Forests and Grasslands
Visit national forests and national grasslands in the Southwestern Region for magnificent scenery any time of year. The Southwestern Region manages:
- Six National Forests in Arizona totaling 11.25 million acres of public land.
- Five National Forests in New Mexico totaling 9.1 million acres of public land.
- Three National Grasslands (Black Kettle, McClellan Creek, Kiowa and Rita Blanca) covering 263,261 acres in northeastern New Mexico, western Oklahoma and northern Texas. ​
The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests in east-central Arizona consists of two National Forests that merged in 1974. The forest covers 2 million acres of land including 450 miles of precious rivers and streams.
The Carson National Forest in northern New Mexico manages 1.5 million acres with six wilderness areas. Elevations in the forest range from 6,000 to 13,161 feet above sea level.
In central New Mexico, the Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands covers 1.6 million acres with four wilderness areas and three National Grasslands in New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas.
From the famous red rocks of Sedona to Ponderosa pine forests, from southwestern desert to alpine tundra, northern Arizona's Coconino National Forest is one of the most diverse and unforgettable destinations in the country.
The Coronado National Forest manages 1.7 million acres with elevations up to 10,000 feet above sea level. Eight distinct wilderness and 15 sky Island mountain ranges offer extraordinarily scenery and diverse vegetation.
The Gila National Forest has 3.3 million acres of forested hills, majestic mountains, and range land. Magnificent mountain scenery, cool summer temperatures and mild winters permit a wide range of recreational opportunities all year long.
The Kaibab National Forest covers 1.6 million acres including wilderness areas up to 10,418 feet above sea level. From canyons to prairies, peaks to plateaus, the forest (in the Colorado Plateau) offers layers of opportunity for discovery.
The Lincoln National Forest manages 1.1 million acres with two wilderness areas and three major mountain ranges. It is also Smokey Bear's home forest.
The Prescott National Forest covers 1.25 million acres and eight wilderness areas. The Forest is guardian of 950 miles of scenic trails and more than 100,000 acres of wilderness. Its mild climate allows for outdoor adventures year-round!
The Santa Fe National Forest covers 1.6 million acres of mountains, valleys and mesas up to 13,000 feet in elevation, thousands of cultural sites, colorful volcanic formations, deep river gorges and primitive wilderness.
The Tonto National Forest offers unique landscapes including Sonoran Desert cacti and flat lands that slowly give way to the highlands of the Mogollon Rim.