Frequently Asked Questions

It is Forest Service policy that the recreational use of metal detectors and the collection of rocks and mineral samples are allowed on the National Forests. Generally, most of the National Forests are open to recreational mineral and rock collecting, gold panning and prospecting using a metal detector. This low impact, casual activity usually does not require any authorization. However, this policy does not permit the use of metal detectors in or around known or undiscovered cultural or historic sites in order to protect our valuable, non-renewable historical resources.

On some eastern Forests gold panning does require a letter of authorization due to the high clay content of the soils. It is always wise to check with the local Ranger District if you have questions. Some wilderness areas are closed to gold panning and metal detecting.

Metal detecting is a legitimate means of locating gold or other mineral specimens and can be an effective prospecting tool for locating larger mineral deposits. This activity can also be conducted as a recreational activity locating lost coins, jewelry or other incidental metallic items of little historical value. Prospecting using a metal detector can be conducted under the General Mining Laws and is covered under the Forest Service 36 CFR 228A locatable mineral regulations for lands open to mineral entry. Metal detecting for treasure trove or lost items such as coins and jewelry is managed as a non minerals related recreation activity.

Metal detectors may be used on public land in areas that do not contain or would not reasonably be expected to contain archaeological or historical resources. Normally, developed campgrounds, swimming beaches, and other developed recreation sites are open to recreational metal detecting unless there are archaeological or historical resources present. In such cases, forest supervisors are authorized to close the area to metal detecting and the closure would be posted at the site. Such closure notices are not always practical in undeveloped areas, and federal agencies have not identified every archaeological site on public lands. It is possible; therefore, that you may encounter such archaeological remains that have not yet been documented or an area that is not closed even though it does indeed contain such remains. Archaeological remains on public land are protected under law. If you were to discover such remains, you should leave them undisturbed and notify the local District office.

Four forms of metal detector use are recognized:

1. Searching for treasure trove: Treasure trove is defined as money, gems, or precious metals in the form of coin, plate, or bullion that has been deliberately hidden with the intention of recovering it later. This activity requires a Special Use Permit under The Act of June 4, 1897 (16 U.S.C. 551). Forest Service Manual 2724.4 states "allow persons to search for buried treasure on National Forest System lands, but protect the rights of the public regarding ownership of or claims on any recovered property."

2. Prospecting: Using a metal detector to locate gold or other mineral deposits is an allowed activity under the General Mining Laws and is subject to the 36 CFR 228A regulations. A Notice of Intent (36 CFR 228.4(a)) is normally not required for prospecting using a metal detector. A Notice of Intent (NOi) is required for any prospecting which might cause disturbance of surface resources. A plan of operation is required for any prospecting that will likely cause significant disturbance of surface resources. Normal metal detecting does not cause surface impacts that require either a NOi or a Plan of Operation. People who use metal detectors for prospecting should bear in mind that many of the mineralized lands within the National Forests and open to mineral entry have been "claimed" by others who have sole right to prospect and develop the mineral resources found on the mining claim. A search of County and Bureau of Land Management records should be made prior to prospecting to determine if an area has been claimed. Normally, any gold found can be removed and kept. If the removal of the gold, rocks, or minerals might cause disturbance of surface resources, beyond digging a small shallow hole, a NOi may be required.

3. Searching for historic or prehistoric artifacts: Using a metal detector to locate archaeological or historical remains is subject to the Antiquities Act of 1906 and the Archeological Resources Protection Act of 1979 (ARPA) as amended and requires a special use permit. Such permits are granted for scientific research only, however, there are many ways to get involved with organized, scientific research. See below for ways to use metal detectors for this purpose under sanctioned public archaeology programs.

4. Recreational pursuits: The most common form of metal detector use is searching for gold nuggets, lost coins, jewelry, and incidental metal items having no historical value. Such use is common in developed campgrounds, swimming areas, and picnic areas and requires no permit. However, one must assume personal responsibility to notice if the area may indeed contain archaeological or historical resources and if it does, cease metal detecting and notify a Forest Service office. Not doing so may result in prosecution under the Code of Federal Regulations or ARPA.

"NEPA" refers to the National Environmental Policy Act. NEPA provides direction for the planning, analysis and public disclosure of federally-funded project which affect our environment. The Schedule of Proposed Activities (SOPA) contains a listing of currently planned projects and other ongoing analysis related to the Forest's environment.

Yes, paramotoring is allowed on national forest land, but there are some things to know about. You cannot launch from or land in a designated Wilderness Area (unless the landing is one of an emergency such as an engine out). The FAA is the authorizing agency for all U.S. airspace, so you must follow all the rules and regulations as outlined by the FAA in FAR, Part 103 when it comes to flying. Beyond FAR 103, a good resource to reference is USPPA's FAR 103 website. You may not fly through a TFR, which are common over areas of wildfires, so check your NOTAMS and TFRs if you are flying near an area that has a wildfire, as firefighters use aerial resources to combat wildfires. Do not fly near wildlife as much as you can avoid it.

The following acts are prohibited: establishment of monuments, burying a memorial box containing ashes, and commercial entities spreading ashes for another party as a paid service. Please note that group gatherings of more than 75 people require a Special Use permit.

Please see our Permits page for more information.

Please see our Red Rock Pass page for all the details and information.

Yes. Most National Forest roads are constructed and maintained for use by prudent drivers in high clearance vehicles (such as pickup trucks, sport utility vehicles, and commercial trucks) as opposed to ordinary passenger cars. Speed of travel is not usually a consideration in design of "high clearance" roads. Different skills are needed to drive these roads than are needed to drive down the highway in the family sedan.

