A short, easy access to a swimming waterfall in a wild and scenic river area — but drowning deaths and injuries have occurred; a permit is required during peak season.
Parking permit required April 1-October 1, booked in advance via Recreation.gov (no on-site issuance); no fee or permit required October 2-March 31. Camping and campfires/glass containers prohibited in the Fossil Creek Permit Area.
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Permit season runs April 1-October 1, the most popular swimming period; access gates close by 3 p.m. daily.
Fossil Creek Waterfall is a 2-mile round-trip hike on Coconino National Forest land near Camp Verde. The trail is easy, the waterfall is a short walk from the trailhead, and the creek is designated a Wild and Scenic River. Swimming is permitted in the pools. However, the U.S. Forest Service has explicitly documented several drowning deaths and severe injuries at this waterfall from swimming and cliff diving. Current strength, slippery rocks, and underwater hazards present real danger. Approach water entry with extreme caution.
Access to this area is carefully managed. From April 1 through October 1, a parking permit is required, booked in advance through Recreation.gov (no on-site issuance). Access gates close daily at 3 p.m. During the off-season (October 2–March 31), no permit is required, but water flow is typically reduced. Camping and glass containers are prohibited in the Fossil Creek Permit Area. Dogs are not mentioned in official documents, so confirm current policy with the Forest Service before bringing pets.
This waterfall’s combination of easy access and genuine hazard makes it essential to respect the water and heed warning signs. The short trail distance is no substitute for proper swimming judgment.
April 1–October 1 (permit season); off-season access (October 2–March 31) requires no permit but has reduced water flow.
Parking permit required April 1–October 1 (booked via Recreation.gov in advance); no permit needed October 2–March 31.
You cannot secure a Recreation.gov parking permit April–October; or if you're uncomfortable with strong current and cliff diving hazards.
Parking permit required April 1-October 1, booked in advance via Recreation.gov (no on-site issuance); no fee or permit required October 2-March 31. Camping and campfires/glass containers prohibited in the Fossil Creek Permit Area.
Via a 2-mile round-trip trail rated easy by the managing agency.
Yes, per the managing agency — conditions and safety vary by season, so use judgment regardless.
We track 5 waterfalls in Mogollon Rim Country.
There are 6 other waterfalls we track in Coconino. All Mogollon Rim Country waterfalls →
fs.usda.gov
USDA Forest Service Coconino National Forest official trail page, which explicitly warns that swimming and cliff diving near the waterfall 'has led to several drowning deaths and severe injuries.' No current closure found. Checked 2026-09-03.
Checked September 2026.