Description
Description
A natural spring that comes out of an escarpment side. Tonto National Forest is home to this spring. According to the Gila County Hydrogeologist, this water is the best water in Arizona.
Additional Information: http://www.hohokamhiking.com/hiking-arizona/fossil-springs.php
Nearest Address
Strawberry, Arizona
Directions from the Nearest Address
Directions to Fossil springs
Follow Highway 87 to Payson. Continue on Highway 87 towards Payson. You will pass Pine, Payson, and Strawberry. After Strawberry, take a left onto Fossil Creek Road. For approximately 5 miles, continue on the road. While the road is paved for the first 2 miles, the 3 remaining miles are on a well-maintained dirt road. Any car can drive it the next 3 miles. About 5 miles down Fossil Creek Road, you will see a left turn that leads to a lot. This is where you start.
Right from the beginning, the trail is quite downhill. You can see the Mogollon Rim as you descend. This trail also offers stunning views of the area's pine forests as well as the valley mesas. Because it is mostly downhill, the trail is easy to follow and is well-traveled. As you descend, you'll see a section of brilliant green vegetation. Fossil Spring is located here.
Fossil springs is near, and you will see a rocky river bed you have to cross. The river bed was quite dry during our trip, but the boulders were probably large enough to be walked across easily even with water.
Once you begin to notice the shift in vegetation from leafy to pine, you'll find the first place where water is flowing from the ground. This is a good place to get your water. Locals can also tell you about other areas where water flows directly out of the limestone formation.
Trailhead GPS: N 34 24.402' W 111 34.106'
GPS Location: N 34 25.457; W 111 34.400
Trailhead Elevation: 5600 ft.
4320 ft. Elevation at Springs
Elevation Change: 1280 feet
Nearest Town: Strawberry, AZ
Length: 7 mi round trip
Difficulty (10=hard; 1=easy): 6
Vital Information
Hours Spring Open
Unknown
GPS:
N 34 25.457’ W 111 34.400’
Fossil Spring Map Map - Map Link
Submitted By: Andrew Fiala
Location
, , Pine, AZ 85544, US
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