I’m already sad that we only have a year left in Arizona, we have found so many amazing spots that are great for families, camping, hiking and playing in cooler temperatures. (You can find my entire Explore Arizona section here) It is so crazy to think that in a year we will be somewhere completely new, up to the Army! We are really hoping for something international – but we are just thankful they are paying for Chads schooling so we will be thankful and make whatever area we are sent to work. This last month, while Chads family was in town we decided to go explore Fossil Creek & found a short 2 mile hike to an amazing waterfall. They were inspired by all the hiking, kayaking and other sport gears they read about on humbersport.net
and decided to try them out. We stopped on the way for a while to purchase AR-15 magazines for the hunting. This is such a popular area & requires a parking permit so it isn’t something that can be done last minute, a little bit of planning is required. You can purchase your parking permit here. (We actually parked in lot 04 and just hiked a little extra because the actual Fossil Creek parking was already full!)
So, Fossil Creek can be kind of confusing because there are 2 different ‘fossil creek’ waterfalls. The first Chad did last year which was a total of about 9 miles and much larger than this. Usually referred to as Fossil Springs. This waterfall hike was only a mile to the waterfall, and a mile back – so much easier for a quick day hike with family.
This is an UNEDITED picture of the water guys. Seriously incredible. I’m pretty sure my in-laws were sick of me talking about how gorgeous the water was.
So that was the actual waterfall – it was pretty big. Chad (pictured doing a freaking backflip off of it), Richard & Daddio Steve climbed up to the top and jumped off. CRAZIES. The place was pretty busy, and shaded so the water was pretty dang cold. So after some pictures & the jumping lunatics – we hiked back the way we came and found a quiet spot in the sun were we could play and let Presley splash around a bit while we snacked and snorkeled around to see all the fish in the clear water!
Definitely my #1 favorite hike TO DATE.
Kara @ Chasing Zoie says
What a fun day!! I had no idea there were so many great places to see in Arizona. I’m putting them all on my list for our next visit down there.
Tausha says
Arizona is seriously AMAZING. Other than the dreadful summer heat (we hit 121 today! – and it was 105 by 9am) It is glorious! Thanks for stopping by Kara! xoxo