Fossil Creek Will Remain Closed The Rest Of 2021 And Into The Fall Of 2022

The Fossil Creek Recreation area will remain closed for the rest of 2021 and possibly until the fall of 2022 or later. Coconino National Forest officials say they continue to assess and repair damage in the area caused by this year’s Backbone Fire. The decision to keep Fossil Creek closed to the public was made at the recommendation of a Burned Area Emergency Response team due to elevated post-fire risks in the area, such as flash floods, debris flows and dead trees. A public safety closure order is in place. This order restricts access of any type, by hike, bike, boat or vehicle, in areas where hazards are most likely to be prevalent. Entering into the restricted area is prohibited.