Bob Bear Trailhead
The Bob Bear Trailhead is accessed via Fossil Creek Rd from the town of Strawberry.
The Bob Bear Trail provides access to the headwaters of the Fossil Creek Wild and Scenic River and the Fossil Springs Wilderness on the Tonto and Coconino National Forests. The trail begins at an elevation of 5,700 feet on Deadman Mesa near the town of Strawberry and descends 1,500 feet over 4 miles into the Fossil Creek canyon. The trail offers a remote, backcountry experience and is steep and extremely hot during the summer, but rewards visitors with access to one of Arizona’s most spectacular riparian areas.
No water and little shade are available for the first 3.75 miles of the trail. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100 degrees F. Cell phone coverage is unreliable. Visitors must come prepared for being out a full day, with plenty of food and water (at least a gallon per person is recommended), sturdy footwear (no flip flops!), and good physical fitness. Every year unprepared visitors require rescue from this trail, risking the lives of themselves and emergency responders.
Advance permits are required to park a vehicle in the Fossil Creek permit area April 1–October 1. During this season, a maximum of one permit per person per month may be reserved. Maximum group size 12. Minimum age of permit holder is 18.
The Fossil Creek area has very few developed facilities and visitors should be prepared for rustic and remote conditions. There is no camping in the Fossil Creek Permit Area from April 1 through October 1.
Permits are not required October 2–March 31.
Permit & Season Information
Advance permits are required to park a vehicle in the Fossil Creek permit area April 1–October 1. During this season, a maximum of one permit per person per calendar month may be reserved (one permit=one day). Permits are made available on the first of the month one month ahead of time. For example, permits for the month of April are available beginning March 1.
The permit allows parking for one vehicle only at the Bob Bear Trailhead parking lot. Maximum vehicle length is 22 ft. All persons listed on the permit must be accommodated inside the vehicle with a legal seatbelt. The permit guarantees parking within the specified parking lot, but specific parking space assignments are not made. Parking spaces are occupied on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Permits are not required October 2–March 31.
Equestrian users may reserve an assigned parking space for a vehicle and horse trailer. The maximum vehicle and horse trailer length combined is 50 ft.
Need to Know
The Bob Bear Trail hike is long (8 miles round-trip), steep (1,500 feet down and 1,500 feet back up), and hot (summer temps often exceed 100 degrees F) with very little shade and no water, making it one of the most difficult trails on the Tonto National Forest.
This trail does not access the waterfall and does not provide direct access to the creek.
Do not rely on your GPS or mapping software to get to the trailhead; the directions may be incorrect.
Please do not attempt to hike this trail without adequate water, food, footwear, and physical fitness.
You must bring your own water.
Every year unprepared people are rescued along this remote trail, making emergency personnel unavailable to serve their local communities.
Plan ahead and be prepared.
You must print your permit and parking pass. The permit holder must carry the permit and the parking pass must be placed on your vehicle’s dashboard.
There is no camping in the Fossil Creek permit area April 1–October 1.
A toilet is provided in the parking area only.
No rope swings may be installed along the river.
Glass containers are prohibited in the permit area.
No amplified sound (music or loudspeakers) is allowed in Forest Service facilities.
There is very limited cell service in this area.
Tampering with or removing cultural and historic sites and artifacts is illegal.
No campfires, or charcoal grills are allowed anywhere within the permit area.
If you plan to cook, bring your own gas stove.
Use reasonable caution and check the weather forecast: the trail is rugged and steep; flash flooding may occur; be aware of fire danger.
Fee Policy
Reservation Fee:
- One Vehicle: $6.00 non-refundable fee
- One Vehicle/Horse Trailer: $6.00 non-refundable fee
Please note: There are no refunds.
Recreation Fee: Not Applicable
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation Policy: Please cancel your reservation if you are unable to use it! This ensures the space will be available for others. You may cancel up to the day of your reservation date. All fees are non-refundable; however, if you do not cancel your reservation, you will not be able to make another reservation in the same month.
In the event that the Forest Service is required to close the Fossil Creek Permit Area due to weather, natural disasters or fire danger, all reservations in this instance only will receive a full refund.
Change Policy: Changing the date of your reservation requires you to cancel your existing reservation and make a new reservation, should space be available. The $6.00 reservation fee is non-refundable.
Contact Information
Mailing Address
1009 E. Hwy 260 Payson AZ 85541
Tonto National Forest website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/tonto/home
Phone Number
928-474-7900
