File:Trail Crew (33155065492).jpg

A trail crew of Coconino National Forest employees (Adrian, Kyle, and Ring) and Arizona Civilian Conservation Corps volunteers (Ben and Lindsay) worked their way through Fossil Springs Wilderness from Fossil Springs Trailhead to Flume Trailhead for three days. One of their tasks was to clear brush along the side trail to the first spring source where hikers often refill their water bottles. They also added signs to the junction of the springs side trail and Fossil Springs Trail to help hikers find the spring.

Fossil Springs begin approximately three quarters of a mile above the old Fossil Creek Dam. A series of springs gush 20,000 gallons a minute year-round at the bottom of a 1,600 foot deep canyon, creating a lush riparian oasis rich with life, and feeding Fossil Creek Wild and Scenic River. Over the years these calcium laden waters have laid down huge deposits of a type of limestone called travertine, creating deep pools for miles along the creek. The Wilderness and surrounding area are on the Tonto and Coconino National Forests, and are managed by the Coconino National Forest.

During the spring-summer season, camping is prohibited in Fossil Springs Wilderness and the surrounding area, and a reserved parking permit is required to park at the trailheads that access the Wilderness. See <a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/coconino/recarea/?recid=72078" rel="nofollow">Fossil Springs Wilderness</a> and <a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/coconino/recarea/?recid=75356" rel="nofollow">Fossil Creek</a> on the <a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/coconino" rel="nofollow">USFS Coconino National Forest</a> website for maps, regulations, permit reservations, and other details.