Coconino National Forest

Coconino National Forest spans 1.5 million acres across Arizona and offers a broad landscape for multiple-use recreation. The forest provides opportunities for hiking and backpacking on established trails, dispersed camping throughout its public lands, fishing in streams and lakes, scenic driving on forest roads, and hunting during appropriate seasons. A network of trails ranging from short day hikes to longer backcountry routes traverses varied terrain, and visitors can camp both at developed sites and dispersed locations on forest land.

The forest experiences significant seasonal variation. Summer months bring warm, busy conditions ideal for most outdoor activities, while spring and fall offer milder temperatures and fewer crowds. Winter weather, particularly December through March, can bring snow and closures to higher elevations and some access roads, limiting travel and camping options. Plan visits between May and October for the most reliable access, and check current conditions with the Forest Service before traveling, especially in winter.