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Flagstaff Ranger District

The Flagstaff Ranger District encompasses 849,249 acres of National Forest lands around the Flagstaff area, from Mormon Lake and Anderson Mesa to north of the San Francisco Peaks. At 12,633 feet, the San Francisco Peaks is not only the dominant feature of the forest area we call the Volcanic Highlands, but also the highest mountain in Arizona. Three of the summits that ring this dormant volcano's now quiet inner caldera are higher than any other mountain in the state.

This mountain is sacred to the native peoples that live in the area and its soaring profile set against a blue Arizona sky serves as a source of awe to contemporary residents and visitors. Views from the summit of the San Francisco Peaks stretch to the Grand Canyon's North Rim over eighty miles away. Hiking, sightseeing, wildlife watching and skiing are the predominant recreation activities enjoyed in this land of mountains, forests and lava flows.

This rolling highland is a land of ponderosa pine forests and pinyon/juniper woodlands clustered around broad prairies and small lakes. Arizona's largest natural lake, Mormon Lake, is located here. The area is also known for its plentiful wildlife. Large herds of elk roam the forests and edgelands. Bald eagles and ospreys live and hunt around the lakes. Pronghorn antelope graze the prairies.

Principal recreation activities among the lakes and prairies are boating, fishing, camping, and wildlife watching. The area also boasts some excellent cross-country skiing in good snow years.

Complexes

The Ashurst Lake area makes a great launching point for all your water adventures. Ashurst Lake features a boat launch and two campgrounds, making it a prime spot for paddling, boat launches, overnight stays and wildlife viewing. Don't forget your towel!

Panoramic view of Ashurst Lake.
Site Open
The Ashurst Lake boat launch, located on the west side of the lake, is open as weather permits, and allows water access for fishing, paddling and other activities.
A large green shrub and a picnic table sit to the left of the photo, and a fire pit sits to the right of the photo while a lake, trees and mountain range are shown in the background
Site Open
Ashurst Lake Campground (and its sister site, Forked Pine Campground) rests on the shores of Ashurst Lake, which has good opportunities for fishing and watersports.
A large green shrub and a picnic table sit to the left of the photo, and a fire pit sits to the right of the photo while a lake, trees and mountain range are shown in the background
Site Open
Forked Pine Campground rests on the shores of Ashurst Lake, which has ample opportunities for fishing and watersports.

The water levels may vary, but the chances for an adventure are consistent. The Lake Mary area features a variety of boat launches, day-use areas and paved parking lots, all easily accessible via low-clearance vehicle.

A panoramic view of Upper Lake Mary.
Site Open

Upper Lake Mary is the largest of Flagstaff's twin lakes.

A sliver of water is visible from behind a cluster of green pine trees and brambles
Site Open

Sometimes it's a lake. Sometimes it's not.

USDA Forest Service Logo
Site Open

There are a number of reasons to have a picnic at Lake Mary Narrows.

Lakeview Campground sign.
Site Open

Lakeview Campground is located near Upper Lake Mary with easy access to the water via the Wood Mem

Recreation Sites

Showing: 1 - 10 of 35 results

Arizona Nordic Village

Site Open
Winter Sports Hiking Biking
Arizona Nordic Village, located on Coconino National Forest land and operating under a special use permit, features a host of activities for every season.

Arizona Snowbowl

Site Open
Winter Sports Outdoor Science and Learning
Arizona Snowbowl, located on Coconino National Forest land and operating under a special-use permit, offers exciting runs down Arizona's highest mountain as a full-service downhill ski area.

Around the Peaks Loop

Site Open
Scenic Drives
This drive takes you all the way around Arizona's highest mountain, winding through a land of pine forests and aspen groves, open prairies and rustic homesteads. Anytime is a good time to enjoy this…

Bonito Campground

Site Open
Picnicking Hiking Outdoor Science and Learning
Bonito Campground is named for the Bonito Lava Flow which oozed across this high desert plain some 900 years ago.

Dairy Springs Campground

Site Open
Hiking Outdoor Science and Learning Horse Riding and Camping
Campsites are scattered through cool groves of ponderosa pines and white firs. Recreational interest here usually centers around fishing in nearby Mormon Lake (when there is water in it), but even if…

Doney Picnic Site

Site Open
Picnicking
This out-of-the- way picnic area is located in the most recently active portion of the San Francisco volcano field. That doesn't mean they're dangerous, however. The volcanoes in this vicinity have…

Double Springs Campground

Site Open
Hiking Biking Outdoor Science and Learning
Double Springs Campground is an “old fashion” campground, originally built in the 1930’s, and has sites nestled in a beautiful draw filled with cool grass, ponderosa pine and Gambel oak. The…

Elden Pueblo Heritage Site

Site Open
Outdoor Science and Learning
Elden Pueblo is the site of an ancient Sinagua (Sin ah’ wa) village, inhabited from about A.D. 1070 to 1275. The site is unique for a variety of reasons. Most importantly, it makes archaeology and…

Last updated May 12th, 2025