Arizona
Visiting Arizona is a unique and unforgettable experience. The state is known for its stunning natural wonders, such as the Grand Canyon, Sedona’s red rock formations, and the Sonoran Desert. The warm, dry climate also makes it an
ideal destination for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and golfing. In addition to its natural beauty, Arizona has a rich history and cultural heritage, with attractions like the Hoover Dam, ancient Native American ruins,
and vibrant cities like Phoenix and Tucson. Visitors can also enjoy delicious Southwestern cuisine and world-renowned museums and galleries. With 6 National Forests, 22 National Parks and more than 30 State Parks, Arizona has endless camping opportunities, whether you’re tent-bound beneath the stars or glamping it in an RV.
Arizona is home to six National Forests that offer a variety of recreational opportunities for visitors. The forests cover over 11 million acres of land and are managed by the US Forest Service. The state’s forests feature diverse landscapes, from the famous red rock formations of Sedona in the Coconino National Forest to the high desert landscapes of the Coronado National Forest. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities in Arizona’s National Forests, including hiking, camping, fishing, wildlife viewing, hunting, and horseback riding. The forests have numerous trails that lead to stunning vistas, waterfalls, and canyons. In addition, visitors can explore historic sites and museums that provide insight into the region’s history and culture. The National Forests in Arizona are a great way to experience the state’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.
Formerly two separate national forests, Apache and Sitgreaves were combined in 1974 and form an continuous block of public land extending for 200 miles across the mountains of east Arizona. Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest is a breathtaking forest located in eastern Arizona. Covering over 2 million acres, the forest offers visitors a chance to explore a variety of terrains, from high elevation forests to arid deserts. The forest is home to many iconic species such as elk, black bears, and bald eagles. Visitors can hike, fish, camp, and explore the many scenic drives throughout the forest. One of the most popular areas to visit is the Mogollon Rim, a dramatic escarpment that divides the forest and offers stunning views. Other attractions include the Salt River Canyon Wilderness Area and the Blue Range Primitive Area, which is home to some of the most remote and rugged landscapes in the United States. You can check out more information here! https://www.fs.usda.gov/asnf
Apache-Sitgreaves Supervisors Office
30 S. Chiricahua Dr., Springerville, AZ 85938
(928) 333-6200
Alpine Ranger District
42634 HWY 180/191, Alpine, AZ 85920
(928) 339-5000
Black Mesa Ranger District
2748 East AZ 260, Overgaard, AZ 85933
(928) 535-7300
Clifton Ranger Station
397240 AZ Hwy 75 Duncan, AZ 85534
(928) 687-8600
Lakeside Ranger District
2022 W White Mtn. Bl. Lakeside, AZ 85929
(928) 368-2100
Springerville Ranger District
30 S. Chiricahua Dr., Springerville, AZ 85938
(928) 333-6200
No Vehicle Use Maps
Coconino, the third largest national forest in Arizona (1.85 million acres) extends over a scenic area of mountains, plateaus and canyons around the Mogollon Rim in the center of the state. Features include the San Francisco Peaks north of Flagstaff, the adjacent San Francisco volcanic field, Oak Creek Canyon, the red rocks of Sedona and several forested lakes of which the largest is Mormon Lake, south of Flagstaff. Access is good – there are many tracks into the backcountry, and plenty of opportunities for camping, hiking, fishing, hunting and boating (on Lake Mary). Locations in or near the national forest include Sycamore Canyon, West Clear Creek and the wilderness north of Sedona. Find out more information here! https://www.fs.usda.gov/coconino/
Mogollon Rim Ranger District
8738 Ranger Road, Happy Jack, AZ 86024
(928) 477-2255
Red Rock Ranger Station & Visitor Center
8375 State Route 179, Sedona, AZ 86351
(928) 203-2900
Flagstaff Ranger Station
5075 N. Highway 89, Flagstaff, AZ 86004
(928) 526-0866
Vehicle Use Maps: (Coconino North), (Coconino South)
Kaibab National Forest is a beautiful and diverse forest located in northern Arizona. Encompassing more than 1.6 million acres, the forest is home to a variety of ecosystems, including high elevation forests, grasslands, and desert shrublands. Visitors to the Kaibab National Forest can explore scenic drives, hiking trails, and camping sites. One of the most popular attractions is the Grand Canyon, which is located within the forest boundaries. Other notable areas to visit include the North Rim, which is a quieter and less crowded alternative to the more popular South Rim, and the Kaibab Plateau Visitor Center, which provides information about the forest’s ecology, geology, and history. Check out more information here! https://www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab
