The Bob Bear Trailhead is accessed via Fossil Creek Rd from the town of Strawberry. The Bob Bear Trail provides access to the headwaters of the Fossil Creek Wild and Scenic River and the Fossil Springs Wilderness on the Tonto and Coconino National Forests. The trail begins at an elevation of 5,700 feet on Deadman Mesa near the town of Strawberry and descends 1,500 feet over 4 miles into the Fossil Creek canyon. The trail offers a remote, backcountry experience and is steep and extremely hot during the summer, but rewards visitors with access to one of Arizona’s most spectacular riparian areas. No water and little shade are available for the first 3.75 miles of the trail. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100 degrees F. Cell phone coverage is unreliable. Visitors must come prepared for being out a full day, with plenty of food and water (at least a gallon per person is recommended), sturdy footwear (no flip flops!), and good physical fitness. Every year unprepared visitors require rescue from this trail, risking the lives of themselves and emergency responders. The Fossil Creek area has very few developed facilities and visitors should be prepared for rustic and remote conditions. There is no camping in the Fossil Creek Permit Area from April 1 through October 1.