Fossil Creek To Reopen Thursday After Being Closed For 16-Months

Fossil Creek and Sycamore Canyon are reopening Thursday. Fossil Creek has been closed since June of 2021 due to the Backbone Fire. All Fossil Creek sites, including Childs Dispersed Camping Area will reopen, except Dixon Lewis Trail, formally known as Waterfall Trail. That trail is expect to reopen later this month when repairs are complete. Coconino National Forest officials say the 16-month closure was necessary to allow the landscape to recover from both fire and monsoonal damage. Road and infrastructure repair was conducted during the closure period to ensure safety. Permits are not required to visit the Fossil Creek area currently, but they will be required after April 1st.