Coconino National Forest

The Sally May site at Fossil Creek on April 18, 2017.

The Forest Service on Friday has closed the road leading to a popular recreation area that only recently reopened to the public in the Coconino National Forest. The closure is due to a road washout, according to officials.

Fossil Creek is a famous swimming hole in the national forest. The road in only reopened just before summer after being closed for repairs.

On Friday morning, officials closed Fossil Creek Road again, canceled permits and issued refunds to keep it closed through at least the weekend. Staff is on hand at the road closure to direct people back out. 

Fossil Creek was closed for more than a year in 2021 after sustaining damage from the Backbone Fire and monsoon rains.

Coconino National Forest

The Purple Mountain site at Fossil Creek on April 18, 2017.