KJZZ is a service of Rio Salado College,
and Maricopa Community Colleges

Copyright © 2024 KJZZ/Rio Salado College/MCCCD
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Forget Reserving A Spot At Fossil Creek This Weekend, It's Full

Fossil Creek
(Photo by Melissa Sevigny - KNAU)
Fossil Creek is a desert river tucked into the wilderness between Strawberry and Camp Verde.

Fossil Creek is a popular destination. So much so that the Coconino and Tonto National Forests require visitors to make a reservation to visit the creek. But if you’re planning to purchase a permit for this weekend, you’re out of luck.

All 148 parking spaces within the Fossil Creek area have been reserved for each day of the Memorial Day weekend. Visitors wanting to take a dip in the cool blue waters will need to look at alternative areas like Crescent Moon Ranch or Tonto Natural Bridge State Park, which have water access. The Forest Service implemented the reservation system earlier this year to reduce the crowds, and minimize the amount of trash and the destruction of the surrounding vegetation.

Find a list of additional sites that are open to visitors this holiday weekend here.

KJZZ senior field correspondent Kathy Ritchie has 20 years of experience reporting and writing stories for national and local media outlets — nearly a decade of it has been spent in public media.