• Commercial use of a Forest Service road requires authorization in a contract or permit. Commercial operators are required to perform or pay for road maintenance made necessary by their use.
• Snow is generally NOT plowed on Forest Service roads.
• Individual roads may be closed to vehicles to protect resources or simply because need for a road is intermittent in nature.
• Forest Service roads closed to vehicles are usually open to foot travel.

Each Forest Service road exists to serve a specific need or needs identified as necessary for management of the portion of National Forest the road serves. Roads are constructed and maintained with funds appropriated by Congress for management of the National Forests. The Forest Service is the owner of these roads. (By contrast, "public roads" are owned by cities, state, and counties; constructed and maintained with highway user funds such as gas tax and vehicle license fees; and are intended for all uses in the general commerce of the United States.) Thus, while the Forest Service roads are necessary for management of the public's National Forests, the roads themselves may not individually be open to all types of vehicles at all times.

When you visit the Coconino National Forest, you will probably reach your destination by traveling on a Forest Service road. Please drive carefully; paying attention to wildlife crossing the road, other traffic, and surface conditions. Please check our Forest Roads Status page for information on which main Forest Roads are open and which ones may be closed. It does not include all of the Forest Roads on the Forest, but does include the main network of frequently use or popular roads.

New rules for motor vehicle use based on the Travel Management Rule, went into effect on the Coconino National Forest May 1, 2012. The new rules require that motor vehicles stay on designated roads, trails, and areas shown on the Motor Vehicle Use Map (available for free at all National Forest offices). So, if you plan on camping, driving off-highway vehicles, hunting, or exploring the backcountry; please make sure you first get a free Motor Vehicle Use Map. There is more information available on the Travel Management webpage of this website. Know before you go.

Humphrey's Peak is the highest point in Arizona at 12,633 feet. The San Francisco Peaks are comprised of six main peaks and more details can be found on our History of the San Francisco Peaks page. Some scientists believe the San Francisco Peaks mountain range was actually one mountain with one peak that may have reached upwards of 16,000+ feet before erupting.

This list does not include deciduous (broadleaf) trees, but there several of these interesting and exciting trees that grow in various habitats on the Forest.

• Conifer trees of Coconino National Forest
• Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmannii)
• Blue spruce (Picea pungens)
• Corkbark fir (Abies lasiocarpa var. arizonica)
• Subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa var. lasiocarpa)
• Bristle cone pine (Pinus aristida)
• White fir (Abies concolor)
• Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii)
• Southwestern white pine (Pinus strobiformis)
• Limber pine (Pinus flexilus)
• Ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa)
• Pinyon pine (Pinus edulis)
• Single leaf pinyon pine (Pinus monophylla)
• Utah juniper (Juniperus osteosperma)
• Single seed juniper (Juniperus monosperma)
• Red berry juniper (Juniperus coahuilensis)
• Rocky Mountain juniper (Juniperus scopulorum)
• Alligator juniper (Juniperus deppeana)
• Arizona cypress (Cupressus arizonica)

The sticky substance that is causing the sheen on the needles of trees, the sticky film on your vehicle windshields and the goopy mess on sidewalks and roads is caused by aphids. Aphids are tiny insects that feed on tree and plant sap.

Tree stands are legal as long as you don’t leave them in the forest unattended and you don’t damage the tree. Tree stands need to be portable and removed when not in use. You cannot put nails or screws in a tree, or remove limbs, without causing damage to the tree. There are tree stands on the market that meet these requirements.

Bark Beetle Epidemic: Many people have inquired about the large number of dead pine trees they are seeing on the Coconino National Forest and around the City of Flagstaff. The majority of these trees have been attacked by beetles or have fallen victim to drought stress.

No. Failing to dispose of all garbage, including any paper, can, sewage, waste water or material, or rubbish either by removal the site or area, or by depositing it into receptacles or at places provided for such purposes can result in a fine. Please see 36 CFR 261.11(d), Sanitation.

General information about the aquifer under the Mogollon Rim: The primary groundwater aquifer for wells is the Coconino Sandstone. It stretches from the Mogollon Rim northward to the Grand Canyon and is a reliable water bearing strata between Flagstaff and the Rim. At the rim, the depth to groundwater is about 600-700' and this gradually deepens the further north you go. In the City of Flagstaff area, wells in the Coconino Sandstone and groundwater are 1500'-1800' deep. If you are interested in the aquifer feeding the springs in the Rim area, most of those are fed from localized pockets of water in the fissures of the Kaibab Limestone, which is the geologic layer found on the surface of the Rim and sits on top of the Coconino Sandstone.

For more detailed information, please see the USGS publication available online at http://az.water.usgs.gov , click on the recent publication "Hydrogeology of the Mogollon Highlands, Central Arizona..." The document refers to the C aquifer, which is the Coconino Sandstone aquifer.

Water quality in Oak Creek is sometimes affected by rain or snow runoff or by the high concentration of people visiting the area. These disturbances stir up sediment and increase levels of bacteria in the water. If you plan to recreate in the creek, you should call (928) 542-0202 to find out what the quality of the water is.

Yes, at your own risk. The lakes on this forest do not have sandy beaches and therefore are not conducive to swimming. The lake shores will either be very rocky or very muddy on your route to the water. Water quality is NOT monitored (except in Oak Creek Canyon) and there are no lifeguards.

Please see our Event/Commercial Permits page for more details and information.