Homestead at Fossil Creek
The Homestead site offers a beautiful, park-like setting practically designed for picnics. Dense trees shade grassy areas that make perfect spots for spreading out a picnic blanket and enjoying the sounds of the nearby creek and Fossil Creek's rich variety of birds. Several short paths lead to cattail-lined pools and wading areas along the creek. There's no end of scenery with delightful water features and canyon views.
As the name suggests, this area, until 1990, was the site of a working homestead. The only remaining evidence of the property is a rock root cellar and several sections of water pipe. Remnants of an old orchard are also evident in four pomegranate trees and a fig tree. This is an excellent area for bird and wildlife viewing.
Increasing popularity has led to the Coconino and Tonto National Forests to implement a parking permit reservation system in 2016. As of 2017, permits are required April 1 to October 1. Visit Fossil Creek Wild and Scenic River for current information and to reserve a permit.
Photo taken by Deborah Lee Soltesz, April 10, 2017. Credit USFS Coconino National Forest. Learn more about visiting Fossil Creek Wild and Scenic River managed by the Coconino National Forest. Original public domain image from Flickr