Area: This description covers the lower and less traveled (But no less enchanting!) portion of Fossil Creek, downstream of the Fossil Creek Wilderness Area from the point where the creek enters the Mazatzal Wilderness Area, through to its confluence with the Verde River.

Overview: This is a relatively easy hike through a very scenic canyon. Campsites are numerous and swimming holes abound. This makes the creek a great place for a day trip or 3 day weekend, it's up to you. This is a great place to enjoy a little dose of Mother Nature and a nice dip in the wonderful waters of Fossil Creek. I will caution that due to the nature of the canyon you must cross the creek from time to time and you will get wet. Also of note is the fact that for the most part there is no trail. You must do your own route finding as you simply follow the creek on your adventure. Footing is really excellent in the stream due to the heavy deposits of Calcium Chloride deposited on every thing that the creek water touches.

Hike: There are several spots near the creek where you can park just off of the Childs Power Plant Road just before it starts climbing the hill up to where Stehr Lake used to be. (It was part of the flume system that directed water to the Childs Power Plant and with the decommissioning of the power plant and the removal of the flume, the lake has dried up) Approximate GPS coordinates for the area to park at are: 34.380950, -111.659347. This is right at the edge of the Mazatzal Wilderness boundary.

From the parking areas simply proceed downstream along the creek. You will immediately enter the Mazatzal Wilderness Area. There is a trail for the first several hundred yards but it soon disappears once you get beyond the range of the day trippers and cooler draggers. From the parking area the creek winds through the canyon for right at 6 miles to it's confluence with the Verde River. At this point you have 2 options. You can return upstream along Fossil Creek to your vehicle or this would be a nice shuttle hike if you turn right and head upstream along the Verde for about 3.5 miles to the campgrounds at Childs. The route could also be reversed. GPS location for the confluence of the Verde River and Fossil Creek is: 34.30598, -111.67536. Childs Campground: 34.347588, -111.696980.
- Nov 05 2007 TM1ssKDMac