Tonto Bench on Fossil Creek (November 14, 2017)

Autumn at Tonto Bench, Fossil Creek, November 14, 2017. Fall colors were at their peak the entire length of Fossil Creek. Daytime tempertures were in the 70°F's.

The Tonto Bench site at Fossil Creek Wild and Scenic River offers a deep swimming hole and shady creek banks to explore. Two short paths lead out of the parking area. The path to the left leads to shady, shallow pools and interesting water features. The righthand path leads straight out of the parking area to a deep pool. There are rock benches and walls all around the area, providing plenty of places to relax out of the water. A few sandy entries make it easy to get in and out of the water. Look for bits of history along the canyon wall above the creek where pilings from the old flume used to transport Fossil Creek's water to the Childs hydroelectric power plant before the Childs-Irving Hydroelectric Facilities were decommissioned and removed between 2005 and 2008.

Increasing popularity has led to the Coconino and Tonto National Forests to implement a parking permit reservation system in 2016. As of 2017, permits are required April 1 to October 1. Visit Fossil Creek Wild and Scenic River for current information and to reserve a permit.

Photo taken by Deborah Lee Soltesz, November 14, 2017. Credit USFS Coconino National Forest. Learn more about visiting Fossil Creek Wild and Scenic River managed by the Coconino National Forest.