This is one of those Arizona gems that really makes a Scouting weekend fantastic. There are 2,700 cf of water per minute rushing out of the ground at Fossil Spring. It produces so much water that there was a discussion of constructing a hydroelectric dam to power the copper mines of Jerome.
The trail is 8.4 miles round trip. The elevation change from the trail head goes from 5,783’ at the parking area to 4,281’ at the spring, a difference of 1,502’. So you can anticipate some fairly steep ascents coming out but nothing anyone shouldn’t be able to do.
Itinerary:
Saturday, March 24 th 6:30 AM – Rally at Church for a 7:00 AM departure
Sunday, March 25 th 2:00 PM – Return to Church
Wear Full Field Uniform (Class A) for traveling
Meal Planning:
Saturday Breakfast: Eat at home
Saturday Lunch: Pack a trail lunch and snacks
Saturday Dinner: Patrols will coordinate
Sunday Breakfast: Patrols will coordinate
Sunday Trail: Bring trail snacks
Sunday Lunch: Bring some cash for lunch in Payson
Bring non-perishable food like Mountain House or oatmeal (nothing you’d refrigerate).
Packing:
10 Essentials (consult your Scout Handbook)
Lightweight backpacking tent to share
Sleeping bag and sleeping pad
Warm clothes (especially hat, gloves and jacket)
Extra socks
Backpacking stove with fuel
Water bottle
Eating kit: utensils/bowl
Water:
Water is non-potable. The adult leaders will have filters but bring one if you have one.
Admin:
Bring your signed troop permission slip to the Monday meeting along with $15 gas money.
Weather:
The weather forecast calls for clear skies with highs in the upper 50s and lows in the lower 30s.
Backpacking Tips:
20% rule: Your backpack should weigh approximately 20% of your body weight.
Footwear:
Running shoes especially trail runners with lots of cushion are great.
Foot care: Extra socks, moleskin and sports tape (leukotape) are mission critical
Safety:
We will not be swimming in Fossil Creek. We are not to prepared to set up a swimming area in
accordance with the Guide to Safe Scouting.
Fire Restrictions:
No fires are allowed in the Fossil Creek wilderness so only backpacking stoves.
More Information:
Scouts can get additional information from their Patrol Leaders (who should have the
information but can get from the Senior Patrol Leader if necessary).
