Coconino National Forest
Coconino National Forest
4.5
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Named after the Coho Native American people, this forest is two million acres of recreational, lumber, and mining land.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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4.5
451 reviews
Excellent
327
Very good
110
Average
10
Poor
2
Terrible
2
Ellie S
Tempe, AZ216 contributions
Jul 2020
Driving into the Coconino National Forest after being in the desert landscape all day was such a breath of fresh air. We were obsessed with the landscape here and want to take a trip back to focus on hiking some trails and really immersing ourselves into this landscape. The temperature difference was not one we anticipated for the heat of the summer but the elevation here makes quite the difference so bring a light jacket and pants or leggings if you plan to be outside for a length of time.
Written July 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HeardItBothWays
Easton, PA2,364 contributions
Oct 2020
My husband and I drove through Coconino National Forest en route from Sedona to Utah and were glad we got to see so much of this forest! There were quite a few beautiful stops along the way. One of our favorites had a trail along a creek where we were able to see some beautiful rock formation, lots of greenery, a creek, and the waterfall that feeds it. I'd definitely recommend visiting this forest if you have the chance!
Written November 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
VespagirL55
Bisbee, AZ677 contributions
Aug 2021
Drove the "Around the Peaks Loop" today, a part of the forest we'd not explored. Beautiful vistas and loads of wildflowers in addition to the magnificent Ponderosas. Road not for low-clearance vehicles; check the Forest Service website before traveling. To get into the forest from the road, be alert to the mile markers and follow Forest Service directions.
Written August 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anonymous855
Trabuco Canyon, California1,800 contributions
May 2021
We were expecting magnificent vistas and did not find that at all. There was one significant turn out and it was full of jewelry but a so-so view. Maybe I'm jaded because we travel a lot and I've seen great views. We stopped in Sedona and then turned back around because of a car issue. Maybe Montezuma's castle would have added more interest.
Written May 31, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Janna
Arizona625 contributions
Apr 2022
Experienced a small part of the Coconino Forest trail system, connecting at the back of Buffalo Park. Enjoyed the forests, saw many birds new to me. So quiet, peaceful and beautiful. Easy walking with lower elevation gains. Trails not always well-marked, so take a picture of the trail map at the trailhead.
Written April 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gottalovepink
McAllen, TX97 contributions
Aug 2019
I was driving through from Sedona, AZ to Grand Canyon. I had just done some midday hiking and it was so refreshing to drive through Coconino National Forest. It was so cool and breezy with beautiful views of green everywhere, which was a bit ironic considering I had just hiked at 100 degree weather on red rocks in Sedona, AZ. I pulled over a couple of times to catch the view.
Written January 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NYU62
Tucson, AZ18,427 contributions
Aug 2018 • Couples
The Coconino National Forest is one of the largest National Forests we have ever gone through. We were staying in Flagstaff, and whether we went east, north or south, there it was. North and east of Flagstaff, it is almost all beautiful Ponderosa pine forests. Going south, one finds that those gorgeous red rocks of Sedona are part of this Forest. There are mountains and forests, and lakes and picnic areas. There is camping, and there are many hiking trails, from the easiest to the most difficult.
It seems to be very well maintained, as whenever we got out of the car, we saw no trash. Nor did we see any along the road when driving. Very clean restrooms everywhere. Parking areas are also clean and tidy.
A true treasure-----this National Forest.
It seems to be very well maintained, as whenever we got out of the car, we saw no trash. Nor did we see any along the road when driving. Very clean restrooms everywhere. Parking areas are also clean and tidy.
A true treasure-----this National Forest.
Written August 21, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paris N
Alhambra, CA17 contributions
Jun 2011
We camped for two nights, with another family at the Manzanita campground, in Coconino National Forest. The campground is designated for tents only and is very small. I would NOT suggest this campground for couples looking for a romantic getaway or anyone use to dispersed camping . . . the 19 sites are small and very close together.
On the other hand if you are looking for a getaway with no TV or Internet, a beautiful stream, fishing, shade and a place for the kids to dig in the sand and throw small stones in the river, this is the spot. The campground is kept very clean, considering the amount of use it gets and vault toilets are clean as well.
For sites 9 thur 19 you can reserve through Recreation.gov, but note that their information is out dated. Only one car per campsite is allowed, even if it is a two tent, 8 person site. Two cars are not allowed at any of the sites even for the loading and uploading of camping gear. There's a turnout down the road from the site where the second car can be parked with the required Red Rock pass - $5 a day.
Expect for the camp host to review the campground rules with you, with the emphasis on firepit rules. He does this with an air of condescension which is uncalled for, but seems to be his style; which is applied to everyone equally. Though he is a bit of an tyrant regarding the fire issue, he didn't realize that the site next to use was blasting their car radio, until I told him - "No Radios or Amplified Devices at any time" in caps, it said at the bottom of the campground rules sheet he handed me. My guess is that he is hard of hearing. Anyway, you've been warned . . . and yes, I do get the seriousness of forest fires, I just think we would all prefer to be treated like adults.
On the other hand if you are looking for a getaway with no TV or Internet, a beautiful stream, fishing, shade and a place for the kids to dig in the sand and throw small stones in the river, this is the spot. The campground is kept very clean, considering the amount of use it gets and vault toilets are clean as well.
For sites 9 thur 19 you can reserve through Recreation.gov, but note that their information is out dated. Only one car per campsite is allowed, even if it is a two tent, 8 person site. Two cars are not allowed at any of the sites even for the loading and uploading of camping gear. There's a turnout down the road from the site where the second car can be parked with the required Red Rock pass - $5 a day.
