Sunday
	Trip Report : February 15, 2020
	Trip Report : March 3, 2018
	Trip Report : November 14, 2015
	Trip Report : May 13, 2006
	Trip Report : May 18, 2003
	Trip Report : May 11, 2002
	Trip Report : April 21, 2001
	Trip Report : April 18, 1998
where	Strawberry
the hike	Lets see how our favorite Fossil Springs has recovered from a devastating fire. We will hike down an winding old jeep road to lush, riparian springs. The upper trail to the springs follows a winding, steep, dusty, hot old jeep road two miles down past an old gravel pit. The trail turns south and goes a half-mile to Fossil Springs.     The habitat is supported by springs issuing over a million gallons of water an hour. The springs got its name from the exposed limestone which contain 350 million year old marine fossils. Over 30 species of trees and shrubs provide habitant for 100 kinds of birds. Other wildlife in the area include mule deer, white tailed deer, black bear, mountain lion, and numerous other wildlife.     There may be a few creek crossings, but not to worry. They are nothing like 7 Falls in Tucson. The creek is not that deep, maybe ankle deep, and mostly stepping on rocks to cross. So, maybe you’d like to bring some shoes to walk through the water or some to put on after.
distance	7 1/2 miles round trip
time	5-6 hours
EC	-+2000' elevation change
elevations	5678' (Fossil Springs Trailhead) to 4310' (swimmin’ hole)
type	round trip
starting at	Fossil Springs Trailhead 34° 24.430' N,  111° 34.067' W  [NAD27]
on trail	100% — Fossil Springs Trail #18
rating	"B"     Rate yourself as a hiker.
dogs?	no
cost	Sharing gas expenses with the driver. The club also allows voluntary contributions of $5 per non-member.
weather	Pine
leader	You must email the leader to confirm. Please provide your cell phone number when you sign up in case we need to contact you on the day of the hike. Snow and ice are a possibility so bring your microspikes for added traction. Hike may be cancelled in the case of bad weather. Hike limited to 15 persons and 3 cars.
meet	7:30 AM in the parking lot of the Target Center on the south side of Shea Blvd., about a mile west of Highway 87 (Beeline). For those leaving their cars behind, please park up against the north curb away from Target.
drive	•  From Payson at AZ 87 and AZ 260, go northwest 17 miles on AZ 87 to mile 269.5. • Turn left on FR 708 at Strawberry Inn and go 4 miles southwest to a dirt road. • Turn right and go north a quarter mile to the trailhead.

Schedule of Events	Arizona Trailblazers Home Page
updated April 5, 2024	© Copyright 2024, Arizona Trailblazers.  All rights reserved.