Hannagan Meadow Recreation Area

Area Status: Open

Hannagan Meadow Recreation Area is a high-country four-season sporting paradise for a wide range of outdoor pursuits.

  • Historic Hannagan Meadow Lodge
  • Rustic campgrounds
  • Access to the Blue Range Primitive Area
  • Breathtaking views from the edge of the Mogollon Rim
  • Hunting, fishing, and winter trails

Hannagan Meadow is currently the highest point in Arizona to be inhabited throughout the entire year.

History of Hannagan Meadow

The explorer Coronado and his expedition passed through the area in the 1540s on their way from Mexico to Zuni, but it is unknown whether they passed by this site, although some have speculated that they may have.

Local legend

The meadow was named after Robert Hannagan, a Nevada miner and cattle rancher. One local legend is that Hannagan was chained to a tree by the meadow until his debt of $1,200 was paid off. Fortunately, it was promptly paid by his son, but the name stuck.

Another story suggests that Toles Cosper, a rancher from nearby Luna, New Mexico was riding with the young Hannagan when they came across the meadow during the 1870s. They flipped a coin to see which man they would name it after, and Hannagan won.

Toles Cosper's son, DeWitt Cosper, built a lodge here in 1926.

Winter trail highlights

The groomed ski trails at Hannagan Meadow are narrower and generally more challenging than those at Williams Valley. However, all levels of skiers are likely to find suitable skiing from the 14 kilometers of groomed trails.

Remote skiing

For those in search of solitude, the back-country trails leading into upper elevations of Blue Range Primitive Area provide some of the best remote skiing in the Southwest. Skiers who possess advanced skiing abilities and snow camping experience should find this area very rewarding.

It is recommended that skiers in this area obtain the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests’ visitor map from any Forest Service office.

Trail grooming notes

Please note that Hwy. 191 south of Alpine may not be plowed on evenings, weekends, holidays or during snowstorms. Trail grooming is likely to be delayed following winter storms.

At a Glance

Usage: Light-Medium
Busiest Season: Spring and Fall Hunting

General Information

Directions:

From Alpine, AZ: Drive South on US 191 for 22 miles.


Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Mountain Biking

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Campground Camping

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Lake and Pond Fishing

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River and Stream Fishing

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Day Hiking

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Backpacking

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Horse Riding

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Big Game Hunting

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Game Bird/Waterfowl

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Viewing Wildlife

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Viewing Scenery

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Picnicking

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XC Skiing/Snowshoeing

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Snowmobiling

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Location

 
  Latitude : 
33.63611111

  Longitude : 
-109.3287306

  Elevation : 
9,120 feet