Arizona Trailblazers Hiking Club
Fossil Springs Day Hike
| when |
Trip Report :
February 15, 2020
|
| |
Trip Report :
March 3, 2018
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| |
Trip Report :
November 14, 2015
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| |
Trip Report :
May 13, 2006
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| |
Trip Report :
May 18, 2003
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| |
Trip Report :
May 11, 2002
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| |
Trip Report :
April 21, 2001
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| |
Trip Report :
April 18, 1998
|
| where |
Strawberry |
| the hike |
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.
There may be a few creek crossings, but not to worry. They are nothing like
7 Falls in Tucson. The creek is not that deep, maybe ankle deep, and mostly
stepping on rocks to cross. So, maybe you’d like to bring some shoes to walk
through the water.
|
| distance |
7 1/2 miles round trip |
| time |
5-6 hours |
| EC |
-+1980' 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? |
no |
| cost |
Sharing gas expenses with the driver.
The club also allows voluntary contributions of $5 per non-member. |
| weather |
Pine |
| meet |
8:00 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 north curb away from Target.
|
| drive |
| • |
From Payson at AZ 87 and AZ 260, go northwest 17 miles on AZ 87 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 north a quarter mile to the trailhead. |
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