Flagstaff is a leaf peeper’s paradise, often hailed as Arizona’s capital of autumn, with warming fall colors descending from the San Francisco Peaks to the streets of Flagstaff and offering opportunities to capture alluring golden, crimson and auburn autumn colors. This fall, take to the skies on the Scenic Gondola at Arizona Snowbowl. As you soar over the mountains, enjoy the glories of autumn’s crisp colors, with a spectacular view of the mixed fir and aspen tree canopy below, including … [Read more...] about Experience An Epic Autumn
Coconino National Forest
Reinforcing the Path to Trail Preservation
It’s often said that the journey is as rewarding as the destination. Such may well be the case for visitors using the more than 400 miles of world-famous red rock trails in the Sedona Red Rock District of the Coconino National Forest. Sedona trails serve about three million people each year. As the gateway to Red Rock Country, the trail system is designed to educate and thrill travelers by providing an outdoors experience and information about the vegetation, geology, wildlife and cultural … [Read more...] about Reinforcing the Path to Trail Preservation
Arizona on Fire
Billy Cordasco and Ryan Butler sat on a hilltop behind Cedar Ranch and watched as the Slate Fire pushed its way east through juniper, pinyon and ponderosa pine forest from Highway 180 toward the historic ranch house, barn, wells and pipeline north of the San Francisco Peaks. Cordasco, president and general manager of Babbitt Ranches, is a fourth generation descendant of the original Babbitt brothers who started the ranching empire here in the late 1800s. Butler is a fire division supervisor for … [Read more...] about Arizona on Fire
Flagstaff Getting New Deputy District Ranger
The Coconino National Forest is pleased to welcome Jen Hensiek as the new Deputy District Ranger of the Flagstaff Ranger District. Jen moved from McCall, Idaho where she was the North Zone Recreation Staff for the Boise National Forest with direct oversight of recreation on three ranger districts. She has also worked as a biological science technician analyzing soil samples, conducted interpretive programs near Juneau, AK, and worked on a wilderness trail crew in the Selway-Bitterroot … [Read more...] about Flagstaff Getting New Deputy District Ranger
Travel Restrictions on Coconino Forest Beginning Soon
On May 1, the Coconino National Forest will implement the Travel Management Rule, which is mandated across all national forests and prohibits motor vehicle use off designated routes and roads. The purpose of the Rule is to provide for appropriate motorized access and motorized recreation opportunities while protecting important forest resources and non-motorized recreation opportunities. “This will be a big change requiring users to only drive on those routes and areas shown on the Motor … [Read more...] about Travel Restrictions on Coconino Forest Beginning Soon
Restrictions Affecting Forest Off-Roading
Plans to close more than 3,000 miles of Coconino National forestland to motorized vehicles is raising the ire of many groups. The closure means nearly half of the rural forest roads currently open will close in February. Groups on both sides of this issue have been meeting for six years to come up with a plan that offers a compromise. The groups have been offering opinions on the plans being set forth by the U.S. Forest Service. According to Brady Smith with the Coconino National Forest, … [Read more...] about Restrictions Affecting Forest Off-Roading
Matt Ryan Testifying in Washington D.C.
Hoping to gain federal support to allow several Coconino County residents to retain property they’ve lived on for years, County District 3 Supervisor Matt Ryan testified before the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee on Friday morning. Supervisor Ryan urged members of the Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands to approve H.R. 1038. The resolution, introduced by U.S. Rep. Paul Gosar on March 11, 2011, would allow the U.S. Forest Service to transfer up to 3 acres of federal … [Read more...] about Matt Ryan Testifying in Washington D.C.
Lowell Observatory’s Discovery Partnership
Lowell Observatory announces that Boston University (BU) has signed a long-term agreement to become a partner for the Discovery Channel Telescope (DCT). The agreement in perpetuity grants BU astronomers use of the world-class, four-meter telescope for 40 or more nights each year. “Lowell Observatory has a strong relationship with BU that we expect will get stronger as a result of this agreement,” says Lowell director Dr. Jeff Hall. “We look forward to increased scientific and outreach … [Read more...] about Lowell Observatory’s Discovery Partnership
Camping Restrictions In Place Near Snowbowl
To provide for greater public safety and property protection, the Coconino National Forest is implementing a restriction on overnight camping in the Snowbowl Road, Snowbowl and Leroux Springs area. Camping is still allowed at designated dispersed campsites along Forest Road 522/Freidlein Prairie Road and at “Big Camp” along Humphreys Peak trail. Day-use recreational activities such as hiking and biking are not affected. The Forest Order and Restriction Area map are posted … [Read more...] about Camping Restrictions In Place Near Snowbowl
Additional Fire Restrictions for Flagstaff and Coconino
Coconino National Forest officials are implementing additional fire restrictions. Under these restrictions, fires, campfires, charcoal, coal or wood stoves continue to be prohibited on the forest, including in developed campgrounds. The restrictions also limit smoking to within enclosed vehicles or buildings. Fireworks are always prohibited on National Forest System lands. Additional restrictions prohibit: chainsaw use from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m, discharging a firearm unless engaged in a … [Read more...] about Additional Fire Restrictions for Flagstaff and Coconino