North Kaibab Ranger District
430 South Main Street, P.O. Box 248, Fredonia, Arizona 86022
(928)643-7395
Tusayan Ranger District
176 Lincoln Log Loop, P.O. Box 3088, Grand Canyon, Arizona 86023
(928)638-2443
Vehicle Use Maps: (Williams & Tusayan, Front), (Williams & Tusayan, Back)
Williams Ranger District
742 South Clover Road, Williams, Arizona 86046
(928)635-5600
Vehicle Use Maps: (Williams & Tusayan, Front), (Williams & Tusayan, Back)
Kaibab Plateau Visitor Center
Hwy 89/AZ 67,Jacob Lake, Arizona 86022
(928)643-7298
No Vehicle Use Map
Williams Visitor Center
200 West Railroad Avenue, Williams, Arizona 86046
(928)635-4061
No Vehicle Use Map
Prescott National Forest is a beautiful forest located in central Arizona. Spanning over 1.2 million acres, the forest is known for its diverse landscapes and abundant recreational opportunities. Visitors can explore the many hiking and biking trails, take scenic drives, and camp in the numerous campgrounds throughout the forest. One of the most popular areas to visit is the Granite Mountain Wilderness, which offers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. Other attractions include the Lynx Lake Recreation Area, which offers fishing and boating opportunities, and the historic town of Prescott, which is known for its Wild West history and architecture. You can check out more info here! https://www.fs.usda.gov/prescott
Bradshaw and Chino Valley Ranger Districts
344 S Cortez St, Prescott AZ 86303
(928)443-8000
Verde Ranger District
300 East Highway 260, Camp Verde, AZ 86322
(928)567-4121
Vehicle Use Maps: (Prescott Eastside), (Prescott Westside)
Tonto is the largest and most varied of the six national forests in Arizona, with terrain ranging from the cactus-covered Sonoran Desert around Phoenix, elevation 1,400 feet, to pine clad mountains along the Mogollon Rim, up to 7,400 feet. Highways 87, 188 and 260 are the main routes across the region, though most is rough and accessed only by 4WD tracks. The forest also includes rocky canyons, grassy plains, rivers and several artificial lakes including Bartlett Reservoir and Theodore Roosevelt Lake. You can check out more information here! https://www.fs.usda.gov/tonto
Cave Creek Ranger District
40202 North Cave Creek Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85262
(480)595-3300
Globe Ranger District
7680 S. Six Shooter, Canyon Rd., Globe, Arizona 85501
(928)425-7189
Mesa Ranger District
5140 E. Ingram St., Mesa, Arizona 85205
(480)610-3300
Payson Ranger District
1009 E. Highway 260, Payson, Arizona 85541
(928)474-7900
Tonto Basin Ranger District
28079 N. Az Highway 188, Roosevelt, Arizona 85545
(602)225-5395
No Vehicle Use Maps
Twelve widely separated mountain ranges make up the 1.78 million acre Coronado National Forest in southeast Arizona (plus one section in New Mexico). Known as ‘sky islands’, these forested peaks are surrounded by arid desert at much lower elevations, and harbor many species of wildlife. The largest component is west of Sierra Vista and contains the Coronado National Memorial; other parts include the Santa Catalina Mountains east of Tucson and the Chiricahua Mountains enclosing Chiricahua National Monument. Check out additional information here! https://www.fs.usda.gov/coronado
Douglas Ranger District
1192 West Saddleview Road, Douglas, AZ 85607
(520) 364-3468
Nogales Ranger District
303 Old Tucson Rd. Nogales, AZ 85621
(520) 281-2296
Vehicle Use Maps: (Nogales & Sierra Vista, Front), (Nogales & Sierra Vista, Back)
Safford Ranger District
711 14th Avenue, Suite D, 711 14th Avenue Safford, AZ 85546
(928) 428-4150
Santa Catalina Ranger District
5700 N. Sabino Canyon Rd, Tucson, AZ 85750
(520) 749-8700
Sierra Vista Ranger District
4070 S, Avenida Saracino, Hereford, AZ 85615
(520) 378-0311
Vehicle Use Maps: (Nogales & Sierra Vista, Front), (Nogales & Sierra Vista, Back)
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) manages over 12 million acres of public lands in Arizona, including vast deserts, mountain ranges, and riparian areas. The BLM lands in Arizona offer a range of recreational opportunities, including hiking, camping, hunting, and fishing. Some of the most popular areas managed by the BLM include the Sonoran Desert National Monument, the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area, and the Agua Fria National Monument. These areas are home to unique flora and fauna, including saguaro cacti, desert bighorn sheep, and Gila monsters. Visitors can also explore ancient ruins and rock art sites that showcase the rich cultural history of the region. The BLM lands in Arizona provide a chance to experience the state’s natural beauty while also learning about its cultural heritage.
