Last weekend we visited one of our favourite spots in Northern Arizona – Fossil Creek. It’s so beautiful and the short mile and a 1/2 walk to the Falls from the parking lot is perfect for the whole family. We went with friends and Randal’s brother’s family and had such a great day splashing in the water, jumping off the Falls and picnicking out in nature.
Fossil Creek is best visited in during the week as it can get pretty busy on weekends. We know this first hand, as we’ve made the 2 1/2 hour drive twice, only to be turned away because it had reached maximum capacity on the weekend. Also worth noting, is that there are two different ways to access Fossil Creek. The first is 10 miles East of Campe Verde, the other route is via the town of Strawberry. We’ve hiked in both ways and I highly recommend going through Campe Verde if you’re hiking as a family. The alternative route (through Strawberry) involves a 8 mile roundtrip hike. When you go through Camp Verde, you travel down a gravel back country road to a large parking lot and from the parking lot to the Falls it’s an easy 1 1/2 mile hike along the river.
We’ve been talking about going back to Fossil Creek ever since our first visit. The kids always have a blast jumping off the waterfall with their Dad – definitely not my cup of tea. Here’s a couple video snippets of Carson our 9 year old jumping off the falls and our 6 year old Addie jumping. There’s a lower ledge that they can jump off that’s not quite as high for them. They’re still braver than I am to jump from there! I’m perfectly happy snapping photos of our outdoor adventures while they have fun!
What simple moments are you celebrating this week?
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What is Simple things Sunday?
This weekly photo share is all about taking time to photograph the everyday details that make your life unique, beautiful, and special. We gather here each Sunday to share our photos, to enjoy the beauty found in the ordinary and to be reminded of just how important the simple things truly are. Read all about STS here.
Rebecca Cooper is a 42-year-old wife and mother of four from Alberta, Canada. As a photographer, crafter, author, and blogger, she finds joy and fulfillment in celebrating everyday moments. She loves to read and eat chocolate, and is a firm believer in afternoon naps. Rebecca shares her family’s adventures, photo tips, simple craft projects + more right here at Simple as That.
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What an amazing place to visit! Oh my boys would love this! They do get to play in some of the rivers here, but the water is usually so cold! Definitely not at activity this mumma wants to join in either! Thank you for sharing and hosting Simple Things Sunday! I love joining in each week.
Oh how beautiful place to visit!
That looks amazing! How fun!
What a lovely place to explore!
Looks so fun!!!
Ooh fun! I was born and raised in Arizona but have never heard of this little treasure! I’m sending this post to my sister, who still lives there. Looks like such a fun place for the family – and only a half-mile walk? Perfect!
It’s about a mile and a half Erica. 🙂
This looks beautiful! Have you ever gone in the middle of summer? I’m wondering if it’s any cooler at Fossil Creek than in the Valley, either because of the falls themselves or because it’s Northern AZ. We need a getaway in late June, and I’m wondering if it would be blazing hot there or an actual escape. Thoughts?
We went in July last year Meg and it was really hot, it’s a little cooler than in the valley but the river/falls are very cool and refreshing. Make sure you go the way that has the short hike – we did the long hike during the Summer heat and it was unbearable! I hope that helps.
This looks like an awesome place to visit! Thanks for the information. 🙂