Recreation

Some tips to help you enjoy your recreation experience....

• Fireworks are never allowed on any National Forest.
• There are NO trash services on National Forests. Don't leave your trash.
• Check for FIRE RESTRICTIONS before thinking about starting a campfire.
• Human waste is a big problem on the Forest. Please see Leave No Trace - Dispose of Waste Properly for instructions on handling this "delicate" situation.
• The Digital Travel Map is a free resource for anyone headed out into the Coconino National Forest. Whether you're driving, hiking, riding, or exploring, you will find this full color, GPS-enabled map a handy reference to have on your mobile device. The map show trails, recreation sites, major landmarks, and forest boundaries in addition to the roads shown on the Motor Vehicle Use Map.
• When hunting, follow dispersed camping guidelines and the 14-day stay limit. See detailed hunting guidelines. 

Thank you for helping us protect our natural resources for future generations!

Current Recreation Conditions

Spotlights

Flagstaff Ranger District

The Flagstaff Ranger District encompasses nearly 850,000 acres of National Forest lands around the Flagstaff area, from Mormon Lake and Anderson Mesa to north of the San Francisco Peaks. At 12,633 feet, the San Francisco Peaks is not only the dominant feature of the forest area we call the Volcanic Highlands, it's also the highest mountain in Arizona. Three of the summits that ring this dormant volcano's now quiet inner caldera are higher than any other mountain in the state.

This mountain is sacred to the native peoples that live in the area and its soaring profile set against a blue Arizona sky serves as a source of awe to contemporary residents and visitors. Views from the summit of the San Francisco Peaks stretch to the Grand Canyon's North Rim over eighty miles away. Hiking, sightseeing, wildlife watching and skiing are the predominant recreation activities enjoyed in this land of mountains, forests and lava flows.

Flagstaff Ranger District, extends from north of the Peaks to the south. This rolling highland is a land of ponderosa pine forests and pinyon/juniper woodlands clustered around broad prairies and small lakes. Arizona's largest natural lake, Mormon Lake, is located here. The area is also known for its plentiful wildlife. Large herds of elk roam the forests and edgelands. Bald eagles and ospreys live and hunt around the lakes. Pronghorn antelope graze the prairies.

Principal recreation activities among the lakes and prairies are boating, fishing, camping, and wildlife watching. The area also boasts some excellent cross-country skiing in good snow years.

Recreation Activities for the Flagstaff District:

• Campgrounds
• Trails
• Wilderness Areas, Boating/Fishing Sites, Scenic Drives
• Picnic Areas, Archaeology Sites, Cabin Rentals and Winter Activities

More Information

• Road Status
• Forest Orders

 

Sedona Area OHV Routes

Eleven different OHV routes are highlighted within the Sedona area of the Red Rock Ranger District, ranging from Easy (dirt forest road) to Extreme Difficulty (4-wheel drive and high clearance necessary). Please keep in mind there is no operating a motor vehicle off an open and authorized road.

Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Drive

Get your camera ready for this one, and don't forget your swimsuit, hiking shoes, and fishing pole. Just south of Flagstaff, Arizona State Route 89A descends a breathtaking series of switchbacks into a scenic, smaller cousin of the Grand Canyon. Known for colorful rocks and unique formations, Oak Creek Canyon is famous the world around for its spectacular scenery.

Before you drive into the canyon you'll want to stop at Oak Creek Canyon Vista. Here you can get a bird's eye view of what awaits you down the road and, at the same time, shop for Native American jewelry and other craft items from the local Native American artists who set up displays along the pathways.

Once you've snaked your way down the switchbacks, SR 89A winds a lazy course down the length of Oak Creek Canyon. It's actually possible to enjoy the scenery here without leaving your car, but most people choose to get to know these crimson cliffs and crystal pools on a more personal basis. For that purpose there are plenty of overlooks, picnic areas, swimming holes and hiking trails all along the drive. At Midgely Bridge, there's a vista point with an especially unforgettable backdrop where you'll want to stop and use that wide-angle lens.

As you leave Oak Creek Canyon and continue past Sedona through Red Rock Country, an observer with a sharp eye will recognize familiar shapes among the natural sculptures that form the horizon. Keep an eye out for Steam Boat Rock, Courthouse Butte, Bell Rock and more.

You can continue down this scenic route to Interstate 17 and then back to Flagstaff, or you may want to turn around and do it all over again. If you're driving a high clearance vehicle, another way to complete the loop is to return to I-17 via the unpaved, rocky Schnebly Hill Road rather than State Route 179. The vistas along this rocky but rewarding backroad are as good, if not better, than any along the rest of the drive. A high clearance vehicle is highly recommended for this route. In winter months, the upper part of Schnebly Hill Road is closed above Schnebly Hill Vista (near the top of the ascent up Bear Wallow Canyon), and the unpaved portion may be completely closed during wet weather conditions. Check Road Status before attempting this alternative route.

Attractions: Picnicking, waterplay, hiking, fishing, wildlife watching, photography

Road Condition: All roads (except alternative route up Schnebly Hill Road) are paved and plowed, but may be slippery after a winter storm.

Driving Time: 2.5 hours or all day.

Red Rock Ranger District

The colorful collection of buttes, pinnacles, mesas, and canyons surrounding Sedona is famous the world around for its red rock vistas. Over the years, this area has served as the setting of many western novels and movies and has been the subject of uncounted paintings, photographs, and other works of art. The remains of ancient wetlands, these crimson cliffs have been carved by the forces of the desert into one of nature's most magnificent masterpieces.

