Bob Bear Trail

Pine, Arizona

5.0/5

based on 2 reviews

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Details

Distance

8.58 miles

Elevation Gain

1650 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

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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Features

Hiking

Dog Friendly

Scenic

Waterfall

Swimming Hole

Reviews

Joshua V

Bob Bear Trail

04/09/21

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 Sibson

Bob Bear Trail

08/07/20

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!

Nearby

Fossil Creek Falls

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Bob Bear Trail

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Reviews

Leave No Trace

Nearby

Fossil Creek Falls

Stroll Pine Creek's Lavender Farm

Verde Hot Springs

Hike the Pine Creek Loop in Tonto Natural Bridge SP

Hike to and Swim at the Bull Pen, AZ

Water Wheel & Ellison Creek Cascades

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