Hike the Bob Bear Trail
Details
Distance
8.3 miles
Elevation Gain
1505 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Added by The Outbound Collective
Challenging waterfall hike in Tonto National Forest.
The Bob Bear Trail (formerly Fossil Springs Trail) is a 8.3 mile out-and-back hike that takes you through a challenging, exposed trail to a waterfall in Tonto NF near Pine, AZ. Make sure you bring plenty of water for this hike 2-3L per person and give yourself ample time to get out and back. This trail is dog-friendly, but may be difficult for your pup. This hike requires permits Apr 1 - Oct 1 and can be booked on Recreation.gov up to one month ahead of time.
For additional information, head to the Forest Service site.
Want a shorter hike? Check out this adventure for a shorter 1.5 mile hike to nearby Fossil Creek Falls.
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Reviews
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Well worth the 9 miles of hiking
We hiked the trail with our 6 kids (10ys-17yrs). They loved the waterfalls and swimming into to the cave... cliff-jumping was also a big highlight of the adventure.
5.0
Crystal Clear Waters and a Waterfall
The hike on Bob's Bear Trail to Fossil Springs is easy going in, but difficult coming out. I would actually recommend more than 2-3 liters of water for this hike, especially in the summer months. To lighten your load, you can also bring a water filter to refill your bladder/bottles before hiking out. There are many rescues each year on this trail due to insufficient amounts of water or lack of proper footwear. I would also not recommend jumping into the popular toilet bowl. There is a way to swim out below the surface, but this can sometimes get blocked with debris or become difficult to swim out from. Unfortunately, on my last visit someone had drowned in there and a dive team was flown in to do a recovery. The area around the dam is absolutely beautiful and perfect for swimming on those summer days. The water flows into the creek from the spring at 70 degrees year round.
5.0
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on.
Nearby Adventures
Hike to Fossil Creek Falls
Stroll Pine Creek's Lavender Farm
Hike the Pine Creek Loop in Tonto Natural Bridge SP
Soak in the Verde Hot Springs
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