Chino Valley Ranger District
The Chino Valley Ranger Station (Forest Supervisor's Office) is temporarily CLOSED to the public due to a staffing shortage.
District Ranger: John Kava (Acting)
Deputy District Ranger: Vacant344 South Cortez Street Prescott, AZ 86303
(928) 443-8000
Nestled comfortably in the mountains of Central Arizona at an elevation ranging 3,000 to 8,000 feet, Chino Valley is located about 20 miles north of Prescott and 2 hours northwest of Phoenix. In 1863, Arizona's first Territorial Capital was established nearby at Del Rio Springs, and the surrounding area has experienced explosive growth since the town of Chino Valley was incorporated in 1970.
Watershed, wildlife and range management, dispersed recreation, and fuel wooding are programs emphasized by the District. Chino Valley is also very involved in managing the Upper Verde River Area, habitat of some sensitive and endangered species. Ashes, willows, and cottonwood trees are common vegetation types found along the river banks.
Although the Chino Valley Ranger District does not have developed recreation sites, dispersed recreation is allowed anywhere on forest unless posted otherwise. One of the most heavily used recreation areas on the west side of the District is Camp Wood, located in the pines at an elevation of 5,700 feet. Approximately one mile north of Camp Wood is a riparian area, Emerald Glade, which is host to a variety of wildlife. This area was created by a masonry silt retention structure as part of our forest's wildlife habitat improvement program. The popular camping areas on the east side of the District are along the headwaters of the Verde River. The most popular trail is Sycamore Trail, located in the Sycamore Canyon Wilderness.
In addition to Sycamore Canyon, three other wilderness areas are located within the district: Juniper Mesa Wilderness and Apache Creek Wilderness on the west side, Woodchute Wilderness on the east side. For more information, please contact the Chino Valley Ranger District.
Alerts & Warnings
- NEVER Bring or Use Fireworks on Federal Lands. It is Illegal.
- STAGE 1 FIRE RESTRICTIONS NOW IN EFFECT
- NO WATER AVAILABLE AT LYNX LAKE RECREATION SITES
- Hayfield Draw OHV Area Closes Seasonally 6/1 - 9/1
- Order Number:# 03-09-05-24-02 Black Canyon Area Emergency Shooting Closure
- FRs 354, 9129J, and 9129K Temporary Closure Order # 03-07-24-03
- Perkinsville Bridge Area Special Closure
- Target Type restrictions implemented across the Prescott NF
- Temporary Camping Restrictions along Highway 260 and Salt Mine Road Corridor
- Drones Use on Forest Service Lands