If you're planning a trip to one of Arizona's most-sought-after hiking spots, you'll need a permit starting May 1, a month later than last year.
Reservations to access Fossil Creek are required from April 1 to October 1, permits are not required during the fall or winter season from October 2 to March 31.
But things are starting a little bit later this year. Due to an "administration delays," according to a release from the Coconino National Forest, the permit requirement will start a month later on May 1. That means you can start making reservations on April 1.
Photos capture the beauty of Fossil Creek
How much do the Fossil Creek permits cost?
To make a reservation, visit the Fossil Creek page on Recreation.gov. Permits cost $6 for a single day pass and reserve a parking space for the holder for one day in a specific lot.
The cost was reduced from the $10 per reservation last year.
The permit is non-refundable, except when access to Fossil Creek is closed due to weather. Forest officials, however, say to cancel if you can't make it so that parking spot is open for others.
When can I buy a Fossil Creek permit?
Reservations can be made one month in advance beginning on the first day of the month, so April 1 for May, May 1 for June, and so on for the entirety of the 2019 reservation season.
A max of one permit per person per calendar month can be reserved, according to the Fossil Creek page.
There are three permit types
1. Vehicle Parking (includes Waterfall Trailhead, Irving, Tonto Bench, Fossil Creek Bridge, Homestead, Sally May, Purple Mountain, and Mazatzal parking lots)
2. Park and 8-mile Hike (Fossil Springs Trailhead)
3. Horse Trailer Parking (Fossil Springs Trailhead)
Fossil Creek permits have to be printed
You MUST print the permit in advance and place it on your dashboard once you enter Fossil Creek. Permits are not sold and can't be printed at the gate.
Permits can be printed as soon as the reservation is made online.
Portion of Forest Road 708 closed
According to a release, a four-mile stretch of Forest Road 708 from Fossil Springs Trailhead to the Waterfall Trailhead is closed for vehicle travel. Forrest officials say this is due to "unsafe road conditions."
"Therefore," officials say, "it is not possible to drive in one entrance and out the other."
The Camp Verde side is the only way to get direct access to Fossil Creek by vehicle.
Pack it in, pack it out
Hikers should carry out any garbage when they leave. In addition, campfires, charcoal grills and glass containers are prohibited year round.
No camping allowed in the permit area
Camping is not allowed in the Fossil Creek Permit Area during the reservation season from May 1 to October 1.