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Recreation Alternatives to Fossil Creek
Fossil Creek
There are ten recreation sites and trails along Fossil Creek Wild and Scenic River. Each site features deep pools and beautiful scenery.
Destinations: Flume Trail | Dixon Lewis Trail | Fossil Springs Wilderness | Other places to go
Arizona's Best Hikes to Creeks, Springs, Swimming Holes, and Water
These are just a few of many hiking trails along creeks or lakes, many featuring water features and swimming holes.
- Horton Creek Trail Cool pines and waterfalls, near Payson
- Water Wheel Falls Waterfall and swimming hole on Ellison Creek, near Payson
- Tonto Natural Bridge State Park Waterfall and stunning natural bridge near Pine
- Woods Canyon Lake Lakeside hike above the Mogollon Rim northeast of Payson
- Lynx Lake Lynx Lake Recreation Trail lakeside hike is one of several trails near the lake, near Prescott
- Butcher Jones Trail Hike to Saguaro Lake, near Mesa
- Salome Wilderness Area The Jug Trail into the canyon and Salome Creek where pools offer swimming opportunities, near Roosevelt Lake
- Kinder Crossing Short, steep hike into East Clear Creek Canyon to an area with picturesque rock formations, water features, and swimming holes, near Happy Jack
- West Clear Creek Creekside hike with lots of swimming holes near Camp Verde
- Bell Trail to Wet Beaver Creek Trail into Wet Beaver Creek Wilderness with access to several swimming holes, near Sedona
- Parson Spring Hike to a swimming hole in Sycamore Canyon Wilderness, near Clarkdale
Water Access
In and around the Verde Valley
- Beaver Creek Picnic Area
- Clear Creek Day Use Picnic Area
- Crescent Moon Picnic Area
- Sunset Park - Splash Park
- Cottonwood Recreation Center
- Camp Verde Heritage Pool
- Rezzonico Family Park
Strawberry/Happy Jack Area
Campground Alternatives
In and around the Verde Valley
- Clear Creek Campground
- Dead Horse Ranch State Park
- Potato Patch Campground
- Mingus Campground
- Childs Dispersed Camping Area (primitive, no amenities)
- Clear Creek Group Campground (Groups Only Reservations Only 877-444-6777)
- Chavez Group Campground (Groups Only Reservations Only 877-444-6777)
- Playground Group Campground (Groups Only Reservations Only 877-444-6777)
Strawberry/Happy Jack Area
- Blue Ridge Campground
- Clints Well Campground
- Kehl Springs Campground
- Knoll Lake Campground
- Rock Crossing Campground
- Elks Picnic Group Campground (Groups Only Reservations Only) Call 928-477-2255 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Long Valley Work Center Group Campground (Groups Only Reservations Only) Call 928-477-2255 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Moqui Group Campground (Groups Only Reservations Only) Call 928-477-2255 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Payson Area
- Christopher Creek Campground
- Houston Mesa Campground
- Ponderosa Campground
- Sharp Creek Campground
- Upper Tonto Creek Campground
Picnic Area Alternatives
In and around the Verde Valley
- Beaver Creek Picnic Area
- Crescent Moon Picnic Area
- Stoneman Lake
- Sunset Park (City of Sedona)
- Posse Grounds Park (City of Sedona)
- Sedona Wetlands Preserve (City of Sedona)
- Sedona Community Pool (City of Sedona)
- Beasley Flat Picnic Area
- Dead Horse Ranch State Park
- Bignotti Picnic Area
- White Bridge Picnic Area
- Slide Rock State Park Picnic Area
- Rezzonico Family Park (City of Camp Verde)
Payson Area
- Christopher Creek Picnic Area
- First Crossing Picnic Area
- Second Crossing Picnic Area
- Third Crossing Picnic Area
- Water Wheel Picnic Area