No matter what you do in Red Rock Country, you're always sightseeing. Ways to get even closer to all this scenery includes: hiking, horseback riding, taking a scenic drive, sliding down a natural waterslide, picnicking, camping, taking lots of photos and fishing in Oak Creek. The Red Rock District includes some 550,000 acres of magnificent splendor.  Some areas require a pass to park, so be sure to check out the information about our Red Rock Pass Program.

 

Get the scoop on the Red Rock Ranger District!

• Recreation Guide [PDF]
• Recreation Maps
• Red Rock Pass Information and find out where to get a Red Rock Pass
• Fee-Free Days
• Road Status
• Forest Orders

 

Recreation activities for the Red Rock Ranger District shown in tables:

• Campgrounds
• Trails (A-J)
• Trails (K-Z)
• Wilderness Areas, Boating/Fishing Sites, Scenic Drives
• Picnic Areas, Archaeology Sites, Cabin Rentals and Additional Information

 

Crane Petroglyph Heritage Site

A Rock Art Legacy from the Southern Sinagua of the Beaver Creek Community

Formerly known as V Bar V Heritage Site, the Crane Petroglyph Heritage Site is the largest known petroglyph site in the Verde Valley, as well as one of the best-preserved. Acquired by the Coconino National Forest in 1994, the site is protected and kept open to the visiting public for their enjoyment and opportunity to learn more about our national cultural heritage. As partners in this effort, both the Verde Valley Archaeological Society and the Friends of the Forest provide interpretive tours and on-site management. The Red Rock Pass Program provides funding for the protection, enhanced amenities and facility maintenance under authority of the National Recreation Enhancement Act of 2005. 

A visitor center and bookstore, operated by the Forest Service and the Arizona Natural History Association, is located about 100 yards from the parking area.

The Beaver Creek Rock Art Style: Rock art is one type of archaeological data that can be used to identify prehistoric cultures and time periods. Various styles of rock art have been identified, based on the kinds of elements, unique elements, relationships between elements, and manufacturing techniques. By making these observations, various rock art styles have been defined for the prehistoric Southwest. One of these styles -- the Beaver Creek Style -- has been identified through the studies of rock art sites in the Beaver Creek area, especially here at Crane Petroglyph Heritage Site. This research has resulted in the definition of the Beaver Creek Style, which is diagnostic of the Southern Sinagua between A.D. 1150 and 1400.

The documentation of the Crane Petroglyph Heritage Site has provided important information for defining important characteristics of the Beaver Creek Style.

Guided tours are provided by both the Verde Valley Archaeological Society and Friends of the Forest during these hours (petroglyph area is fenced and only accessible during regular visiting hours). Please read the Archaeological Site Etiquette Guide to help you better enjoy your visit without causing inadvertent damage to the site.

Take a virtual tour of Crane Petroglyph and other heritage sites.

Mogollon Rim Ranger District

The Mogollon Rim is a rugged escarpment that forms the southern limit of the Colorado Plateau. It extends across the entire forest and provides excellent views within Plateau Country and Desert Canyon Country as well. Dropping as much as 2,000 feet in some areas, the Rim provides some of the most far-reaching scenery in Arizona. Views stretch from its rocky precipice to Four Peaks of the Mazatzals northeast of Phoenix.

Needless to say, sightseeing is a favorite activity along the Rim, but this forest area also boasts a historic system of hiking and horseback trails, a couple of picturesque lakes for boating and fishing, and backcountry skiing for wilderness adventurers. The Mogollon Rim is home to Camp Colley, an outdoor adventure camp at Little Moqui, run by the City of Phoenix, Parks and Recreation.

The photo above (see larger view) was taken by Mark Hickcox, Civil Engineer Tech on the Mogollon Rim District, from the Hutch Mountain Lookout Tower in the summer of 2011. It is looking south-east toward Long Lake.

 

Recreation activities for the Mogollon Rim District:

• Campgrounds
• Trails
• Wilderness Areas, Boating/Fishing Sites, Scenic Drives

More information

• Road Status
• Forest Orders

 

Hunt Unit 11M (Peaks)

A primarily roadless and Wilderness hunt area designated to help restore aspen, in particular young aspen sprouts that are browsed upon by elk and deer. It’s ideal for those seeking a unique and challenging hunt on foot or horseback.

The Coconino National Forest and Arizona Game & Fish Department (AZGFD) teamed-up to create this new AZGFD sub-unit. The Peaks Hunt is Game Management Unit 11M and was first established in 2011. It has since become a popular hunt with above average success even though it is listed as a “Limited Opportunity” hunt area.

The unit includes the San Francisco Peaks and Hart Prairie – some of the most scenic areas on the forest and the highest elevation in Arizona. The 1996 Hochderffer Fire (pictured here) and 2010 Schultz Fire burn scars are also within the unit boundary.

West Sedona Designated Dispersed Camping & Day-use

These designated dispersed camping areas provide eight main areas for dispersed camping that accommodate up to an estimated 200 campsites in total.

This system will protect natural resources, keeps the landscape being dotted by the creation of dispersed campsites, and still provides many places for visitors to camp and enjoy the beauty of west Sedona.

Dispersed camping in these designated areas will remain free and are on a first-come, first-served basis that allow up to 14 days of camping. Dispersed camping in west Sedona outside of these eight designated sites is prohibited. For more information on how this area was designated, the public scoping process, and the Decision Memo, please visit the West Sedona Designated Dispersed Camping and Day-use Area project page.