I visited the Red Rock Ranger Visitor Center. Talk about a nice visitor center in the middle of a scenic area. There's information inside about the geology of the area, the ecology, and more. The displays were quite informative. There was a gift shop area that was closed when I went, but looked like it had an assortment of stuff. My favorite part of the Ranger Station was the hummingbird feeders outside. I saw at least ten different hummingbirds of different species flitting around drinking from the feeders and chasing each other around. Helpfully, there were signs around helping to identify the species of birds. Seriously, I have never seen as many hummingbirds as I have during my visit. They pretty much ignore you too, so you can take photos and such. They're not shy! The bathrooms are outside the main visitor area - pretty standard. Great place to stretch your legs. I really enjoyed driving through here - there's the snow-capped San Francisco Peaks, towering red rocks of Sedona, ponderosa pine forests, deserts, and more. It's simply amazing in its breadth. read more

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One of my most favorite places on earth. Red rocks, vortexes, sun rises and chill people. Sedona is pricey but gives a place to lay your head between hikes. read more

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To find this place you have to be quick on the steering wheel and slow on the gas, we only saw one sign for it so don't blink or you will pass it. This spot is perfect as a rest stop as you are driving through the mountains to get out and stretch your legs and really enjoy some unbelievable sights. I reminds me of to the Grand Canyon except with trees everywhere. There are plenty of "lookout" areas as you walk the path to see Gods jaw dropping creation. On the lot they also have native American Indians selling jewelry, knives, Christmas, ornaments, and even Tomahawks. "I bought 2 very expensive but beautiful handmade ornaments. read more

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We had an amazing roller coaster of a time here! We came here back in February on the eve of a huge Canada-level snowstorm that we were definitely not ready for. We made it though (barely)! The first couple of days we spent looking at some ancient ruins and some of the must-see Sedona sights. All of this was stunning. Even getting around there was always something to look at. The ruins were so impressive and it's very interesting to see the creativity employed to get by and live comfortably at that time so many years ago. And Sedona is gorgeous, everywhere. The snowstorm was no joke. We were in a teeny tiny rental car. We barely made it. There were so many road closures. Our trip down to Phoenix that day was seven hours longer than expected. Moral of the story: look at the weather forecast and plan ahead! We only saw a small fraction of the forest. I would have loved to have more time and get to know the area better. Would highly highly recommend, and can't wait to be back. read more

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We traveled through Coconino National forest when we were driving into Sedona from Flagstaff. Coconino is one of the largest forests in the nation spanning an impressive 1.8 million acres. During our drive south to Sedona, you can see the landscape transition from lush green treelined forest to gorgeous orange, gold and red hues amidst picture perfect blue skies when entering Sedona's Red Rock country. The one lane road through the forest into Sedona carries breathtaking views at every twist and turn. Even with the 15 minute delay due to construction, it's still worth the drive. Take it all in and enjoy the serenity nature has to offer. read more

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We came to Coconino National Forest for a group snow day. With snow up to our knees, the spot we found was perfect for an afternoon of playing in the snow. All the snow did prevent us from truly exploring the park. The area we discovered we enjoyed. The air was crisp. Many mature trees. Coming from the Phoenix area, the mountain/forest feel was a welcomed change. Our group spent hours creating, sledding, and snowball fighting. It was nice to see kids having fun in the outdoors. Lots of families came to the area we were. Several groups with snowmobiles used it as their starting point. We arrived mid-morning. It was a good couple of hours of having our little alcove to ourselves. I look forward to returning to Coconino National Forest. There is still so much of the park to experience. read more

