Those wishing to visit Fossil Creek this summer now have a little hope. Starting July 3, Fossil Creek will be open Fridays through Sundays at reduced capacity.

Half of the normal number of permits will be issued on weekends in July. The area will remain closed Mondays through Thursdays. The limits could be lifted in August if conditions allow.

The popular hiking and swimming destination near Strawberry in central Arizona has been closed since mid-March in response to the new coronavirus pandemic.

“We feel very strongly about our responsibility to maintain recreation access to as many areas on the Coconino National Forest as possible,” Red Rock District Ranger Amy Tinderholt said in a press release. “The best we can do right now with the resources we have is to allow half of the normal crowd access to Fossil Creek. At the end of July we will reassess and decide if we’re able increase capacity in August.”

Visitors must buy a permit in advance and present a hard copy of it at the parking lot entrance. Those without printed permits will not be allowed to enter.

Permits cost $6 on the Fossil Creek Wild and Scenic River page at www.recreation.gov and allow entrance to a specific lot. The permits are good for day use only.

Bob Bear Trail will stay closed

The Bob Bear Trail, which until recently was called the Fossil Springs Trail, remains closed due to the larger closure of the Tonto National Forest that starts July 2.

This trail, when open, is the most arduous route to Fossil Springs and has its own permit page at recreation.gov/permits/4251903. Check there for further updates.

The Bob Bear Trail is a remote, steep and hot trek in summer. It starts on Deadman Mesa at an elevation of about 5,700 feet and descends some 1,500 feet into Fossil Creek Canyon. It's an 8-mile round trip and no water is available along the way.

The trail was renamed, according to Coconino National Forest spokesman Brady Smith, because hikers who didn’t know what they were getting into have had to be rescued from the trail.

"We’re distinguishing it separately so people understand it’s not a quick access like the rest of the (access points)," Smith said. "It’s a hard trail. It’s strenuous and it merits its own (permit) page."

Permits for the other eight parking areas – Waterfall Trailhead, Flume Trailhead, Tonto Bench, Fossil Creek Bridge, Homestead, Sally May, Purple Mountain and Mazatzal – can be purchased on the main Fossil Creek permit page.

MORE:Visiting Fossil Creek? Know what you're getting into

When you need a permit

Permits are required through Oct. 1, 2020.

How to get a Fossil Creek permit

A permit costs $6 and lets you park in a specific location.

Go to tinyurl.com/GoToFossilCreek to download a map of the permit area and parking locations in English or Spanish.

Bob Bear Trail permits: www.recreation.gov/permits/4251903 or 877-444-6777.

All other permit locations: www.recreation.gov/permits/251863 or 877-444-6777.

Print your permit and display it on your dashboard. No permits are sold or printed at the gate.

How to get to Fossil Creek

The Bob Bear Trailhead is on Forest Road 708 near Strawberry. Beyond this trailhead, FR 708 is closed and provides no access to the other parking areas or the waterfall.

The Waterfall, Flume, Tonto Bench, Fossil Creek Bridge, Homestead, Sally May, Purple Mountain and Mazatzal parking areas are along a different stretch of FR 708 and are reached via State Route 260 near Camp Verde.

Bring a map. Your GPS may or may not give accurate readings in these areas.

Know before you go

Once you have your permit, call the Fossil Creek Hotline, 928-226-4611, for recorded updates on road conditions before you go. Conditions can change from day to day but the hotline is updated regularly.

Tips for visiting Fossil Creek

Fossil Creek is open for day use only during the permit season. Hours are 8 a.m.-8 p.m. and the last entry is at 4 p.m.

You can park only in the area designated on your permit.

Outside the permit season, parking along Fossil Creek Road is first come, first served.

Bring a gallon of water per person, as well as snacks and sun protection.

Wear sturdy hiking shoes.

There are few toilets and no trash service. Pack out your trash.

Camping at Fossil Creek

Camping is not allowed during the permit season.

Camping is allowed downstream of Fossil Creek Bridge (at Mazatzal, Purple Mountain, Sally May and Homestead) and upstream of the historic dam site from Oct. 2 to March 31.

Reach the reporter at weldon.johnson@arizonarepublic.com. Or follow him on Twitter at @weldonjohnson.

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