Free Coconino National Forest Travel Guide & Mobile App

Explore Coconino National Forest with free travel guides. Discover regional history, expert tips, proposed trips, and audio guides on web or mobile app.

Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play Download the Free PDF guide
Coconino National Forest
Coconino National Forest photo 2
Coconino National Forest photo 3
All photos

Explore Coconino National Forest for Arizona's high peaks, volcanic caves, pine woods, red-rock canyons and wide Mogollon Rim views.

Coconino National Forest occupies a remarkably varied part of north-central Arizona, extending across high ponderosa-pine country, volcanic terrain, red-rock canyons and the escarpment of the Mogollon Rim. Its landscapes surround the city of Flagstaff and the town of Sedona, although those communities are separate from the national forest and serve as its principal visitor bases. Elevations vary considerably, creating pronounced changes in vegetation and climate over relatively short distances.
Read more about Coconino National Forest
The forest is best known for the contrast between its districts. Around Flagstaff, the San Francisco Peaks rise above broad volcanic uplands, with Humphreys Peak forming Arizona's highest summit within the Kachina Peaks Wilderness. Lava River Cave, a long basalt lava tube, reveals the area's volcanic origins, while the Arizona Snowbowl area provides access to high-country recreation. South of Flagstaff, Oak Creek Canyon cuts through pine-clad slopes towards Sedona, where Coconino forest land meets the area's distinctive red sandstone formations and the Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness.
Further east and south, forest roads and trails reach the Mogollon Rim, a dramatic geological escarpment overlooking lower desert country. The viewpoints near the rim provide expansive scenery, while lakes, meadows and pine forests support camping, fishing, wildlife observation and walking. The forest also contains quieter landscapes such as the Blue Ridge and portions of the Sycamore Canyon country, where dry air, deep ravines and seasonal streams create a more remote experience than the heavily visited corridors near Sedona and Flagstaff.
Coconino National Forest is part of the ancestral homelands of Indigenous peoples, including the Hopi, Navajo, Havasupai, Hualapai, Yavapai and other communities with enduring connections to northern Arizona. Evidence of earlier settlement, including Sinagua-era archaeological remains in the wider Flagstaff area, sits within a much longer human history. Contemporary visits are shaped by outdoor recreation, forest management, astronomy, Indigenous heritage and the practical realities of a high-elevation environment: intense sun, cold nights, monsoon storms, wildfire risk and rapidly changing mountain weather. The result is a destination best explored through several bases and carefully chosen trails rather than a single circuit.

When is the best time to visit Coconino National Forest?

Best: May–June, September · 23–28°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January951
February1147
March1449
April1928
May (best)2321
June (best)2813
July3161
August3062
September (best)2745
October2136
November1337
December952

Getting to and around Coconino National Forest

How to get there

Flagstaff Pulliam Airport, located in Flagstaff outside the national forest boundary, is the closest commercial airport for many visitors, though flight choices are limited. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, several hours away by road, usually offers a much wider range of domestic and international connections. Flagstaff is also served by long-distance rail and coach links, and Interstate 40 provides the principal east-west approach. Sedona, outside the forest but surrounded by forest land, is another useful base, reached by road from Flagstaff or the Phoenix area. There is no single entrance station or central gateway for the entire forest.

Transportation

A car is the most practical way to connect the forest's widely separated districts, trailheads, scenic roads and campgrounds. Paved highways link Flagstaff, Sedona and the Mogollon Rim approaches, but many forest roads are unpaved, may be rough or muddy and can become unsuitable for ordinary vehicles after storms. Local services in Flagstaff and Sedona can help with selected trail access, but public transport does not provide comprehensive coverage of the national forest. Walking, cycling and guided tours work well for particular areas; download maps, carry recovery equipment where appropriate and check seasonal closures before using remote roads.

Top city travel guides in Coconino National Forest

The cities of Coconino National Forest, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Destinations in Coconino National Forest

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Best attractions in Coconino National Forest

Coconino National Forest offers a broad spread of outdoor attractions rather than a single refined park circuit. Around Flagstaff, visitors can explore ponderosa-pine forests, the San Francisco Peaks, the Kachina Peaks Wilderness and volcanic features such as Lava River Cave, where access and equipment requirements should be checked in advance. Southwards, Oak Creek Canyon combines shaded creekside walking with steep forested walls and access towards the red-rock country around Sedona. The Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness provides demanding trails and striking geological scenery, while the Mogollon Rim brings long views, cooler pine forests, campgrounds and opportunities for fishing, cycling and wildlife observation. Coconino's open spaces also support climbing, horseback riding, photography, snow sports at the high-country ski area and dark-sky appreciation. Some famous nearby destinations, including Walnut Canyon National Monument, Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument and Grand Canyon National Park, are outside the national forest and should be planned as separate visits.

