Most Frequently Requested Links

Fire Restrictions in effect on the Coconino National Forest

Our offices, hours, addresses & phones. There is only one office open on weekends for "live" help.

Developed campgrounds, camping-on-your-own, trail descriptions and trail maps

Current Conditions: urgent messages about prescribed fires, roads closed and special events on the Forest

OHV USE: Rules and Regulations for use of "off-highway vehicles" on National Forests in Arizona

Bear Aware: Black bears that reside in the Southwest primarily live in the pine forests and chaparral (brush) zones, and occasionally wander into lower elevations.

Mountain Lion Info: Tips for dealing with mountain lions, mountain lion biology, and attacks in North America from Arizona Game and Fish.

Water Quality Hotline: Water is tested daily at Slide Rock State Park. Call before your trip! (602) 542-0202

Announcing... The Red Rock District is moving to their new permanent facility. Join us for an Open House on Wednesday, April 16th at 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. Visit RedRockCountry.Org for more information. Personal-use Fuelwood Permits will go on sale on April 18th, first day for cutting is Saturday, April 19th. See Passes and Permits - Firewood for more information. Where there was snow, now there is mud. Most non-paved roads are still closed in higher country. (See Current Conditions for more information.) Coconino National Forest's Recreational Fee Program Summary for 2007 is now available in ".pdf" format. Wet Weather Travel Restrictions - as we approach the mud and snow season, restrictions may be initiated [More] Our Offices Change: Mormon Lake District Office on Lake Mary Road is now closed. Peaks/Mormon Lake District Office on N. Hwy 89 and the Supervisor's Office on S. Thompson St. are now open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Also, the Happy Jack Information Center is now closed. Customer Service is now being handled at the Blue Ridge Office of the Mogollon Rim District. 2007 Report to the Stakeholders is now available online.         The Coconino National Forest is one of the most diverse National Forests in the country with landscapes ranging from the famous Red Rocks of Sedona to Ponderosa Pine Forests, to alpine tundra. Explore mountains and canyons, fish forest lakes and wade in lazy creeks and streams.

Click on any of these images for a larger view. Navigate to next or previous photo by clicking in the image on the right side for next; on the left side for previous.

Special Interest

Sept. 11, 2009: Construction work to begin at Pine Flat and Bootlegger facilities.

These sites will be closed until further notice. Pine Flat and Bootlegger, both in Oak Creek Canyon, will be improved by performing heavy maintenance and rehabilitating basic site conditions to comply with health and safety, resource protection, and Forest Service Outdoor Recreation Guidelines standards. At Pine Flats, this includes reconstructing existing toilet buildings with accessible buildings, reconstructing paths, replacing water hydrants, removing/ replacing deteriorating site fixtures, defining camping and parking impact areas, resurfacing the asphalt, and improving the water system spring box. The traditional Sterling Springs water collection site along 89A will continue to be available. At Bootlegger, the existing facility has been redesigned to emphasize day use (picnicking and trail use). The scope of work includes replacing the toilet facility, designating trailhead parking, widening the roadway, designating impact areas for picnicking and rehabilitating former campsites.

Hey Kids, Discover the Forest!

There's a nifty little booklet on this link for kids.... "The Book of Stuff to Do Outside". Print it from the "what to do" link on this website.

Forest Service Awards Money to get More Kids In The Woods

As part of its effort to get more kids out of the house and in the woods, the U.S. Forest Service is awarding $50,000 to be split among seven northern Arizona programs which have partnered with the Coconino and Kaibab National forests, and Rocky Mountain Research Station-Flagstaff Lab...

Recreation Facility Analysis

RFA is an analysis process, used nationally, to assist Forests in creating a sustainable program that aligns recreation sites with visitors' desires, expectations, and use. [More]

The Mogollon Rim District Motor Vehicle Closure/Off-Road Restrictions

Damage is occurring to resources in this area of the forest from unrestricted cross-country vehicle use. This area has fairly deep soils, generally good precipitation, and is one of the most productive for vegetation and wildlife on our forest.  Our goal is to greatly reduce resource damage and to protect the values that draw people to recreate on this part of the forest. These restrictions will help us achieve those goals. [MORE]

Herbicide Weed Treatments

Are you sensitive to herbicides and pesticides?

