Welcome to the Southwestern Region

The Call of Fall

Experience changing fall foliage from different elevations and get a new perspective on the splendor of the season. If you can't visit in person, visit the forests' social media for fall color images and descriptions.

Fall Color Guide

The Southwestern Region covers more than 20.6 million acres, boasting thousands of recreation opportunities spread across six national forests in Arizona, five national forests and a national grassland in New Mexico, and one national grassland each in Oklahoma and the Texas panhandle. The elevation ranges from 1,600 feet above sea level and an annual rainfall of 8 inches in Arizona's lower Sonoran Desert to 13,171-foot high Wheeler Peak and over 35 inches of precipitation a year in northern New Mexico.

  • Find a Getaway

    cabin on the kaibab national forest

    The Southwest Region is brimming with opportunities for all kinds of outdoor recreation. There is something for everyone!

    Destinations

  • Be Prepared

    Dirt road and with hiker and fall colors

    Plan for your next adventure by purchasing a map and browsing our publications. Maps can be purchased online or in-person.

    Maps and Guides

  • Passes and Permits

    person launches a canoe on a river in the coconino national forest

    Most national forest system lands are open, free of charge for your use and enjoyment. Several types of passes and permits exist for sites that require fees, and for commercial and special uses.

    More Information

  • Caring for the Land

    Image of Nambe Falls

    In the Southwestern Region, the Forest Service is tasked with managing public lands brimming with natural resources and diverse wildlife. The Forest Service works to protect at-risk species like the Mexican spotted owl and New Mexican jumping mouse, ensure forest health through safe logging and grazing practices, and restore critical ecosystems.

  • New National Monument Designated

    View of Red Butte

    The Baaj Nwaavjo I'tah Kukveni—Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument comprises 917,618 acres acres of land managed by the Kaibab National Forest and Bureau of Land Management around Grand Canyon National Park. Designating the new national monument, which contains ancestral homelands of many Tribes, will preserve its important historic, cultural, natural, scientific, and recreational values.

Forest Service Jobs

  • We're Hiring!

    engineer in green Forest Service uniform sitting at drafting table working on documents with full bookcase behind him.

    The Southwestern Region (R3) is currently hiring for a variety of fulfilling positions, including vital forest leadership positions. Check out our job listings! Forest Service jobs are as diverse as the land we manage! 

  • Jobs in Wildland Fire

    Chantel Herrick pile burning at the Kaibab National Forest

    The next Fire Hire event will be August 31, 2023 to September 29, 2023. Learn more about fire and aviation management jobs, basic training requirements, and how to apply.