Fossil Creek, AZ

Fossil Creek is located in north-central Arizona near the towns of Payson and Strawberry. The creek originates from springs that gush out a million gallons per hour! We hiked to the source but were thwarted by high water and a washed out trail. The area was very crowded being Memorial Day weekend. Even though, we managed to camp creekside with great swimming. The water was perfect. Our friend Craig was stung by a white scorpian 4 times! It crawled up his pants while sitting next to the fire and started going off on his calf. Turns out scorps are not that bad and you are fine even if stung 4 times. He drove up to the top of the rim tp get cell coverage and call poison control to get that info. Good to know...

The Payson area is also home to one of the hardest 50 mile runs in the country called the Zane Grey Highline Trail 50, held in late April. The trail traverses the famous Mogollon Rim.