Lockett Meadow Campground

The San Francisco Peaks are actually the remains of an extinct volcano. Millions of years ago this greatmountain was shattered by an explosion similar to the one that devastated Washington's Mt. Saint Helens in 1980. Inside the now quiet caldera a lush alpine environment has blurred evidence of that cataclysmic event.

This small primitive campground offers views of the San Francisco Peaks and camping opportunities in the cool aspen trees that surround Lockett Meadow. This is a terrific campground for those who cherish a real mountain camping experience and love to hike Wilderness trails.

The Inner Basin Trail that goes into the heart of the ancient volcano begins in beautiful Lockett Meadow. From this island of emerald ringed with aspen and high peaks it follows a primitive road into the mountain's now quiet Inner Basin. Extensive stands of aspens cover the steep slopes of the old caldera coloring them solid gold in early fall. In spring and summer, wildflowers add a sprinkling of blue, red and yellow. Avalanche tracks streak down the talus slopes and remnants of old lava flows bear witness to the mountain's cataclysmic heritage.

You may see porcupine and elk or the hermit thrush who sings his best here. Even Black bears have been known to stroll right through groups of picnickers without so much as a glance at their lunches.

The photos on this page were taken in Lockett Meadow in August 2005 by Brienne Untalan. Please click on the photo for a larger view.

View Slide Show "Hiking the Kachina Peaks Wilderness Trails" Use left and right arrows for navagation. Use "Esc" key to exit.

Season: May 15 through October 12, 2009

Fee: Single Family (up to 8 people) Site Per Night: $12.00. Extra vehicle fee: $6.00. Day use (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) $6.00 (one vehicle, up to 5 people).

Elevation: 8,600

Reservations: Campsites are not reservable

Attractions: Camping, hiking, mountain biking, wildlife watching, fall colors, photography

Facilities: 17 single unit sites, fire rings, picnic tables, vault toilet

• Map of Lockett Campground

Leave No Trace: Recognize your role in preserving wild lands by practicing these LNT principles: 1) Plan ahead and prepare, 2) Travel and camp on durable surfaces, 3) Dispose of waste properly, 4) Leave what you find, 5) Minimize campfire impacts, 6) Respect wildlife, 7) Be considerate of other visitors.

	Related Links
Group camping nearby: O'Leary Group Camp Other Single-Family campgrounds nearby: Bonito Campground Little Elden Spring Horse Camp Peaks District Recreation Page

Location: Drive northeast of Flagstaff on US Highway 89 for 12.5 miles to Forest Road 420 directly across from the Sunset Crater National Monument turnoff. Turn left (west) for about 1 mile to Forest Road 552. Turn right at the Lockett Meadow sign and continue to the campground. This dirt road is closed in early spring and late fall due to snow.

GPS: N35° 21' 33.3", W-111° 37' 9.732"

This road is not recommended for RVs/trailers due to the very steep, narrow (single lane), and rough road.

Notes:

• No drinking water available
• Campfires are not allowed when the Forest is under Campfire Restrictions
• Horses are not allowed in campground or Inner Basin.
• Mountain Bikes are not permitted in the Kachina Peaks Wilderness
• Motorbikes/ATVs may only be used for entering or leaving campsites and only if they are "street-legal"
• 14 day Forest stay limit
• Pets must always be restrained or on a leash on the Coconino National Forest.

For More Information Contact:
Peaks Ranger Station, 5075 N. Highway 89, Flagstaff Arizona 86004, (928) 526-0866