Whether big or small, the waterfalls along Fossil Creek in the Fossil Creek Wilderness Area are a sight to behold. Unlike other secluded waterfall lagoons in Arizona that take hours upon hours to reach, this one is attainable for a morning or afternoon of frolicking in the water and bathing in the sun.

Please note, Fossil Creek Wilderness Area is temporarily closed.

TripAdvisor/Moliver4
After just a short 1.2 mile EASY hike, you'll find yourself on the edge of the lagoon formed at the base of this Fossil Creek Waterfall.
TripAdvisor/Exelenz
Nestled at the bottom of that waterfall is a spill pool deep enough to be well over your head.
TripAdvisor/Jnjiemtz
But those depths taper off the farther you get from the drop.
TripAdvisor/Moliver4
Want to just soak up some H2O and some sun while you relax in the cool waters? You can do that here! The water temp remains a near constant 70-degrees year-round.

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alltrails/ Gayle Elizabeth
Getting to this secluded lagoon isn't all that difficult either. There's a clearly marked trail that's rated easy and only take a few minutes.
TripAdvisor/Jnjiemtz
Before you know it, you'll be heading down the slope toward this magical aqua pool just waiting to offer you a chance for some R&R.
alltrails/Becky Lloyd
The Fossil Creek Waterfall trail is accessible year-round. Dogs are allowed, as long as you keep them on a leash.
TripAdvisor/Bob19512014
Be sure to pack in everything you'll need, including plenty of drinking water (and to take it all back out with you).
Google Maps [satellite view]
Things to know before you go: Sometimes the U.S. Forest Service closes all trail and parking areas here due to risk of fire. Check this page on their official website for notices. You'll need a parking permit to bring your car into the Cococino National Forest. You can request one at the same link as provided above. For current conditions and to learn if trails are open/closed, you may call the Fossil Creek Hotline provided by the U.S. Forest Service at: 928-226-4611. A map is provided above showing the relation of the trailhead, the parking area and the Waterfall lagoon. You can find a link to this Google Map here. To find directions to get to the trailhead you can consult alltrails or if you'll scroll down this page of the U.S. Forest Service site you'll see directions listed here as well.

We highly suggest you check the resources provided above before heading out to the Fossil Creek Waterfall. Roads are subject to close due to fire safety.

For six more epic swimming holes in Arizona, keep reading here.

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