Show more attractions

Best landmarks in Coconino National Forest

The San Francisco Peaks form Coconino's most commanding natural landmark, rising above the Flagstaff basin and culminating in Humphreys Peak, Arizona's highest point, within the Kachina Peaks Wilderness. In the southern sector, Oak Creek Canyon is a defining geological corridor, its wooded gorge contrasting sharply with the red sandstone formations around Sedona. The Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness preserves many of those recognisable cliffs, fins and buttes, while the Mogollon Rim creates a vast, abrupt edge between the forested plateau and lower country to the south. Lava River Cave is a particularly distinctive geological feature: a naturally formed basalt tube created by ancient lava flow. The forest's landmark character also lies in its long horizons, volcanic cones, ponderosa-pine stands and high-elevation meadows, which together distinguish northern Arizona's uplands from the desert landscapes farther south.

Show more landmarks

Explore Coconino National Forest on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Coconino National Forest

Dining is concentrated in Flagstaff and Sedona, which serve as gateways rather than forming part of the forest itself. Restaurants, cafés, breweries and casual food outlets in these towns cater to hikers, climbers, skiers and road travellers, while smaller communities and highway stops offer a more limited choice. The culinary identity is broadly northern Arizonan and American West rather than a narrowly defined forest cuisine, with Southwestern flavours, Mexican-influenced food, burgers, wood-fired dishes, craft beer and coffee culture commonly represented. Local and regional produce appears seasonally, and farmers' markets in the gateway towns can be useful for picnic supplies when operating. In the forest, visitors should plan self-catering carefully: developed campgrounds and remote trailheads may have no shops or restaurants nearby, and water, food and waste arrangements require advance thought.

Show more restaurants

Best bars in Coconino National Forest

Evening life connected with Coconino National Forest is centred in Flagstaff and Sedona, outside the forest boundary. Flagstaff has the broader selection, including traditional bars, breweries, restaurants with late-evening service and venues associated with its university and live-music scene. Sedona offers wine bars, cocktail-led venues, hotel lounges and restaurants, with evenings generally quieter and more dining-oriented than those of a large city. Around the forest itself, nightlife usually means a campfire where permitted, stargazing, an early night before a trail day or socialising at a campground rather than clubs. Seasonal conditions, fire restrictions and site rules matter, and visitors should never use alcohol as a substitute for preparation in remote terrain or drive after drinking.

Show more bars

Best nightclubs in Coconino National Forest

Evening life connected with Coconino National Forest is centred in Flagstaff and Sedona, outside the forest boundary. Flagstaff has the broader selection, including traditional bars, breweries, restaurants with late-evening service and venues associated with its university and live-music scene. Sedona offers wine bars, cocktail-led venues, hotel lounges and restaurants, with evenings generally quieter and more dining-oriented than those of a large city. Around the forest itself, nightlife usually means a campfire where permitted, stargazing, an early night before a trail day or socialising at a campground rather than clubs. Seasonal conditions, fire restrictions and site rules matter, and visitors should never use alcohol as a substitute for preparation in remote terrain or drive after drinking.

Show more nightclubs

Best shops in Coconino National Forest

Shopping takes place mainly in the gateway communities of Flagstaff and Sedona rather than inside the national forest. Flagstaff's historic central area has independent bookshops, outdoor retailers, galleries, cafés and stores selling practical equipment for hiking, camping and winter activities. Sedona is known for galleries, jewellery, crafts, art objects and Southwestern-style gifts, though visitors should distinguish mass-produced souvenirs from work with clear artist or community provenance. Farmers' markets and local food shops, where available, can provide regional produce, baked goods and picnic provisions. Forest campgrounds have little or no retail infrastructure, so fuel, groceries, maps, water and specialist equipment should be obtained before heading into remote districts. When buying Indigenous art or jewellery, look for transparent information about the artist and origin rather than assuming that every Southwestern-themed item is Native-made.

Show more shops

Get your free copy of our complete guide to Coconino National Forest, delivered straight to you.

Everything on this page, from attractions and restaurants to essentials and local phrases, in one PDF you can read offline, print or share.

