Citizens who wish to visit Fossil Creek can begin making reservations through an online seasonal permit system starting April 1st. Seasonal reservations and a printed permit is required May 1st through Oct. 1st for day-use in the Fossil Creek Permit Area, located within the Coconino and the Tonto National Forests. On the first of each month, reservations will open for the following month. Permits are $6 entitling the permit holder to a single day pass which reserves a parking spot for the day in a specific parking lot. Reservations are not available or required during the Fall-Winter Season when parking and sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
The public can access the reservation system online by searching “Fossil Creek Wild and Scenic River” at www.recreation.govor by calling (877) 444-6777, beginning April 1st.
Permits are $6 entitling the permit holder to a single day pass which reserves a parking spot for the day in a specific parking lot. The fee is a reduction from the $10 per reservation cost last year.
Visitors must print their permit before arriving and may only park in the Fossil Creek parking lot assigned on their parking pass for the day reserved. Parking permit locations within the main river corridor include Mazatzal, Purple Mountain, Sally May, Homestead, Fossil Creek Bridge, Tonto Bench, Irving, and the Waterfall Trailhead. To access these parking locations, visitors should enter through Camp Verde on state Route 260 to Forest Road 708 (aka Fossil Creek Road).
