Hike Fossil Springs Trail to Fossil Creek Dam, Sedona, Arizona

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The Fossil Springs Trail No. 18 ends at the old Fossil Creek Dam (aka The Toilet Bowl), which was decommissioned in 2005 to allow the creek to flow free. Fossil Creek Dam was built as a diversion dam to divert water from Fossil Creek via a flume that ran down the canyon. Built in 1908, the dam, flume, power plant, and other facilities were decommissioned in 2005, allowing Fossil Creek to run free for the first time in nearly 100 years. The creek was granted the designation "Wild and Scenic River" in 2009, one of only two rivers given this special designation in the state of Arizona. The site is in Fossil Springs Wilderness, which was established in 1984. The pool below the dam is affectionately known as "the toilet bowl" by visitors who trek nearly five miles on strenuous desert trails to this swimming hole. The dam is at the junction of Flume and Fossil Springs trails. Fossil Springs begin approximately three quarters of a mile above the old Fossil Creek Dam. A series of springs gush 20,000 gallons a minute year-round at the bottom of a 1,600 foot deep canyon, creating a lush riparian oasis rich with life, and feeding Fossil Creek Wild and Scenic River. Over the years these calcium laden waters have laid down huge deposits of a type of limestone called travertine, creating deep pools for miles along the creek. The Wilderness and surrounding area are on the Tonto and Coconino National Forests, and are managed by the Coconino National Forest. During the spring-summer season, camping is prohibited in Fossil Springs Wilderness and the surrounding area, and a reserved parking permit is required to park at the trailheads that access the Wilderness. It is located five miles west of Strawberry, Arizona. Access the waterfall from the creek-side access via Camp Verde. The waterfall is a 20-mile round trip hike through the desert from this trailhead. From Stawberry, AZ, take FR 708 to end of road. The trailhead will be on your right. Between April 1 and October 1 a parking permit is required to park at this trailhead.

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