February 15, 2024

The Coconino National Forest has modified the reservation system for the Fossil Creek area, in order to increase accessibility and decrease the number of permit holders who do not show up.

Previously, permits were only available on the first of each month, for the following month. Under the new system, about 80% of permits will be available on a one-month rolling basis, each day at 8 a.m. The remaining 20% will be released three days before each permit date.

Permits are required for the Fossil Creek area between April 1st and October 1st; and can be obtained at recreation.gov. The maximum group size is 12 people; and staff will check visitors’ identification upon arrival to ensure the permit holder is part of the group.Camping is not allowed in the permit area between April and October.

The Forest Service has also renamed the Waterfall Trail and parking lot after Dixon Lewis, an influential Tonto Apache elder and teacher who lived in the area. Access gates to the five reserved parking lots from Dixon Lewis to Homestead will now close at 3 p.m. each day.

Josh Freeman | KAZM News Director | josh@mellowmountainradio.com