The Coconino National Forest is one of six National Forests in Arizona. Recreation opportunities in the Coconino National Forest's 1.8 million acres are as varied as the landscape and elevation of the forest itself. The elevation ranges from 2,600 to 12,633 feet at the top of the ancient volcanic San Francisco Peaks. The spectacular Mogollon Rim, a 1,000 foot cliff, runs for miles across central Arizona on the southern edge of the forest. Forest landscapes range from semi-arid desert through extensive ponderosa pine stands to alpine tundra.

Scenic Drives

All forest roads may be traveled by off-highway vehicles when the vehicle and operator are properly licensed. There is a 13,500-acre area specifically designated for off-highway vehicle recreation.

Lakes and Streams

There's year-round flyfishing in the scenic Verde Valley trout streams in the red-rock Sedona-Cottonwood area, and during colder winters, ice fishing is also a popular pastime.

Hiking and Wilderness Areas

The Kachina Peaks Wilderness Trail will take the hardy hiker to the highest point in the state of Arizona. An additional 320 miles of hiking trails lead through the forest into all the wilderness areas. The Elden/Dry Lake Hills trail system offers short hikes from within Flagstaff city limits.

In some places, Flagstaff's urban trail system connects to the Elden/Dry Lake Hills trails, offering easy access to the National Forest from the town. Brief descriptions of some of these hikes follow. For more detail, see GORP's Hiking Flagstaff.

Buffalo Park

This easy two-mile loop on Switzer Mesa is at its best from spring through fall. It takes you around the park, which was originally developed to hold a small herd of bison. Now the area is popular with hikers, walkers, mountain bikers, and runners.

Oldham Trail

A hike of moderate difficulty running four and a half miles (one way) on Mount Elden. The trail takes you through a beautiful canyon and passes a one-hundred-foot-high basalt cliff that is popular with rock climbers. After strolling through a meadow, you'll find a gorgeous view of the San Francisco peaks.

Fatman's Loop

This trail's proximity to AZ 89, and the resulting traffic noise, remove any wilderness feeling this two-mile loop on Mount Elden once had, but it is still an enjoyable walk with some nice views. The trail wanders through a thick pine-oak forest and climbs through a jumble of large boulders, finally offering views of the rugged slopes of Mount Elden.

Observatory Mesa Trail

An easy one-point-six-mile (one way) trail that goes west through a city park, passes throuh a pine forest and leads to the Coconino National Forest. Observatory Mesa is named for Lowell Observatory, which is located on its southeast edge.

Fort Tuthill Trail

An easy three-point-three-mile (one way) trail that follows Sinclair Wash then joins an old logging railroad grade. The path traverses a highway and skirts developed areas, but it offers beautiful views of the San Francisco Peaks.

Sinclair Wash Trail

This easy hike near Northern Arizona University runs two point one miles in one direction. After passing through the campus, it winds in and out of small drainages and continues down Sinclair Wash, allowing the hiker access to undeveloped forest south of I-40.

Wildlife

Wildflowers abound on the forest, with the peak growing seasons occurring in late spring and following the summer rains. Mushroom collectors also flock to the Coconino following the summer monsoon season.

Move on to Coconino National Forest Index

Return to Top

RELATED GORP LINKS
GORP Parks and Preserves
Arizona Resources