Spot treatments of high priority perennial species are scheduled for National Forest lands between December 01 and March 30.

For information about herbicide treatments please try the Forest Service’s TOLL FREE LINE: 1-866-449-7809, or ADOT’s Toll Free Line: 1-800-546-6591 for highway right-of-way treatments.

For specifics on our scheduled treatments and more information see "Forest Resources/Botany"

Restoration of Native Fish in Fossil Creek

In the fall of 2004, nearly 100 people from around the state worked together to restore Fossil Creek to a native fishery. 

This work involved removing non-native fish that had invaded the stream so the few remaining native species would have a chance to survive. 

Native fish in Fossil Creek include headwater chub, roundtail chub, speckled dace, Sonora sucker, and Desert sucker.

In order to allow fish populations to recover after restoration of the creek, the Arizona Game and Fish Department has issued a new Commission Order that closes the entire Fossil Creek to fishing until December 31, 2008. [Path: "Forest Resources", then "Wildlife & Fisheries" then "Fossil Creek Restoration"]

Travel Management Rule

Why Change Motorized Use on Arizona's National Forests? (499kb .pdf file)

Last year, the Coconino National Forest began working collaboratively with the public in the initial stages of travel analysis. Public meetings were held at various locations across Northern Arizona during October and November to collect ideas about motorized travel management.

Maps and other information presented at the meetings, as well as public comments received, are available for viewing on this website.

The Forest has released a Proposed Action to start the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analysis process. We appreciate your participation thus far and look forward to hearing your feedback as this project continues.

Verde River Guide Now Available

In 1984 the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act established the portion of the Verde River from Beasley Flat downstream to the confluence with Red Creek, as Arizona's only Wild and Scenic River. While it may appear calm at many of the river access points, the large number of wrecked canoes that have been removed from the Verde River testify to the fact that is has its share of hazards. Please plan ahead, be prepared, and practice Leave No Trace ethics to leave the Verde just as you find it for those who come after.
View the Verde River Guide (5.0MB .pdf file)

Wilderness... What, No Mountain Bikes???

Wilderness is an area of undeveloped federal land retaining its primeval character and influence which is protected and managed so as to preserve its natural conditions and provides outstanding opportunities for solitude or a primitive and unconfined type of recreation. [Click image for larger view]

Visit the "Ranger's Corner" for January, "Mountain Biking Experience - World Class!" - by Heather Provencio, Red Rock District Ranger

The Elden Pueblo Archaeological Project

The Elden Pueblo Project is a cooperative endeavor between the Coconino National Forest, the Arizona Natural History Association, and the Arizona Archaeological Society to provide educational opportunities in archaeology.  Elden Pueblo is a 60-80 room pueblo of the prehistoric Sinagua culture and a Hopi ancestral site.  The site of Elden Pueblo is open to the public and is located one mile north of the Flagstaff Mall on U.S. Highway 89. Elden Pueblo Programs and 2009 Archaeological Programs provide hands-on mapping, excavation, laboratory, and analytical experiences for participants under professional supervision.  Through these personal experiences, participants are made aware of archaeological concepts, values, laws and practices.  Join us in our quest to learn about past and present pueblo cultures by investigating the clues people left behind.

Quick Links for Fire Information

BRINS FIRE

• Original Brins Fire Page
• Brins-BAER Team (Burned Area Emergency Response)
• Oak Creek Canyon Task Force a private residential organization in Oak Creek is available on their website. Photos of the Brins Fire and notice of public meetings are also available on this site.

