Monsoon Season Monsoon storms are ramping up, frequently bringing thunderstorms in the afternoons. Lightning can strike, even if it's not raining. Heavy rains can create flash flood conditions along streams and in canyons, particularly below the Mogollon Rim, the Sedona area, and throughout the Verde Valley. Don't be caught unaware. Keep a close eye on the weather forecast and plan your adventures around the storms. Never drive through a flooding roadway. Stay off the water and don't be caught on high mountains and ridges when the storm rolls in. Get lightning safety tips and monsoon season hiking tips[Phoenix New Times] to help you stay safe in a storm.
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, from southwestern desert to alpine tundra. Explore mountains and canyons, fish in small lakes, and wade in lazy creeks and streams.
Flash Floods
Flash floods are one of monsoon season's biggest hazards, even if it's not raining overhead. Never drive into flooding roadways. Plan your adventures carefully. Avoid trails into canyons or along creeks where rising waters may leave you stranded.
Recreation
Monsoon Season
Afternoon thunderstorms occur almost daily through the season. Watch the weather forecast and avoid getting caught in a storm. Learn more:
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Notes & Notices
Schnebly Hill Road Closure Schnebly Hill Road is closed for scheduled road maintenance from June 26 until August 15 in order to repair and replace culverts as well as improve and construct road drainage features. The closure schedule may be varied as needed to complete the project. Read Schnebly Hill Road scheduled for heavy maintenance news release for details.
Highline Fire The Highline Fire is now 100% contained. Fire management has been transfered from the Southwest Incident Mangement Team to the Tonto National Forest. See Inciweb: Highline Fire for details. Portions of the Coconino and Tonto National Forests remain closed until the area has been determined to be safe for entry.
Fire Closures There are several closures around active fires across the Coconino National Forest:
Forest Health & Watershed Grants Grants applications are being accepted now by the Coconino Resource Advisory Committee for projects that can be funded under the authority of the Secure Rural Schools and Communities Self-Determination Act. See the press release for details.
Soldier Pass Closures Soldier Pass roads (FRs 9904, 9904B, and 9904C) are closed to public motorized use until a permit system is established. We are currently working on the new permit system, and anticipate permits for public use will be available in late 2017. Once implemented, the permit system will allow limited public motorized access. Read the Final decision released on Soldier Pass motorized use press release for full details on the closures and project.
Road Construction - SR 89A Through fall 2017, SR 89A between Flagstaff and Oak Creek Vista will have traffic restrictions in place 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Traffic will be occasionally stopped for brief periods to allow contruction vehicles and work to occur. This stretch is closed nightly from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. Interstate 17 to and from State Route 179 is an alternate route at night and for those wishing to avoid work-related delays on weekdays. FR 237 and FR 535 gates at SR 89A will be locked nightly. Full details at ADOT SR 89A paving project page: azdot.gov/89A.
Fossil Creek Permits Permits are required for parking at Fossil Creek starting April 1. Permits must be printed before you arrive, and presented at the gate. Download Fossil Creek maps and information in English and Spanish. Visit Recreation.gov to book your permit.
No Drone Zone You are required to follow FAA rules when flying any unmanned aircraft on National Forest lands. #1 No unauthorized flights within five miles of an airport.#2 No flights in Wilderness Areas. Follow the law, and observe the "No Drone Zone" signs. Get maps of the Sedona Airport No Drone Zone and local Wilderness Areas, and learn more about Flying Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) on the Coconino National Forest.
Sedona resident, and long-time volunteer on the Coconino National Forest, Dr. Ronald Krug has been selected to receive the 2017 Governor’s Archaeology Advisory Committee’s Award in Public Archaeology in the category of Avocational Archaeologist.
Dr. Krug has volunteered for the Coconino National Forest and has been an Arizona site steward for more than 15 years. He will be presented the governor’s award at the Arizona Historic Preservation Conference on June 16 in Oro Valley.
The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics selected the Coconino National Forest as one of just ten public land recreation areas across the country demonstrating successful Leave No Trace ethics, showcasing strong organizational commitment to the promotion of outdoor skills, ethics, and stewardship that help preserve and protect their natural landscape for generations to come. The new Gold Standard designation recognizes outdoor spaces demonstrating the highest standard of practicing and promoting Leave No Trace ethics. The Coconino National Forest will ultimately act as one of the models for other public lands across the country to emulate.
We are honored to have earned this special designation, and are immensely proud of all the dedicated recreation staff, patners, and volunteers who have worked diligently to implement Leave No Trace principles and ethics on the Coconino National Forest.
Each year the Red Rock Ranger District offers "fee-free" days around holidays and events. On these days, fees are waived for all Red Rock Pass Fee Program sites.
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