Official websites use .gov
A .gov
website belongs to an official government organization in the
United States.
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock
(
) or https:// means you've safely
connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only
on official, secure websites.
Hunt Unit 11M (Peaks)
A primarily roadless and Wilderness hunt area designated to help restore aspen, in particular young aspen sprouts that are browsed upon by elk and deer. It’s ideal for those seeking a unique and challenging hunt on foot or horseback.
The Coconino National Forest and Arizona Game & Fish Department (AZGFD) teamed-up to create this new AZGFD sub-unit. The Peaks Hunt is Game Management Unit 11M and was first established in 2011. It has since become a popular hunt with above average success even though it is listed as a “Limited Opportunity” hunt area.
The unit includes the San Francisco Peaks and Hart Prairie – some of the most scenic areas on the forest and the highest elevation in Arizona. The 1996 Hochderffer Fire (pictured here) and 2010 Schultz Fire burn scars are also within the unit boundary.
At a Glance
| Current Conditions: | Closed due to the Pipeline Fire Closure Order. |
|---|---|
| Operational Hours: | General season begins as early as September. View the Arizona Game & Fish regulations for Elk and Antelope for details. |
General Information
Accessibility:Due to heavy rains, soils are very saturated. Some roads may be temporarily closed due to washouts, flooding, and falling debris - check the Forest Road Status page and abide by on-the-ground barriers. Other roads may be open but drive with care; damaging resources is still against the law!
Equestrian Use in the Peaks Hunt Area
- Travel by horseback is popular in the Peaks Hunt Unit, but keep in mind horses and livestock are prohibited in the Inner Basin (PDF), as the watershed supplies the City Of Flagstaff.
- Horses are also prohibited on Humphrey's Trail.
- You don't need a permit to graze your horses while you're camping in the area.
- Hunters are encouraged to bring weed-free hay.
- The springs/tanks in the area can be used to water your horses; however, do not rely on them. Be prepared with your own water. Potential water sources include:
- Reese and Black Tanks - Bear/Jaw Abineau area, north side of the Peaks
- Bismark Lake, Lew Tank, and Alpha Fia Tank - Hart Prairie area, west side of the Peaks near the Arizona Trail
- Meadow and Aspen Tanks - Lower Weatherford Trail area, south side of the Peaks
- Schultz Tank - Off Forest Road 420 (Schultz Pass Road) near Forest Road 556 (Little Elden Springs Road)
- Remember, you must camp at least ¼ mile away from a water source.
Hunt Unit 11M (Peaks) map on Arizona Fish & Game webpage.
Camping
- Lockett Meadow Campground is open with normal operating hours/season.
- The area offers a plethora of free "dispersed camping" opportunities such as the Freidlein Prairie Dispersed Camping Area (area is unavailable) on the west side of the Peaks. Click here to view the Dispersed Camping Guidelines.
- Be sure to bring plenty of water, there are no public drinking water sources in this area
- Know the current campfire restrictions and remember that fires are always prohibited in the Mt Elden, Chimney Springs, and Dry Lake Hills areas. See Forest Order 04-13-09-F - Dry Lake Hills/Mt Elden Campfire Restrictions (PDF)
Forest Order 04-13-09-F - Dry Lake Hills/Mt Elden Campfire Restrictions (PDF)
General Notes:
Be prepared!
This hunt presents challenges that are atypical to Arizona hunts. Your tactics may need to be a little different.
- Plan to field dress and pack out your game
- Dress in layers. The temperatures may be much cooler in the higher elevations of the Peaks than forecast for Flagstaff.
- Weather conditions, forest management activities, or special events may warrant temporary road or area closures. Check the Current Conditions page or contact the Flagstaff Ranger District
- Be sure to have the most recent Coconino NF Motorized Vehicle Use Map (MVUM), which is updated annually and includes the seasonal routes for motor vehicle use in the Peaks Hunt Unit.
The photos on this page, and many other views of the Flagstaff Ranger District, are on our Flickr Site!
Parking:
In general, vehicles can be parked alongside (within 30 ft of) designated open roads. In some areas identified as "camping corridors," vehicles can be parked up to 300 ft from the designated open roads. Refer to your free copies of the Motorized Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) and the Arizona Fish & Game map.
Designated trailheads include:
- Schultz Tank Trailhead on Forest Service Road 420
- Inner Basin Trailhead located at Lockett Meadow via FSR 552
- Bear Jaw/Abineau Trailhead located on FSR 9128F off FSR 418
- Bismark Lake Trailhead located on FSR 627 off FSR 151 (Hart Prairie Rd)
Motorized Travel in the Peaks Hunt Unit
- Motorized retrieval of elk is authorized up to 1 mile from designated roads in the Peaks Subunit except in the Kachina Peaks Wilderness and areas posted closed to all motor vehicle use.
- Resource damage from motor vehicle use is always prohibited.
- The Coconino NF recently completed an extensive analysis required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to re-open some motorized routes in the Peaks Hunt. Roads will be open seasonally.
- Forest Service Roads 553, 6437, 9002V, 9121G, 9215B (September 1-December 31)
- FSR 151E (September 1-November 15)
- FSR 9129D (October 1-December 31)
- Seasonal roads and the dates they are open for motor vehicle use is identified on the current MVUM and map below.
- Please note: Failure to stay on designated roads may result in these roads being closed again.
Arizona Fish & Game map is here