Expect for the camp host to review the campground rules with you, with the emphasis on firepit rules. He does this with an air of condescension which is uncalled for, but seems to be his style; which is applied to everyone equally. Though he is a bit of an tyrant regarding the fire issue, he didn't realize that the site next to use was blasting their car radio, until I told him - "No Radios or Amplified Devices at any time" in caps, it said at the bottom of the campground rules sheet he handed me. My guess is that he is hard of hearing. Anyway, you've been warned . . . and yes, I do get the seriousness of forest fires, I just think we would all prefer to be treated like adults.
Written June 13, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cindy B
Callahan, FL247 contributions
May 2012 • Couples
We camped for free for 3 days in the forest across from Sunset Crater. Just pull into an area where someone has camped before. There are jerks that litter, but I figure cleaning up a bit was my payment. Wonderful Ponderosa pines with squirrels and deer in the area.
Written May 3, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paula V
The Villages, FL180 contributions
We wanted very specific information on hiking in the Red Rocks and were lucky to come upon the Coconino Park Visitor Center where a ranger had invaluable hiking info with detailed maps which included how to drive to trail, and pick up on other end. This center is right next door to the Hilton Resort and Spa in a shoppong Center around in the back. They also have brochures and info for the whole area. My husband and daughter picked the trail they wanted (Brimms Mesa), said the views were great. I dropped them off on one end, and picked them up on the other end so they did not have to retrace. They walked the 3 mile hike, then 2 more miles to the main Rd. I could have gone on the drivable dirt road and picked them up at the end of the trail, but they got done earlier then they thopught they would, so they walked to the paved road. They said that the dirt road was the most difficult part of the hike because of the incline. But the views in the trail were spectacular.
Written June 2, 2005
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HI. We will be traveling there in the middle of May. Would like to do some fishing any suggestions? We would like to do a stream or similar to what I would think of as "forest fishing". Don't want to fish on a dock with 20 other people. Don't mind a short walk but don't want to hike 5 miles either. We are staying in Flagstaff. But don't mind driving an hour or so either.
Written April 26, 2021
Which hikes are good for kids and a dog?
Written October 18, 2020
My family and I want to go up there next weekend. All of the reserved campsites are booked for the time we want to go. I notice that many of the sites are first come first served. Can anyone give me the odds of getting a space on first come first served? We live 2 1/2 hours away and it's a long drive if the chances are not good. Thank you!
Written July 2, 2019
Nice to know the area is good for photography. Looking to photograph a real cactus. Can we find any here?
Written June 13, 2018
Not the “Big Guys/Gals” to far north by 1 hour of driving. Smaller species for sure.
Written June 13, 2018
Sharon J (and others):
I read your review of the Coconino National Forest from a few years ago (2013). My wife and I are going there for the first time next week. I am looking for some of the "off the beaten path" trails and sites that you and your friends may know. We are only there for two days. But while we are there I would prefer not to do the typical tourist activities. Unless there is something that I should not miss. If that is the case I suppose going first thing in the morning would help to avoid the crowds. We will be there on a Wednesday and Thursday.
Thanks very much,
Dan and Laura
Written March 13, 2018
Coconino is a large forest (quite a spread), if in Sedona, there are a lot of places to see, on Wednesday and Thursday you most likely be alone. Bell, cathedral, the vortexes, are all short driving distance from town.
You may want to try contacting the hike house, they are a great resource and will guide you well.
Written March 14, 2018
which trail did you find this awesome tree? we are heading up to the trails this weekend and would love to find this trail!
Written March 10, 2018
Hi, I am travelling to Pheonix for the first time. I'm looking to stay in Coconino National Forest for one day and one night. Is there a trail / place to stay? or some sights to visit that are not to be missed?
Thank you in advance!
Written January 11, 2018
One caution. The previous comment mentioned route 89A. We were there last October. They had nightly lane closures posted, However, we went through there in the daytime from Sedona to Flagstaff. They had the road completely torn out in one section and were directing one way at a time traffic over the dirt through the construction zone right next to the heavy equipment. It was kind of insane. It added at least an hour to our travel time. The scenery was beautiful, but I would avoid that stretch if it is still under construction.
Written January 11, 2018
Looking to camp in December and wondering what weather conditions to expect. How cold? Snow? Any experience to share?
Written December 4, 2017
Camping Oct 1 was chilly at night, low 40's I recall. Had a zero sleeping cocoon from Walmart for $25 and was fine. Later camped at Grand Canyon Desert View and high 20's but still warm in cocoon. In Sedona the days warmed up quickly in sunshine, perfect weather. Since I was in Sedona mainly for mountain biking, ate breakfast and dinner in town, so not a lot of early or late time around camp except to shower and sleep. Great breakfasts at the Coffee Pot.
Written December 5, 2017
Are there any red rocks within 5 miles of the city of Flagstaff? If not red rocks, then any particular scenic walking trails easily accessible from a main road? We will be without a car and will only have ~4 hours of daylight while in town. Anywhere we can go by Uber? Thanks.
Written November 23, 2016
4 hour do-ables: Going south take Hwy 89A to Sedona, 30 miles away. Red Rock country, takes 1 hr to drive thru Oak Creek Canyon to Sedona. Gorgeous.
Going east, about 4 miles out to Oak Creek Canyon. Ancient Indian (Anasazi) bluff dwelling. Short trail takes you around dwellings in canyon wall.
Going north on 89, 8 miles out, Sunset Crater volcano; continue on 20 mile loop to Wupatki ancient bluff dwellings in high desert.
Written February 11, 2017
So would anyone care to be a logical person and post some prices for admission? Every aspect of this park is online but the prices.
Written October 24, 2016
All National Forests are free ....
Written October 25, 2016
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