Kayak 559: Fossil Creek

Happy Holidays. On Christmas Eve, my family and I decided to go down to Fossil Creek for some fun. The road to FC is pretty sketchy, but worth the effort. Once we arrived at the creek, we were greeted with crystal clear warm water.

Beautiful Water

Fossil Creek is fed by a warm spring that spills 35-40 cfs all year round. The best part is that the water is 75˙, which makes winter boating every enjoyable.

Grand Daddy Falls

To get to Grand Daddy, you have to hike up the trail for about a mile. It's a nice little hike that gives you a chance to scout the creek.

Below Grand Daddy

Once at the top, the trail stops at Grand Daddy Falls. These falls drop in to a very deep, very beautiful pool. There is also a cave right next to the falls, that is fun to check out. This spot would be the perfect camp site. You could set up your tent, and huck yourself off the falls for hours. Good Times!

Nice Deep Pool

The creek itself is pretty boney. I'm sure it would clean up in the spring, with a little snow melt. However, at the 30-40 cfs, the falls are the main attraction. I should also mention that Fossil Creek is a travertine creek. Travertine is fragile, and the AZ forest service is still on the fence as to whether or not to allow kayakers to run the creek. If you go, clean up after yourself, don't harm the creekside, and stay on the trail. Also, travertine is hard to slide over, so get ready for some gorilla walking in your boat.

Fun 8' drop

At the bottom, you will find the 2nd big drop. I don't know it's name, but drop #2 has 2 channels. River right is a slide into a 10' drop. River left is a 9' drop, into a small pool, followed by another 10' drop. I ran it on the right and had 2 good rides.