Most Frequently Requested Links

Fire Restrictions in effect on the Coconino National Forest

Our offices, hours, addresses & phones. There are two offices 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

Coconino National Forest Celebrates 100 Years

This year marked the 100th anniversary of the proclamation signed on July 2, 1908 by President Theodore Roosevelt, consolidating all the San Francisco Mountains National Forest, parts of the Black Mesa and Tonto National Forest, all of the Grand Canyon National Forest south and east of the Colorado River, into the Coconino National Forest.

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]

Summer Interpretive Programs

NPS/USFS INTERPRETIVE PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM EVENTS

The mission of the Interpretive Partnership Program is to help understand, cherish, and preserve our local natural and cultural resources. [August 25: News Release]

Partnership rangers:

Provide interpretive programs (ranger talks) at the top of Snowbowl Skyride every Friday through Sunday from Memorial Day Weekend to October.

Give campfire talks at Bonito, Dairy Springs, and Pine Grove Campground every weekend during the summer.

Provide interpretation at Sunset Crater Volcano, Wupatki, and Walnut Canyon National Monuments.

Conduct interpretive hikes and walks in the Flagstaff area.

Provide special programs for children at summer camps.

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?

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 more information see "Forest Resources", then "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"]

Cadastral Survey Work

The Forest Service has been coordinating cadastral survey work in the area immediately adjacent to Mountainaire this spring.  The Coconino National Forest has requested boundary survey be done in this specific location because future management activities are being planned for the area.  It is our policy that National Forest System properties boundaries are surveyed and marked in their true location prior to undertaking land management activities.  Accurate landlines are important for both the protection of private property rights, and sound management of the public’s land...

Travel Management Public Meetings

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, will 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 2008 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.

Northern Arizona Winter Recreation Task Force

Every season, hundreds of visitors pour into the northland in search of winter recreation opportunities. Until recently, there were no designated snow play (sledding, tubing, building snowmen, etc.) areas in northern Arizona to accommodate the growing demand.  As a result, visitors seek out their own locations, many of which are often unsafe and even illegal.

The Northern Arizona Winter Recreation Task Force, comprised of representatives from several agencies and local businesses, was formed in March 2005 to address these concerns.  The mission of the Task Force is to provide a spectrum of winter recreation opportunities for Northern Arizona residents and those visiting the area.  In order to do this, the Task Force is seeking public input about their recommendations. Visit their website.

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

	Sept. 17, 2008
There are no fire restrictions on the Coconino Forest at this time . Click for details. Preparedness Level III For our Contractors: the Industrial Plan is “B”

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

Prescribed Fire Link:

Forest News

September 17, 2008

Prescribed Fire Management Open House - Tuesday September 23

The Cottonwood Fire Department and Prescott and Coconino National Forests are hosting a Prescribed Fire Open House meeting Tuesday September 23 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.at the Cottonwood Fire Station 41, South 6th St. “The purpose of the meeting is to keep the public informed as to why...

September 16, 2008

National Public Lands Day

Some fees waived and Volunteer Events on Coconino National Forest

The Coconino National Forest announces “Fee-Free Days” September 27 and 28, in celebration of the 15th annual National Public Lands Day, and to honor new citizens of the United States...

September 15, 2008

Coconino Announces Program to Improve Recreational Facilities

The Coconino National Forest is announcing a program that will help plan the future of existing National Forest developed recreation sites.

Using a process called Recreation Facility Analysis (RFA), Forest officials are...

September 3, 2008

Decision for Flagstaff Loop Trail is Signed

Peaks and Mormon Lake District Ranger Michael T. Elson has signed a decision approving the Flagstaff Loop Trail project. Planning for this project began in 2003 led by the non-profit Flagstaff Biking Organization and fellow founding partners and interested parties, including the Coconino National Forest, Coconino County, and the City of Flagstaff...

