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

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?

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

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 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

	January 13, 2009
There are no fire restrictions on the Coconino Forest at this time. Click for details. Preparedness Level I 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:

Forest News

January 7, 2009

Timberline Trail Public Meeting

A public meeting is being held Wednesday, January 14 at Summit Fire Station 33 to discuss the proposed Timberline Trail. All interested trail-users are encouraged to attend...

January 2, 2009

Activities on Thinning Ice at Upper Lake Mary Dangerous

Due to the warming weather conditions Flagstaff has experienced in the past eight days, an ice shelf that formed over Upper Lake Mary has thinned. The Forest Service and Sheriff’s Office advise against any individuals ice fishing, skating, or engaging in any activities on the ice...

December 31, 2008

Fire and Aviation Staff Officer Retires After 38 Years Of Service

Bruce Greco, fire and aviation staff officer for the Coconino National Forest, is retiring after 38 years of service in the Forest Service. Greco, a second-generation forester, has been Coconino’s fire and aviation staff officer for the past 6 years but actually began his career with the Forest Service in the early 70s...

December 24, 2008

Fossil Creek Will Re-open New Year’s Day -- Two Months Ahead of Schedule

Fossil Creek temporary closure orders are being lifted on Jan. 1 by the Tonto and Coconino national forests, two months ahead of Arizona Public Service (APS) schedules...

December 24, 2008

Winter Conditions Result In Road Closures on Coconino National Forest

Winter weather is forecast for colder, snowy conditions across 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 17, 2008

Coconino National Forest Plans to Co-locate Flagstaff District Offices

The Coconino National Forest is currently considering co-locating the Peaks and Mormon Lake Ranger District Offices to a single administrative site.  Under this proposal, the existing Peaks Ranger Station and Mormon Lake Ranger Station properties would be sold to generate funds for construction of the new administrative site...

December 11, 2008

Fire Crews Team-Up on Thinning Project off J.W. Powell Blvd

Forest thinning activities have begun on the Airport Project, along the north side of John Wesley Powell Blvd, the east side of Lake Mary Road, and adjacent to Pinnacle Pines and Bow and Arrow subdivisions...

November 24, 2008

“Late” Wildland Fire Fully Contained

A wildfire that began sometime Saturday morning, caused by an abandoned campfire, is now fully contained.  Located northwest of Lower Lake Mary, the Late Fire burned approximately 140 acres and resulted in smoke impacting the Lake Mary Meadows area...

October 10, 2008

Hazardous Trees Warrant Lockett Meadow Campground Closure

The Coconino National Forest is temporarily closing Lockett Meadow Campground beginning today, Oct 10, due to the significant amount of hazard trees adjacent to each of the camp sites...

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...

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...

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.