Forests in Arizona

Arizona is home to six national forests which cover more than 11 million acres of public land. These are the Apache-Sitgreaves, Coconino, Coronado, Kaibab, Prescott, and Tonto National Forests. They range from high-elevation pine forests in the north to unique 'sky island' mountain ranges in the south.

The primary forests for outdoor recreation include Coconino National Forest near Flagstaff and Sedona, the expansive Tonto National Forest near Phoenix, and Coronado National Forest in the south. These three forests contain over 100 hiking routes each and are popular for mountain biking and cycling.

The primary activities in Arizona's forests are hiking, mountain biking, and cycling. The aggregated forests on this page feature more than 500 routes, with dedicated guides available for Hiking in Arizona and MTB Trails in Arizona. Running and gravel biking are also common.

The Coconino National Forest offers a diverse trail network around Flagstaff and Sedona. It includes more than 30 dedicated hiking trails and 20 mountain bike trails, traversing landscapes from red rock formations to pine forests and volcanic peaks.

As the largest national forest in Arizona, Tonto National Forest provides a wide range of terrain from Sonoran Desert to pine-clad mountains. The area includes over 40 hiking routes and nearly 20 mountain bike trails, offering activities for various skill levels.

Coronado National Forest is composed of 'sky islands'—forested mountain ranges that rise dramatically from the surrounding desert floor. This creates distinct ecosystems with high biodiversity. The forest contains over 40 hiking trails and 20 mountain bike trails across its separated mountain ranges.

Yes, Arizona's national forests offer an extensive network of hiking trails. The six forests featured on this page contain a combined total of over 150 dedicated hiking routes. These range from high-altitude trails in the Kaibab National Forest to desert canyon paths in the Tonto National Forest.

Mountain biking is a popular activity, with numerous trails available across the state's forests. The Prescott National Forest is notable for its 20 designated mountain bike trails. Coconino and Coronado National Forests also offer well-established trail systems for mountain bikers.

Some high-use recreation areas within Arizona's national forests, such as certain trailheads in Sedona (Coconino National Forest) or areas in Tonto National Forest, may require a recreation pass like a Red Rock Pass or a Tonto Discovery Pass. It is advisable to check the specific requirements for the area you plan to visit with the U.S. Forest Service, as regulations vary by location and activity.

The best time to visit depends on the forest's elevation and location. The higher-elevation forests in northern Arizona, like Coconino and Kaibab, are most pleasant in late spring, summer, and fall. The lower-elevation forests and those in the south, like Tonto and Coronado, are ideal for visiting in the fall, winter, and spring to avoid extreme summer heat.

Arizona's forests are large, federally protected areas that often contain significant mountain ranges within them, such as the San Francisco Peaks in Coconino National Forest. While this page focuses on the six national forests, the Mountains in Arizona page aggregates specific peaks and ranges across the state, some of which fall outside of national forest boundaries.