Current Conditions
The following are tools to help ensure your visit to the Arizona National Trail is a successful one. Learn about current conditions and plan ahead for your next adventure. Recreate responsibly and help preserve this iconic landscape for generations to come.
Conditions by Forest
The four forests on the AZNST keep their current conditions and alerts up-to-date for travelers. Please check the forest you are planning to recreate on.
Coconino National Forest
Kaibab National Forest
Coronado National Forest
Tonto National Forest
More Resources
Fire and Smoke Status
Fire and smoke make frequent appearances on the Arizona National Trail. Use InciWeb to check ongoing fire and smoke impacts.
Snow Status
Check current weather and upcoming forecasts in northern Arizona via the National Weather Service's Flagstaff office.
National Weather Service
Be sure to check the weather before recreating out on the Forest.
Prescribed Fire
Information on current and past prescribed fires throughout Arizona - prescribed fires in Arizona require approval through the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ).
Regardless of the dry atmosphere, the high temperatures of Arizona can result in numerous health issues.
- Sun burns.
- Heat cramps.
- Heat exhaustion.
- Heat stroke.
Take the extra time to protect yourself and others from heat related illness.
- Drink plenty of water. Avoid sugary drinks and alcohol, as they can lead to dehydration.
- Stay in the shade whenever possible.
- Schedule the most rigorous activities for early or later in the day.
- Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing.
- Keep a close eye on older adults, children and those with chronic medical conditions.
Learn to identify the signs of heat stress and get more tips.
Fire activity can range widely, depending on the timing and strength of monsoon season.
- Lightning is the number one cause of fires on the forest, and may spark new starts.
- Fire restrictions may start in or continue into summer from spring if it is weak or delayed.
- If conditions are right, fire managers may manage a naturally-caused start or conduct a prescribed fire for forest and watershed health.
Lightning is so common, it is the number one cause of wildfires on the Arizona National Trail. It is also most unexpected hazard for many visitors, since it can strike well outside a storm itself, often the first to arrive and last to leave as a thunderstorm passes by. Increase your safety with these actions:
- Watch for signs of an approaching thunderstorm
- Postpone outdoor activities if thunderstorms are imminent. This is your best way to avoid being caught in a dangerous situation
- If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to a storm to be struck by lightning
- Get inside a house, large shelter or an all-metal vehicle (not a convertible). If safe shelter is not available, find a low spot away from trees, fences and poles
- If boating or swimming, get out of boats and away from the water, get to land and find shelter immediately
- Remain clear of tall, isolated trees and telephone poles.
Summer thunderstorms are often associated with intense rainfall over a brief time period, producing more water than the ground can absorb. Flash floods can occur with little or no warning, move at very fast speeds and can reach a peak in a few minutes with little to no warning.
- Know your area's flood risks and weather hazard bulletins by visiting weather.gov or local news stations.
- Stay alert for signs of heavy rain with thunder and lightning where you are and upstream. Watch for rising water levels.
- Get to higher ground before flooding happens.
- It is NEVER safe to drive or walk into floodwaters. Turn Around Don't Drown®
- Avoid areas already flooded, especially if the water is flowing fast.
- Do not attempt to cross flowing streams.
- Don't try to swim to safety; wait for rescuers to come to you.
- Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize and respond to danger. During threatening conditions, do not camp or park your vehicle along streams and rivers.
- Be Ready