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Coconino National Forest is a beautiful national forest and unique in which it offers beautiful views of red rocks of Sedona, a pine forest, desert areas, mountains, canyons, lakes and creeks. Driving from Flagstaff to Sedona early last month with my husband and our little girl dog, we drove through this beautiful and lush forest and made a few stops along the way to enjoy a picnic lunch and mother nature's love letter to Arizona. Please note that you are able to drive through the forest but recreation areas and camp sites are currently closed due to covid 19. Normally it cost $5 for a day pass, $15 for a week pass or $20 for a year pass. Coconino National Forest has numerous of hiking trails, but unfortunately a lot of them have very little shade (so dress accordingly and bring plenty of water with you). Leashed dogs are allowed in more areas of the forest, including campgrounds, in case you wish to bring your best friend along on your next visit. But because this is still a forest, you have to be cautious of other animals (snakes, poisonous plants, ticks/ insects). There are hotels/ cabins available for accommodations if that interest you. Also on our visit, we saw some handmade wares sold by some of the Native American women that included handmade jewelry, bow & arrows, head pieces, paintings and scarves. Please note that cell phone service can be spotty at times throughout the forest. read more

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This national forest is magnificent. I am writing this review while sitting approximately 20 feet below sea level. I have lived here my whole life and grown accustomed to the views of the south. Sure there is a lot of natural beauty here, but it is nothing that compares to the Coconino National Forest. I first experienced this amazing forest when taking the scenic route on a road trip out west. I got to experience more of it when driving from Flagstaff to Sedona. That drive is what made me love this forest. It is one of the top five most beautiful places I have ever driven. When I tell people from Louisiana how much I love this part of the world they look at me like I am crazy. Most of the people I know do not understand that there are trees and mountains here. Everyone pictures some vast swath of desert. So to all you naysayers, get yourself to this national forest. It will change your life. read more

The Coconino National Forest is an incredibly diverse ecosystem and shows the stark contrasts between the Ponderosa Pines in Flagstaff and the desert rocks of Sedona and the Verde Valley. One of the most amazing drives in AZ is the drive from Flagstaff to Sedona to see the transition between the two climates. The San Francisco peaks near Flagstaff are covered in snow during the winter months. It can be perplexing for a Midwesterner to cross country ski on the mountains or have to stop hiking because the snow is too deep in Arizona. I suppose it will always get cold if the altitude is high enough. Sedona is on the southern end of the Coconino National Forest. The dirt, rocks, and vegetation are all different at this altitude. Sedona has already jumped off the deep end for tourism in the city. Anytime I'm in the area it feels like I'm in the amusement park. Fortunately, there are more hiking and mountain biking trails in than one can do in a full year. The most beautiful hike in the area is at Jordan Road Trailhead, looping around Soldier Pass and Devil's Kitchen. The views are so beautiful it made me think that what I was seeing was not real but fiction. read more

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Seeing the Red Rocks in Arizona was pretty but the weather was far too hot for me to recommend the short walk (less than an hour) that we completed here. The combination of sun and dry heat were brutal and we saw more than a few sunburned and parched people hoofing it slowly through the trails. I love hiking but found this too uncomfortable to recommend it except for people who love the heat. read more

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Lots of trails available in Coconino National Forest. One of my favorites is Elden Lookout Trail, with a parking lot easily accessible off Route 66 near Flagstaff Mall and next to the Forest Service Ranger Station. The shortest way (2.6 miles) to the top of Mt. Elden is by going left on Fatman's Loop which connects to Elden Lookout Trail. There's a longer way (6 miles) by going right on Fatman's Loop, getting on the Christmas Tree trail (1.5 miles), turning left to take the Sandy Sheep Trail (0.2 miles), turning left to take the Heart Trail (2 miles), turning left to take the Sunset Trail (1.5miles), and finally turning right to take the last bit of the Elden Lookout Trail (0.3 miles) and make the final ascent to the top. read more

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We drive to Sedona and flagstaff quite frequently but I can never have enough of the views Breathtaking! Bring your family and friends if you haven't. Recommend doing the trail sometime done great spots for camping nearby. The landscape different varieties of plants and trees are a delight to watch during the changing seasons. Fall is of my favorite time to drive to Sedona. Cheers! read more

I absolutely love it here! Yes, there's a forest in Arizona and it's breathtaking. The views are beautiful. The drive is beautiful. There are lots of campgrounds and tons of hiking trails. Honestly, I could live here. For now, I need to find more time just to get up here, enjoy nature, and roam the trails. It's a great getaway not too far from home and definitely something everyone should see. If you're traveling to either the Grand Canyon or Sedona, make sure to take the drive from Flagstaff to Sedona through this fabulous forest. You won't regret it! read more