Already have an account? Sign in

By clicking Create account, you accept the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Coconino National Forest essentials

Currency and Payment
The currency is the US dollar (USD), as throughout the United States. Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in Flagstaff, Sedona, visitor businesses and developed facilities, but remote campgrounds, self-service fee points and small rural services may require cash or have unreliable signal. Carry small notes, as well as a reserve for fuel and unexpected changes of plan. Payment arrangements and recreation fees vary by site and can change, so check the relevant official information before departure.
Safety
The principal risks are environmental rather than urban: dehydration, sun exposure, sudden cold, altitude effects, falling rocks, slippery canyon routes, flash floods and wildfire. Roads and trails can be busy near Sedona and Flagstaff, while remote areas may have no reliable phone coverage. Never enter a canyon during threatening storms, keep well away from cliff edges and allow extra time for high-elevation walking. Stay on legal routes, secure food from wildlife, use only permitted fires and observe current fire restrictions. Drivers should expect wildlife, cyclists, pedestrians and changing road surfaces.
Emergency Situations
Call 911 anywhere in the United States for police, fire or ambulance assistance, and state your nearest forest road, trailhead, landmark or GPS location. Search-and-rescue responses can take time in remote terrain, so do not rely solely on a mobile phone or satellite navigation. For a missing or overdue walker, contact 911 promptly rather than waiting overnight. Check weather and wildfire alerts before travelling, and follow evacuation instructions from local authorities or the Forest Service. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is also available for mental-health emergencies.
Do's and Don'ts
Do respect Indigenous cultural places, archaeological remains, wilderness rules and posted restrictions; pack out rubbish and use established toilets, campsites and routes where provided. Do keep dogs under control and check whether a trail or wilderness area requires a leash. Do not collect pottery, stones, plants, fossils or historic objects, carve trees or feed wildlife. Campfires are permitted only where and when regulations allow. In busy areas, park considerately and avoid blocking access roads, while in quieter districts leave gates as you find them and give ranching activities room.
Local Tips
Plan by landscape rather than by map distance: the high peaks near Flagstaff, the Oak Creek and Sedona sector, and the Mogollon Rim require different itineraries and weather expectations. Summer afternoons can bring monsoon thunderstorms, while autumn weekends are particularly popular for colour and cooler temperatures. Ask locally about road surfaces and water availability before heading into the backcountry, and consider an early start for exposed trails and crowded viewpoints. Look beyond the headline scenery for night-sky viewing, birdwatching, forest walks and quieter picnic areas away from the main corridors.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloHowdy[hau-dee]
GoodbyeSee ya[see yah]
YesYep[yehp]
NoNah[nah]
Please/You're welcomeSure thing[shur thing]
Thank youThanks a lot[thangs a lot]
Excuse me/SorryPardon me[par-dun mee]
How are you?How's it going?[how's it go-ing?]
Fine. And you?Good. You?[good. you?]
Do you speak English?Do ya talk English?[do yah talk ing-glish?]
I don't understandI don't get it[I don't get it]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I see the menu?[can I see the men-yoo?]
I don't eat meatI don't do meat[I don't do meat]
Cheers!Bottoms up![bot-toms up!]
I would like to pay, pleaseCan I get the check?[can I get the chek?]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Help![help]
Go away!Leave me alone![leave me a-lone!]
Call the Police!Call the cops![call the cops]
Call a doctor!Get a doctor![get a doc-tor]
I'm lostI'm turned around[I'm turned a-round]
I'm illI'm not feeling well[I'm not feel-ing well]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...I want to buy...[I want to buy...]
I'm just lookingJust browsing[just brow-sing]
How much is it?What's the price?[what's the price?]
That's too expensiveThat costs too much[that costs too much]
Can you lower the price?Can you drop the price?[can you drop the price?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?What's the time?[what's the time?]
It's one o'clockIt's one[it's one]
Half past (10)Half past ten[half past ten]
MorningMorning[morning]
AfternoonAfternoon[af-ter-noon]
EveningEvening[e-ven-ing]
YesterdayYesterday[yes-ter-day]
TodayToday[to-day]
TomorrowTomorrow[to-mor-row]
1One[one]
2Two[two]
3Three[three]
4Four[four]
5Five[five]
6Six[six]
7Seven[seven]
8Eight[eight]
9Nine[nine]
10Ten[ten]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Where's the...?[where's the...?]
What's the address?What's the address?[what's the ad-dress?]
Can you show me (on the map)?Can you point it out?[can you point it out?]
When's the next (bus)?When's the next bus?[when's the next bus?]
A ticket (to ....)A ticket to...[a tik-it to...]

History of Coconino National Forest

Indigenous Homelands and Sinagua Settlement

The forests, peaks and canyons of the region form part of the ancestral homelands of several Indigenous peoples, including the Hopi, Navajo, Havasupai, Hualapai and Yavapai. Sinagua communities farmed and lived across the Flagstaff volcanic highlands and surrounding canyon country between roughly the sixth and fourteenth centuries. Their archaeological legacy includes pueblos, field systems, pottery and trails, although many prominent preserved ruins near Flagstaff lie in places administered outside the national forest. Indigenous relationships with the land continue today, and visitors should treat archaeological remains and culturally significant landscapes with care.