The Arizona Strip District is a vast and remote area of public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) covering over 2.8 million acres in northwestern Arizona. The district is characterized by its rugged terrain, including towering cliffs, deep canyons, and vast plateaus. The Arizona Strip is home to unique wildlife, including desert bighorn sheep, mountain lions, and California condors. Visitors to the area can enjoy a range of outdoor recreational activities, including hiking, camping, hunting, and fishing. The district is also home to several designated wilderness areas, including the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness, the Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument, and the Mount Logan Wilderness. These areas offer a chance to experience the stunning natural beauty of the region and connect with nature. The Arizona Strip District is a unique and remote landscape that provides a true wilderness experience for adventurous visitors. You can check out more information here! https://www.blm.gov/office/arizona-strip-district-office
Arizona Strip District Office
345 E. Riverside Drive , St. George, UT 84790-6714
(435) 688-3200
La Posa Long Term Visitor Area- Yuma Field Office
7341 E. 30th St., Suite A, Yuma, AZ 85365
(928) 317-3200
Grand Canyon- Parchant National Monument
Can be contacted using Arizona Strip District Office information above
The Colorado River District is a region of public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) covering over 240,000 acres in western Arizona. The district includes a 15-mile stretch of the Colorado River, which provides opportunities for boating, fishing, and camping. The area is characterized by its rugged and varied landscape, which includes towering cliffs, canyons, and mesas. The district is home to unique flora and fauna, including endangered species such as the California condor and desert tortoise. Visitors can explore several designated wilderness areas, including the Havasu Wilderness, which features the stunning Havasu Falls and the Cataract Canyon Wilderness. The Colorado River District offers a unique outdoor experience for visitors, with opportunities to explore the stunning natural beauty of the region and experience the power and majesty of the Colorado River. You can check out more information here! https://www.blm.gov/office/colorado-river-district-office
Kingman Field Office
2755 Mission Blvd., Kingman, AZ 86401
(928)718-3700
Lake Havasu Field Office
1785 Kiowa Ave., Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403
(928)505-1200
The Gila District in Arizona is an expansive and diverse region, encompassing a variety of landscapes and ecosystems. Located in the southern part of the state, the district includes rugged mountain ranges, vast deserts, and winding rivers. The terrain is both stunning and challenging, with steep canyons and rocky cliffs providing ample opportunities for outdoor recreation such as hiking, camping, and rock climbing. The area is also home to a rich diversity of wildlife, including bighorn sheep, coyotes, and numerous species of birds. Despite its ruggedness, the Gila District has a unique beauty that draws visitors from around the world. You can check out more information here! https://www.blm.gov/office/gila-district-office
Gila District Office
3201 E. Universal Way, Tucson, AZ 85756
(520)258-7200
Safford Field Office
711 14th Ave., Safford, AZ 85546
(928)348-4400
Tucson Field Office
3201 E. Universal Way, Tucson, AZ 85756
(520)258-7200
There aren’t any grasslands in Arizona!
tips and tricks
If you plan to visit popular attractions like the Grand Canyon, book tickets and accommodations in advance to avoid long lines and high prices. Arizona has 22 national parks and monuments, including Petrified Forest National Park, Saguaro National Park, and Montezuma Castle National Monument.
Arizona is a great place to stargaze, with many clear nights and dark skies. The Kitt Peak National Observatory, located near Tucson, is one of the best places in the world for observing the stars and planets.
Arizona is home to one of the world’s largest meteor craters, located near Winslow. It was formed about 50,000 years ago when a meteorite crashed into the Earth, creating a massive hole that is nearly a mile wide. In addition, The Grand Canyon, one of the world’s most famous natural wonders, is located in Arizona. It is over 270 miles long and up to 18 miles wide in some places.
do’s and dont’s
Respect the environment – Arizona is home to a unique and fragile ecosystem, so it’s important to follow Leave No Trace principles and avoid damaging the landscape.
Check for road closures and travel advisories, especially if you plan to drive in remote areas or during monsoon season when flash flooding can occur.
Be aware of wildlife – Arizona is home to many types of wildlife, including snakes and scorpions. Always watch your step when hiking and keep a safe distance from animals you encounter.
Don’t forget sunscreen – With an average of 300 days of sunshine per year, it’s important to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
