Fossil Hot Springs Wild Trail: (moderate trail, 3.6 miles one way, 1,300’ elevation change spring elevation 4,200 feet, bring water shoes and wear good hiking shoes). Please read the description above we will use two cars and go in the wild trail and out the flume trail. Directions: take Fossil Creek Road west about 6 miles (take your time on this steep, windy road when it turns to dirt and come back alive). There will be a trail head sign on the right. This trail has spectacular views. There is a noticeable change in vegetation as the trail descends. At the bottom turn downstream and go about 0.3 miles to the springs. Then go an additional 0.3 miles further to the dam. From the dam another great swimming hole is another 0.2 miles downstream. At the dam there is a very deep pool. A little known feature is a feature in the rock on the right side. There is a hole about 5 feet under water and 6 feet long that connects to the main channel of the creek. Swim through it at your own risk. Please remember you are in a very fragile natural environment. For those that are conservationist and in good physical condition, there are cliff dwellings about three miles further up the canyon. Remember take only pictures and leave only footprints. It is the right thing to do and it is the law.

Fossil Hot Springs Flume Trail: (easy trail, about 3 miles one way, 400’ elevation change, spring elevation 4,200 feet, bring water shoes and wear good hiking shoes). Voted two of the best swimming holes in the state by several outdoor guides and me too. Directions to the trailhead. Take Fossil Creek Road west about 10 miles (take your time on this steep, windy road when it turns to dirt and come back alive). AT about 6 miles you will pass the Wild Trail Head. Keep going. After about 9.5 miles, there will be a second trail head sign on the right. With a few vehicles we will drop everyone at the Wild trail head described below and leave one car here at the second trail head. Then the hike is nearly down hill from start to finish.

Although this is technically a Hot Springs, do not plan on it being a hot relaxing soak. The mildly heated 72°F (22°C) water makes for excellent swimming since the temperature is not excessively warm or cold. Because the springs are deep in a narrow canyon, it is a riparian environment with incredibly lush growth of cottonwood, sycamore, and walnut trees. It seems as though the gushing spring (some where about one million gallons an hour) forms an oasis out of a fictional story. This is truly one of nature's better experiences for mankind to cherish. On a warm June day this is one of the best ways to escape the rat race, relax and enjoy life to the fullest. Caution should be observed in the summer months to bring sufficient drinking water or better yet bring a backpacker’s R.O. pump. Read below about the swimming holes.

10TH ANNUAL
WOOWOO WARRIORS WILDERNESS WEEKEND
 HIKING ADVENTURE

This is the swimming hole at the bottom by the dam.  This is the rope swing that we will get to experience.  On the other side there are flat rocks to sit on and soak up the sun and have a drink (or two), and maybe a little lunch too.