Flagstaff Ranger District

View of the Peaks with reflections in Francis Short Pond

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, it's 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.

Flagstaff Ranger District, extends from north of the Peaks to the south. 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.

Recreation Activities for the Flagstaff District:

More Information

 

At a Glance

Current Conditions: Some portions of this area are closed due to the Pipeline Fire Closure Order.

Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Mountain Biking

Areas for Mountain Biking at Flagstaff Ranger District

Campground Camping

This is a list of the developed campgrounds in the Flagstaff District. There is a fee for all of these campgrounds. Some have some reservable sites but all have "first come, first served" sites (except the group campgrounds). Senior and Access Interagency passes are accepted for a 50% discount on single-site camping fees.

 

2017 Operating Season Schedule

Opening/Closing dates may change depending on weather
Location Opening Closing
Lockett Meadow Campground May 5 First good snow
Bonito Campground May 5 October 9
O'Leary Group Campground May 5 October 9
Little Elden Spring Horse Campground May 5 October 9
Canyon Vista Campground May 5 October 9
Lakeview Campground May 5 October 9
Ashurst Lake Campground May 5 October 9
Forked Pine Campground May 5 October 9
Pinegrove Campground May 5 October 9
Dairy Springs Campground May 5 October 9
Dairy Springs Group Campground May 5 October 9
Double Springs Campground May 5 October 9
Lower Lake Mary Day-Use Area May 5 October 9
Upper Lake Mary Day-Use Area May 5 October 9
Narrows Day-Use Area May 5 October 9

Areas for Campground Camping at Flagstaff Ranger District

Group Camping

Areas for Group Camping at Flagstaff Ranger District

Dispersed Camping

Areas for Dispersed Camping at Flagstaff Ranger District

Cabin Rentals

Areas for Cabin Rentals at Flagstaff Ranger District

Rock Climbing

Areas for Rock Climbing at Flagstaff Ranger District

Lake and Pond Fishing

Areas for Lake and Pond Fishing at Flagstaff Ranger District

Day Hiking

Areas for Day Hiking at Flagstaff Ranger District

Backpacking

Areas for Backpacking at Flagstaff Ranger District

Horse Camping

Areas for Horse Camping at Flagstaff Ranger District

Horse Riding

Areas for Horse Riding at Flagstaff Ranger District

Big Game Hunting

Hunting activities are regulated by the Arizona Game and Fish Department. For licenses, regulations, and other information visit www.azgfd.gov.

Notice to Hunters

  • Game unit 6B: Woody Mountain Road (FR 231) is temporarily closed around the West Fork crossing to replace the bridge from September 26, 2016 through early January. There will be a signed detour route around the closure on FRs 538, 538D, and 231A.
  • Please follow guidelines associated with Dispersed Camping and the 14-day stay limit.
  • Tree stands are permitted if they do not cause resource damage i.e. cutting limbs, putting nails and bolts into trees or any other permanent alteration/injury to trees or surrounding vegetation. Tree stands need to be removed after daily use. Tree stands left unoccupied for any extended period of time is prohibited. Title 36 CFR 261.9(a) and 262.13.
  • Currently there is no specific regulation regarding game cameras left in the forest. The Forest Service does not recommend leaving any property in the forest, as game cameras have been frequently reported stolen.
  • Please only drive on designated routes and areas as shown on the Coconino National Forest Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM). Each year a free map is updated and shows all of the designated routes and areas open to motor vehicle use on the Forest. You can get a free electronic copy of the map in color, which is available for free download on smartphones, tablets, and Garmin GPS devices. Free hard-copy black-and-white MVUM maps are available at Forest Service offices and local outdoor stores.
  • Driving off of designated roads for elk retrieval is allowed in Game Management Units 6A, 6B, 7E, 7W, and 8; but driving off of designated roads for game retrieval is not allowed under any circumstances in game units 5A, 5BN, 5BS, or 11M.
  • The Peaks Hunt Unit currently has a Campfire Restriction in place, which mostly includes the area around Mt. Elden, south of the Peaks.

Additional Resources

Areas for Big Game Hunting at Flagstaff Ranger District

Viewing Wildlife

Areas for Viewing Wildlife at Flagstaff Ranger District

Viewing Plants

Areas for Viewing Plants at Flagstaff Ranger District

Viewing Scenery

Areas for Viewing Scenery at Flagstaff Ranger District

OHV Camping

Areas for OHV Camping at Flagstaff Ranger District

OHV Open Area Riding

Notice

Keep motor vehicles on designated routes and areas. Make sure you first get a free Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) to know which roads are open to motor vehicle use. Know before you go.

Special Note

  • Cinder Hills Off Highway Vehicle Area - FR 776 Partial Closure: There is no direct access between FR 776 and FR 545 (Sunset Crater-Wupatki Scenic Loop Drive). Access to the Cinder Hills OHV area is through the junction of FR 776 and Highway 89. Off-road travel between FR 545 and FR 776 is prohibited. Use the free Motor Vehicle Use Map, which shows where motorized vehicle travel is legally permitted.

Areas for OHV Open Area Riding at Flagstaff Ranger District

OHV Road Riding

Areas for OHV Road Riding at Flagstaff Ranger District

OHV Trail Riding

Areas for OHV Trail Riding at Flagstaff Ranger District

Caving

Areas for Caving at Flagstaff Ranger District

Interpretive Areas

Areas for Interpretive Areas at Flagstaff Ranger District

Visitor Centers

Areas for Visitor Centers at Flagstaff Ranger District

Picnicking

Areas for Picnicking at Flagstaff Ranger District

Group Picnicking

Areas for Group Picnicking at Flagstaff Ranger District

Scenic Driving

Areas for Scenic Driving at Flagstaff Ranger District

Boating - Motorized

Areas for Boating - Motorized at Flagstaff Ranger District

Boating - Non-Motorized

Areas for Boating - Non-Motorized at Flagstaff Ranger District

Swimming

Areas for Swimming at Flagstaff Ranger District

Waterskiing

Areas for Waterskiing at Flagstaff Ranger District

Windsurfing

Areas for Windsurfing at Flagstaff Ranger District

Sledding/Tubing

Areas for Sledding/Tubing at Flagstaff Ranger District

Skiing/Snowboarding

Areas for Skiing/Snowboarding at Flagstaff Ranger District

XC Skiing/Snowshoeing

Areas for XC Skiing/Snowshoeing at Flagstaff Ranger District

Snowmobiling

Alerts & Warnings

View All Alerts   

Related Information

Recreation Areas

Recreation Activities

Location

 
  Latitude : 
35.172

  Longitude : 
-111.662