We took FR 708 in late February on a dry day in the Cruiser, a GMC Jimmy, and a Suburban. The condition of the road wasn't bad considering the recent rains. It had been graded shortly before, but some sections were rutted and muddy, at times slippery, but nothing real terrible. The bridge crosses Fossil Creek (turnoff to Childs is about two miles later, counting from Strawberry side); Fossil Creek since this year runs wild again - the flume is being dismantled, Childs powerplant (point of historic interest) shut down.
There is a road (FR 154) that according to map leads closer to the Fossil Springs than the trailhead for the official hiking trail (it starts behind the Powerplant housing cluster, looked being used for dismantling the flume); we originally took the trip to check it out, but as things go the day got late, windy and cold - we rather stuck with our usual rule: nothing crazy after 3pm; instead had a nice dinner by the fireplace in Strawberry. If you happen to go there and check it out, can I get a report on condition of FR 154, please? We are planning to try it in the fall/winter.
Childs is certainly worth it in the summer (we canoed there many times from Camp Verde), shady, shallow water to play in, deeper water for swimming, fishing, the hot springs (PM me if you want more information), and place to camp. If you want to make the trip Valley-Strawberry-Camp Verde-Valley in a day, it's going to be a long day. [My own plans for a next trip to Childs is to approach from the I-17 side via FR 68G (Dugas Ranch Road) - has anyone tried that?]
Just my 0.02
Claudia
PS: Due to fire danger, the National Forest Service just issued widespread closures of Tonto National Forest, you may want to check with the rangers.
