The fossil canyon is rocky and high walled, starting out narrow, but widens considerably further up.
This route leads over a saddle to a rocky canyon on the other side and ends at a steep dry fall.
On the way back the route follows an old trail and is fairly easy.
It's much safer to bring a hiking stick along, some parts are gravel and may be slippery.
There is an moderate alternative loop hike included in the .GPX file.
How to get here:
Follow the S2 and exit on Shell canyon road north, at the next 4 way crossing, keep on going on what used to be asphalt (2022) as the main road turns left (west) keep on going on the marked 115 dirt road.
Up to the 115 most cars should be able to make it, with some careful driving, that said a high clearance vehicle is advised.
The 115 might be good, or might be bad and difficult to follow (as in 2022), high clearance is advised.
Drive the 115 for about 1 mile, until you reach a metal barrier. The barrier is close to the wilderness boundary.
Bring your ID along, you pass a border patrol checkpoint.