Current Wildland Fire Information
Most Recent Situation Report
Southwest Coordination Center (SWCC)
USDA Fire & Aviation Management
National Fire News

Grand Canyon Fire Management

February 9, 2010 There are no fire restrictions on the Coconino at this time. Click for details. Preparedness Level II For our Contractors: the Industrial Plan is “A”

If the date at the top of the above box is NOT today's date, the information may not be current.

Prescribed Fire Link:

for Prescribed Fires

Coconino has photos on

Forest News

February 8, 2010

Winter Recreation Reminders from the Coconino National Forest

With the holiday weekend approaching, the Coconino National Forest reminds the public of the following...

February 2, 2010

Prescribed Burning in Oak Creek Canyon

Pending favorable weather conditions over the next several weeks, fire specialists plan to conduct prescribed pile burns north of Slide Rock and near Encinoso Day Use Area in Oak Creek Canyon...

January 25, 2010

Red Rock District Closure Updates

The Red Rock Ranger District continues to assess forest road and trail conditions due to recent storm activity. Travel on unpaved forest roads is generally not recommended given current conditions...

January 25, 2010

Kachina Peaks Wilderness Temporary Closure Lifted

The Coconino National Forest, in cooperation with Coconino County Sheriff’s Office, is lifting the temporary closure of the Kachina Peaks Wilderness effective today...

January 22, 2010

Forest Service Cautions Travel on National Forest

The Red Rock Ranger District asks the public to avoid unnecessary travel on unpaved forest roads. Current road closures include...

January 21, 2010

Red Rock District Closed Several Roads

For public safety and resource protection, the Red Rock Ranger District has closed several Forest roads until further notice...

January 15, 2010

Prescribed Burning Scheduled for Oak Creek Canyon

Pending favorable weather conditions, fire specialists plan to conduct prescribed pile burns near Pine Flat Campground and Pine Flat Subdivision in Oak Creek Canyon beginning Tuesday...

January 7, 2010

Pile Burns Planned for Friday

Pending favorable conditions, fire specialists plan to conduct prescribed pile burns near Mountainaire tomorrow, January 7...

January 5, 2010

Forest Service Completes Planning on Munds Park Fuel Reduction Project

The Peaks and Mormon Lake Ranger District has announced the completion and formal decision for the Munds Park Fuel Reduction Project planning effort, authorizing a combination of prescribed burning and thinning treatments to reduce the fire hazard...

December 18, 2009

Where to Go to Play Safely in the Snow

Public safety agencies in the Flagstaff area expect lots of snow-seeking visitors over the next three holiday weekends...

December 11, 2009

Winter Conditions Update

Winter is here along with opportunities to enjoy the snow. The Coconino National Forest and Coconino County Sheriff’s Office remind visitors:...

December 8, 2009

Media Release from Coconino County Sheriff's Office

The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office and the Coconino National Forest are warning backcountry mountain travelers to be alert for potential avalanche hazards on the San Francisco Peaks...

December 7, 2009

Winter Conditions on the Coconino National Forest

As winter conditions cover much of the Coconino National Forest, the Forest Service takes several measures to provide for the safety of winter visitors and protect forest resources...

December 4, 2009

Winter Conditions and Road Closures on Coconino National Forest

A significant change in weather is forecast for conditions across much of the Coconino National Forest, arriving late Sunday. The inclement weather could bring 1 to 2 inches of rain in lower elevations and anywhere from 12 to 24 inches of snow in higher elevations...

December 3, 2009

USDA Forest Service Invites Comments on Concession Campground Policy

U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell announced today that the Forest Service is inviting comments on a proposed new policy for the acceptance of Interagency Passes at concession-operated campgrounds and day use recreation sites on National Forests...

September 22, 2009

Capitol Christmas Tree

The Grand Canyon State and students throughout Arizona will get to shine in front of the whole nation this year...

September 10, 2009

Aquatic Restoration Project Proposed for West Fork of Oak Creek

June 10, 2009

Wet Beaver Creek Wilderness Camping & Campfire Closure

Current press releases and other Forest news is archived in the Newsroom.