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Inner Basin Trail No. 29
The trail leading into the heart of the ancient volcano begins in beautiful Lockett Meadow. From this island of emerald, ringed with aspens and high peaks, the trail winds through a shady forest to join the Waterline Trail briefly before following a service road into the mountain's now quiet Inner Basin, connecting to the Weatherford Trail on the far side of the basin. Here, extensive stands of aspens cover the steep slopes of the old caldera, coloring them solid gold in early fall. In spring and summer, wildflowers add a sprinkling of blue, red and yellow. From the basin's rims, avalanche tracks streak down the talus slopes, and remnants of old lava flows bear witness to the mountain's cataclysmic heritage.
Snow may remain here even into summer. Cross-country skiers continue to ski as late as June in some years. Hiking is the most popular way of visiting this beautiful and unique environment. Hikers begin coming to the basin before the snows have completely melted from the trail.
Animals you may spot in this high country include porcupine and elk. Black bears have been known to stroll right through groups of picnickers without so much as a glance at their lunches. The hermit thrush sings his best here. The climb to this high mountain place, where spring comes late and fall arrives early, is moderate but steady, but the reward is worth every bit of the effort.
Lockett Meadow Campground is at the Inner Basin Trailhead.
Related article: Celebrating Wildflowers
Inner Basin Trail Statistics:
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Length: 3.9 miles
- Trailhead Elevation: 8650 feet
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 2336 feet
- Use: Hiking, horse back
At a Glance
| Current Conditions: | During the winter, roads leading into the area are closed to vehicles. Road closures. |
|---|---|
| Usage: | Heavy |
| Best Season: | Late Spring thru Fall |
| Restrictions: | Camping and horses are prohibited in the Inner Basin. Forest Order 04-149 closed the Inner Basin/Flagstaff Municipal Watershed to camping, horses, pack animals, and other livestock. Dogs are permitted. |
| Closest Towns: | Flagstaff, AZ |
| Operated By: | Flagstaff Ranger District - 928-526-0866 |
General Information
Directions:Location: 15 miles north of Flagstaff on paved and dirt Forest Roads.
Directions: Drive northeast of Flagstaff on US Highway 89 for 12.5 miles. Turn left on Forest Road 552, directly across from the Sunset Crater National Monument turnoff. Follow FR 552 for approximately one mile. Turn right at the Lockett Meadow sign and continue to the campground. This dirt road is closed in early spring and late fall due to snow.
GPS (Map): 35°21'23.2"N 111°37'22.6"W
Maps
- Forest Service Topo Map (FSTopo Geo-enable PDF):
- More Maps:
- USDA FSGeodata Clearinghouse: Arizona FSTopo Maps available for download in Geo-enabled PDF and GeoTIFF formats. Note: USGS 7.5 Minute (1:24K) Topo Maps and FSTopo Maps use the same title.
- USFS Store: Map Locator & Downloader purchase or download USGS topographic maps. Note: USGS 7.5 Minute (1:24K) Topo Maps and 1:24K FSTopo Maps use the same title.
Click on the map thumbnail to open larger view in a new window.
General Notes:
Rating: Moderate to strenuous (steady gain of 600' in elevation per mile at high elevation)
Notes:
- No mechanized or motorized vehicles, including bicycles, in Wilderness Area.
- No camping in the inner basin in order to protect the watershed.
- The inner basin is closed to dogs and livestock above the watershed cabin.
- View Slide Show "Hiking the Kachina Peaks Wilderness Trails." Use left and right arrows for navagation. Use "Esc" key to exit.
Activities
Day Hiking
Related Information
Location
