This 11,550 acre wilderness boasts what has been described as the most diverse riparian area in Arizona. Over thirty species of trees and shrubs and over a hundred species of birds have been observed in this unique habitat.
The stream seems to appear out of nowhere, gushing 20,000 gallons a minute out of a series of springs at the bottom of a 1,600 foot canyon.
Over the years these calcium laden waters have laid down huge deposits of travertine. Cooper loved wading in the pools and taking a good long drink of water.
The travertine encases whatever happens to fall into the streambed—forming the fossils for which the area is named.
We met some young 20 year-olds at the last waterfall. He did a dive into the water for me.....you have to jump out so you land in the area that is about 25 ft. deep. The guy in the water was spear fishing.
The lushness of the riparian area strikes a sharp contrast to the brittle desert that surrounds it.
The only bummer is having to drive a bumpy 8 mile dirt road to get to the creek......we averaged about 4 miles per hour.
Love this travertine formation that has fossilized over time.....
This is an area we will definitely go back to.....again and again.
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