Arizona Trailblazers Hiking Club
Fossil Springs Day Hike

when	Trip Report : November 14, 2015
	Trip Report : May 13, 2006
	Trip Report : May 18, 2003
	Trip Report : May 11, 2002
	Trip Report : April 21, 2001
	Trip Report : April 18, 1998
where	Strawberry
the hike	The club last did this hike in 2006 before the dam and flume were removed from Fossil Creek. A lot has changed so this will be an exploratory hike. I have recently hiked in from the west end to the Falls. That area has become a mess with lots of lubbers making the short hike to play in the water. However, we will not go near that area since we will come in from Strawberry and drive 5 miles on unpaved road to the trailhead. There is no access between the springs and the waterfall area.     Here is what was written before: Hike down an winding old jeep road to lush, riparian springs. The upper trail to the springs follows a winding, steep, dusty, hot old jeep road two miles down past an old gravel pit. The trail turns south and goes a half-mile to Fossil Springs.     The habitat is supported by springs issuing over a million gallons of water an hour. The springs got its name from the exposed limestone which contain 350 million year old marine fossils. Over 30 species of trees and shrubs provide habitant for 100 kinds of birds. Other wildlife in the area include mule deer, white tailed deer, black bear, mountain lion, and numerous other wildlife.     The last three club hikes were in May, probably too hot. This time we will go in mid-November and hope for cool weather.
distance	8 miles round trip
time	5-6 hours
EC	+-1500' elevation change
elevations	5678' (Fossil Springs Trailhead) to 4310' (swimmin’ hole)
type	round trip
starting at	Fossil Springs Trailhead 34° 24.430' N,  111° 34.067' W  [NAD27]
on trail	100% — Fossil Springs Trail #18
rating	"B"     Rate yourself as a hiker.
dogs allowed	no
cost	Sharing gas expenses with the driver. The club also allows voluntary contributions of $5 per non-member.
weather	Strawberry
meet	7:00 AM in the parking lot of the Target Center on the south side of Shea Blvd., about a mile west of Highway 87 (Beeline). For those leaving their cars behind, please park up against the northwest curb away from Starbuck’s.
drive	•  From Payson at AZ 87 and AZ 260, go northwest on AZ 87, 17 miles to mile 269.5. • Turn left on FR 708 at Strawberry Inn and go 4 miles southwest to a dirt road. • Turn right and go a quarter mile north to the trailhead.

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