Volcanic Landscapes and Early Exploration

Coconino's northern uplands were shaped by extensive volcanic activity, including the San Francisco volcanic field and numerous cinder cones and lava flows. Later transport routes and scientific expeditions brought non-Indigenous travellers through the high country, while trading, ranching and settlement developed around water sources and natural passes. The volcanic terrain remained a practical influence on movement and land use: lava fields could obstruct travel, while the high forests offered timber, grazing and cooler summer conditions compared with the deserts below.

Forest Reserve to National Forest

Federal forest protection expanded in northern Arizona during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, as concerns grew over timber depletion, watershed damage and uncontrolled grazing. The modern Coconino National Forest took shape through the consolidation and reorganisation of earlier forest reserves, becoming part of the United States national-forest system in the early twentieth century. This history established the management framework still visible today, balancing timber, wildlife, watersheds, recreation, cultural resources and wildfire reduction across a large and varied landscape.

Railways, Flagstaff and Regional Access

The arrival of the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad in Flagstaff in the 1880s connected the high country with wider markets and encouraged the growth of a regional supply and transport centre. Flagstaff's position on the transcontinental route helped move timber, livestock and other goods, while later roads brought increasing access to forest recreation. The city remains one of Coconino National Forest's principal gateways, providing services, transport connections and interpretation for visitors heading into the surrounding mountains and woodlands.

Timber, Grazing and Forest Communities

Logging and livestock grazing became influential industries in the high country, supported by the extensive ponderosa-pine forests and open meadows. Forest management changed over time as authorities and communities responded to fire, drought, insect outbreaks and the ecological effects of past suppression policies. Historic logging remains part of the region's working landscape, but contemporary management increasingly combines carefully planned timber operations, prescribed fire, habitat protection and community wildfire resilience.

The Civilian Conservation Corps Era

During the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps carried out work across many American national forests, including road building, erosion control, trail construction, fire infrastructure and recreation improvements in Arizona. Although much has since been altered or rebuilt, the programme helped establish the pattern of developed campgrounds, viewpoints and access routes familiar to visitors today. Its legacy also reflects an important shift in national forests from primarily production-oriented spaces towards landscapes managed for public recreation as well as conservation and resource use.

Recreation, Conservation and Wildfire Challenges

From the later twentieth century onwards, Coconino National Forest became increasingly important for hiking, climbing, camping, winter sports, wildlife watching and scenic travel. Sedona's red-rock country and Flagstaff's mountain setting brought especially strong visitor growth, while wilderness designations helped protect areas such as Kachina Peaks and Red Rock-Secret Mountain. Today the forest faces pressures shared by much of the American West, including drought, severe wildfire, crowding, water scarcity and habitat change, making responsible visitation and active land management central to its future.

Coconino National Forest in Photos

Browse through our photo collection highlighting the charm and character of the destination.

0 / 0

Neighbouring regions of Coconino National Forest

The closest regions to Coconino National Forest, if you have time for more than one.

Explore more

Arizona
More of the region

Explore more of Arizona

Discover Arizona: From the majestic Grand Canyon and red rocks of Sedona to the vibrant cities of Phoenix and Scottsdale, explore the diverse beauty and culture of the Grand Canyon State.

Explore Arizona
The Evendo app on two phones

Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Coconino National Forest

Download Evendo, the 100% free app-based travel guide to Coconino National Forest, covering attractions, landmarks, dining, and more for an unforgettable adventure.

  • Comprehensive information on attractions, landmarks, and dining
  • Easy booking for hotels, tours, and experiences
  • Detailed maps and local tips for an authentic experience
Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play
More about the Evendo app

Explore Coconino National Forest like never before with Evendo, your comprehensive and free travel guide app. Discover attractions, book experiences, and navigate with ease.

  • 'Near me' feature to discover nearby attractions
  • Free to use with no in-app purchases

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Coconino National Forest with Evendo, your indispensable travel companion. From the towering red rocks of Sedona to the serene waters of Lake Mary, Evendo guides you through the most iconic landmarks and hidden gems. Explore the ancient ruins at Walnut Canyon National Monument, hike through the lush trails of Oak Creek Canyon, or marvel at the panoramic views from Humphreys Peak.

Satisfy your taste buds at renowned local eateries like The Cottage and Elote Cafe, offering authentic southwestern cuisine. Whether you're planning to unwind at one of the cozy hotels or seeking thrilling outdoor adventures, Evendo has you covered. With detailed information, including images, descriptions, local tips, and maps, planning your trip has never been easier.

Easily book hotels, tours, and experiences directly through the app, saving you time and hassle. With Evendo, you're not just visiting Coconino National Forest; you're experiencing it like a local. The app's 'Near me' feature ensures you're never far from your next adventure, no matter where you are.

Join the millions of travelers who trust Evendo for their travel needs. Download now and unlock the full potential of your journey through Coconino National Forest.

Get the latest from Evendo

Hand-picked travel deals, new destination guides and trip ideas, straight to your inbox.