Annual seasonal road restrictions implemented across Coconino National Forest

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz., Jan. 8, 2026—The Coconino National Forest is beginning to restrict vehicle access to many forest roads in order to protect them as inclement winter weather arrives. 

While roads remain open to use by all non-motorized traffic, forest personnel will barricade roadways using gates to restrict motor vehicle access during the season’s wet and snowy months. 

Each winter, the Coconino National Forest prohibits the use of motorized vehicles on many forest roads to protect the roads from damage, and to reduce the risk of stranded forest visitors.  

Forest Service personnel will be patrolling forest roads within the coming days to swing gates and inform forest visitors of road access changes. 

Drivers are asked to abide by all posted signage and locked gates and are reminded to avoid driving on open roads that appear to be saturated to prevent road damage and soil erosion, and to avoid the possibility of getting stuck. 

Motorists are also asked to remain aware of road beginning and end points. Due to changes in elevation across the forest, many roads may begin in desert conditions and end in deep snow, such as Schnebly Hill Road.  

The Coconino National Forest’s website is frequently updated with changes to motorized road access via the Forest Roads Status web page.