![]() ![]() The base of the falls features a secret moss-covered cavern behind the curtain of water that’s fun to crawl into. As if a waterfall in the middle of the Grand Canyon isn’t enough to lure you in, the off-trail trek to see it is lush with willow, fern, and wild mint. When rain falls on the remote North Rim of the Grand Canyon, it seeps through the layers of limestone, gathering the mineral in solution form, and emerges as a 100-foot-tall waterfall that cascades onto an ever-growing cone of travertine. 1) Ribbon Falls, Grand Canyon National Park It’s no surprise that Arizonans seek out rivers, lakes, and above all, waterfalls, but it may be surprising that they find them.īelow you can learn about 5 waterfall hikes in Arizona that you should check out if you’re visiting Arizona. Certainly waterfalls in Arizona must be a myth! But in reality, Arizona boasts immense biodiversity, underrepresented waterways, and a recreation culture ripe for seekers of that life-giving force: water. Subscribe to today.Arizona: immediately images of the scorching heat, dusty plywood towns, and leafless shrubs clinging to life amidst a barren sea of sand come to mind. Reach me at follow me on Twitter local journalism. When Coconino National Forest determines the area is safe to reopen, officials will announce whether and when permits will be required. How do I get a permit when Fossil Creek reopens?īefore the closure, permits were required to visit Fossil Creek between April 1 and Oct. "It is possible to have a forest order rescinded sooner than the expiration date, and we will be assessing the area throughout the year to see if that is possible, but I wouldn’t plan any summer trips to Fossil Creek because it will definitely be closed through the summer," Smith said. The Forest Order is set to expire on Dec. "This is fairly regular protocol for an area that has experienced the type of wildfire the Backbone Fire produced. "Fossil Creek has remained closed since the Backbone Fire that began June 16, 2021, and will likely remain closed the rest of the year due to post-fire hazards, dead trees, flash floods, debris flows and debris dams," said Brady Smith, Coconino National Forest public affairs officer. The blaze was sparked by lightning and burned nearly 42,000 acres between mid-June and mid-July. The Backbone Fire caused extensive damage to the wilderness area near Strawberry. More: Backbone Fire damage closes Fossil Creek recreation area Why is Fossil Creek still closed? “These areas, especially waterways like Fossil Creek located beneath a fire scar, remain dangerous long after the flames have subsided.” “We understand that the public is eager to get back to enjoying Fossil Creek’s natural beauty, but public safety is of utmost importance,” said Alex Schlueter, Deputy District Ranger for the Red Rock Ranger District. 31, 2022, but could be adjusted and the restricted area reduced "if it is deemed safe and feasible to open certain parts of the fossil creek area." ![]() Last August, forest managers announced that Fossil Creek would be closed through the end of the year and likely into 2022.Īccording to the most recent press release, the forest order regarding the closure is to remain in effect until Dec. The Fossil Creek recreation area, which is in Coconino National Forest and stretches across central Arizona between the Mogollon Rim and Camp Verde, is closed and isn't expected to reopen anytime soon.Ī wildfire that tore through the area in the summer of 2021 caused significant damage. If swimming at the scenic travertine waterfalls of Fossil Creek is a summer tradition for you - or if you were hoping to make your first visit this year - you'll have to hit pause. View Gallery: Fossil Creek, Arizona: Pictures of the wild and scenic river ![]()
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