Loading map...

Arizona National Forests

Overview of Arizona's six national forests—where to hike, camp, fish, and explore; quick geography, access, permits, wildlife and safety notes for each forest, plus top destinations and planning tips.

Arizona is home to six USDA National Forests, each with distinct landscapes from Sonoran Desert lowlands to alpine peaks. This guide lists the forests, what to do in each, permit and map tips, and safety notes so you can plan visits across Arizona efficiently. (fs.usda.gov)

🌄 Geography

Arizona's national forests are spread across the state and range from low-elevation desert to alpine plateaus: the largest is Tonto National Forest in central Arizona and the forests include many “sky island” ranges in the southeast and high plateaus in the north. These forests help protect watersheds that supply the Phoenix region and sustain diverse ecosystems. (fs.usda.gov)

🗺️ Quick Overview

The six Arizona national forests are: Coconino National Forest, Kaibab National Forest, Tonto National Forest, Prescott National Forest, Coronado National Forest, and the combined Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. Sizes and terrain vary—Tonto is the largest by acreage, Kaibab and Coconino contain high-elevation plateaus, and Coronado is made of scattered mountain “sky islands.” (fs.usda.gov)

🌲 Coconino National Forest

Coconino National Forest (northern Arizona) includes the red-rock country around Sedona, the San Francisco Peaks near Flagstaff (including Humphreys Peak), and the Mogollon Rim transitions to ponderosa pine and alpine areas. Popular activities include hiking the red rock trails, visiting Fossil Creek, and scenic drives. Check current alerts before visiting. (fs.usda.gov)

🌄 Kaibab National Forest

Kaibab National Forest surrounds portions of the Grand Canyon and is divided into North and South districts. It offers high-elevation forests, scenic drives near the canyon rims, fishing, snow play, and trail access to canyon viewpoints—headquarters and many resources are managed from Williams and ranger district offices near the park. (fs.usda.gov)

🏜️ Tonto National Forest

Tonto National Forest (central Arizona) is the state’s largest national forest and includes the Salt and Verde river systems, Roosevelt Lake, Apache Lake, and the Mogollon Rim. Close to the Phoenix metro area, it’s highly visited for lakeside recreation, tubing on the Salt River, trail systems, and access to wilderness areas. (fs.usda.gov)

🌲 Prescott National Forest

Prescott National Forest lies west of the Mogollon Rim and features mixed pine and higher-desert terrain, recreation sites like Lynx Lake, trails around Mingus Mountain, and the Verde River corridor. It’s known for accessible day hikes, fishing, climbing boulders, and dispersed camping opportunities. Check local alerts for closures. (fs.usda.gov)

🏔️ Coronado National Forest

Coronado National Forest (southeast Arizona) is a collection of sky-island mountain ranges (including the Santa Catalinas and Mount Lemmon) rising from the desert. It offers desert hikes, mountain trails, birding, and in the high country winter sports (_Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley). The forest manages diverse ecosystems and many small, remote recreation areas. ([fs.usda.gov](https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/coronado/home?utmsource=local.link))

🌲 Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests

The combined Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests cover the White Mountains and Mogollon Rim area in eastern Arizona and extend into New Mexico. With more than two million acres, the forests feature cold-water lakes, trout fishing, high-country camping, and cool-summer recreation favored by people escaping the desert heat. (fs.usda.gov)

More on Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests

🎒 Recreation

Across Arizona forests you’ll find hiking, backpacking, camping (developed and dispersed), fishing, OHV riding, equestrian trails, birding, and limited winter sports at high elevations. Some districts run popular day-use areas (e.g., Sabino Canyon, Sedona trailheads, Roosevelt Lake) so expect higher visitation in those spots. Always check ranger-district pages for seasonal opportunities. (fs.usda.gov)

🧭 Maps & Permits

Carry current Motor Vehicle Use Maps and ranger-district maps; many forests use recreation passes (e.g., Red Rock Pass in Coconino areas) and require OHV permits in specific permit zones. For special uses (events, weddings, commercial guides) apply for permits through the respective forest office. Use each forest’s interactive maps and pass pages when planning. (fs.usda.gov)

🐾 Wildlife & Conservation

Forests protect critical habitat for species like bighorn sheep and the Mexican spotted owl and are active in restoration (forest-thinning, prescribed fire, watershed projects). Wide-ranging restoration initiatives and local projects are ongoing to reduce wildfire risk and restore watershed health—respect closures and seasonal protections for wildlife. (fs.usda.gov, coconino.az.gov)

1 of 10

Arizona wildlife

⚠️ Safety

Wildfire risk, extreme heat, and dehydration are primary hazards—lower-elevation areas can be dangerously hot in summer while high-elevation roads may close in winter. Many forests post active fire restrictions, trail closures, and seasonal wildlife protections; always check the specific forest’s Alerts & Warnings page before you go and carry water, navigation, and emergency gear. (fs.usda.gov)

✅ Summary

Plan visits by picking a forest that matches the activity and elevation you want: Tonto for lakes and proximity to Phoenix, Coconino for red rocks and high peaks near Flagstaff, Kaibab for Grand Canyon rim access, Coronado for sky-island diversity near Tucson, Prescott for accessible trails and lakes, and Apache-Sitgreaves for cool summer retreats. Always check the official USDA Forest Service pages for current conditions, maps, permits, and alerts. (fs.usda.gov)

If you’d like, I can:

Build a short trip plan for one forest (trail + campground + map links).
Check current fire restrictions or alerts for a specific ranger district (need which forest/district).