September 2, 2008

Forest Service partners with Arizona Big 5 Sporting Goods to sell Christmas tree-cutting tags

Forest officials announced today that the decades-old annual drawing for a Christmas tree-cutting tag on Arizona national forests has been completely eliminated, replaced by over-the-counter tag sales at selected Big 5 Sporting Goods stores, beginning Friday, October 10...

August 29, 2008

Two Wildland Fire Use Fires on the Coconino National Forest

After several days of precipitation, the Black Wildland Fire Use Fire, northeast of Flagstaff, rekindled and is continuing to make progress.... Southwest of town, the Mormon Lake District is also managing the Vail Wildland Fire Use Fire Fire for resource benefits...

August 27, 2008

Coconino National Forest Welcomes Public Affairs Officer and District Rangers

The Coconino National Forest is excited to announce the hiring of our new Forest Public Affairs Officer, and Peaks and Mormon Lake District Ranger and Deputy District Ranger (with photos)...

August 26, 2008

Vail Fire Managed for Resource Benefits

Recent lightning in the area ignited a small fire approximately one-half mile West of Pine Grove Campground, south of Lake Mary.  Managing it as a Wildland Fire Use Fire, Fire Managers on the Mormon Lake Ranger District will use the Vail Fire to help reduce accumulated fuels on the forest floor, recycle nutrients into the soil, and help protect the area from high-intensity wildland fires...

August 26, 2008

Decision Issued on Jack Smith – Schulz Forest Health Project

The Coconino National Forest issued the Environmental Assessment (EA) and Decision Notice last week approving the Jack Smith/Schultz Fuels Reduction and Forest Health Project...

August 25, 2008

Temporary Closure at Upper Lake Mary Parking Lots

Beginning September 2, Parking Areas #1 and #2 at Upper Lake Mary will be re-paved and improved in order to provide an all-over better experience for Lake Mary visitors with improved access, parking alignment and resource protection.  However, as a safety precaution, parking areas #1 and #2 at Upper Lake Mary will be closed until construction is complete...

August 22, 2008

Black Wildland Fire Use Fire Continues Burn for Resource Benefits

The lightning-ignited Black Fire, managed as a Wildland Fire Use (WFU) Fire, continues to make progress northeast of Flagstaff.  Located at the base of Black Mountain – 2 miles north of Sunset Crater and 2 miles south of Strawberry Crater – the Black Fire is now approximately 127 acres. 

The recent warm, dry weather and winds in the area allowed fire behavior to increase...

August 20, 2008

Crews to Conduct Fuel-Break Project off Townsend-Winona Road

Coconino National Forest is teaming up with the Flagstaff Fire Department, and Summit/Highland/Pinewood Fire Departments to create a fuel break around the neighborhoods at the southwest corner of Townsend-Winona and Cosnino roads...

August 14, 2008

Coconino National Forest Manages Black Fire for Resource Benefits

A lightning-ignited fire on the Peaks Ranger District of the Coconino National Forest is being managed as a Wildland Fire Use (WFU) Fire. The Black Fire started over the weekend in the cinder-laden landscape northeast of Flagstaff – approximately 2 miles north of Sunset Crater National Monument...

August 12, 2008

Tonto and Coconino National Forests Announce Temporary Fossil Creek Area Closures

Due to continuing de-construction efforts on the Childs-Irving Hydroelectric facilities, a temporary closure of Fossil Springs and Fossil Creek on the Tonto and Coconino national forests will be in effect from Monday, August 18, 2008 through Saturday, February 28, 2009 (unless terminated sooner)...

July 17, 2008

Free-Use Area Added to Coconino Fuelwood Program

Beginning Monday, July 21, the Coconino National Forest will offer an additional Free-Use Area under the 2008 Fuelwood Program.  Fuelwood and small-diameter (less than 6” diameter) poles in Free-Use Area 2-2 (located off I-40 near Bellemont) are the result of a forest thinning project in the A1 Mountain area...

February 4, 2008

Forest Service to Make Historic Apache Maid Cabin Available for Rental...

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