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Beautiful place the overlook had stunning views of the mountains and trees. Very scenic and would love to visit again. read more

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My dad, kids, and I were driving through Flagstaff and I decided to take a little hike detour on the way. Fatmans Loop came up as kid friendly and easy to access, so that was the direction we went. Clean and well-maintained trail. We were there mid-day on a Sunday and there were other hikers and families about. Safe with others around, but also not too crowded. We didn't do the whole loop (feedback was that that particular loop wasn't well-marked - we didn't get far enough to know one way or another) due to time constraints. Enjoy this beautiful spot!!! read more

Coconino National Forest - Public Services & Government Near Me - Flagstaff, Arizona

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I stopped by here with the parentals to check out the amazing view! See pic here: http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/coconino-national-forest-flagstaff?select=1DROSw_3UqmhBKZix2GQgQ#vMfixXrahj0Yn5-m3YenvQ The Coconino National Forest has a visitor's center which is staffed with local Arizonians who are very helpful in giving you tips for your best excursion you wish to proceed. They even have a map and highlight main touristy points that are definitely worth visiting! ***Note: some of the touristy areas would require a parking fee if you'll be hiking or entering a certain area. Fees vary per site.*** They do have a mini gift shop and I was able to purchase some Prickly Pear Taffy and some magnets of the beautiful rocks for souvenirs and gifts for friends. There is a bathroom at the visitors center which is decently maintained. Caution as this place can be quite COLD! Even though it's a lovely sunny day, there is a gust of wind that can be breezing by, so layer up accordingly! If you're on your way to Sedona, definitely stop here for directions on how to make your visit worthwhile! Happy travels! Yelp 2013 100 for 100 Challenge - Review #32 read more

Coconino National Forest - Hot rocks! - Public Services & Government Near Me - Flagstaff, Arizona

Buy a Red Rock Pass. Most of the land around Sedona is owned by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Coconino National Forest, to be exact. The land ranges from open, barren ground with shrubs about every 20 feet, to a Ponderosa pine forest that would make any European envious. From flatland to mountain top, a lot of it belongs to the USDA. This means that any time you want to stop at a lookout or a turnout, you'll find it is controlled permit parking. In a town that basically consists of an intersection of two highways, it is very easy to find yourself on Federal land. Even in town you'll find turnouts that are managed by the same system. So when you see a sign that says you can buy a Red Rock Pass, do it. The vending machines are yellow boxes with solar panels mounted above them, and with keypads and credit card readers mounted in the front. The passes themselves are printed paper strips. You'll find buying a pass to be an experience very similar to paying for a tank of gas. A one-day permit is $5, and a 5-day permit is $15. You can also buy these passes at the Sedona Chamber of Commerce in uptown Sedona. I have heard rumors that a 30-day pass is also available. Really. Buy a Red Rock Pass. read more

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[This review is only for the Fatmans Loop trail] My friend and I started at the foot of the trail around 9:30-10am or so and then made it back to the same place around 12pm. I am not so adept at hiking, so I had to make quite a few stops to catch my breath, drink some water, and snack on some fruit. Fatmans Loop is a relatively flat trail that meanders around the side of the mountain and eventually leads you back to the same place at which you started. The many rocks on the trail made it difficult for me to simply look straight and ahead because I was so busy trying to make sure I wouldn't slip or trip on the loose rocks. The trees also cover some of the view from time to time. I'm originally from New York, so seeing pine trees is nothing new to me. There were some interesting looking boulders to take pictures with, but other than that, I wouldn't go out of my way to hike this trail unless you happen to be in the neighborhood. read more

The Oak Creek Canyon Vista is located in the Coconino National Forest about half way between Sedona and Flagstaff, and is definitely worth the 13 - 15 mile trip on AZ 89A to take in the beauty that is the canyon. It's free to come in and park, look around, take photos from the many points that let you look down into the canyon, and there are a bunch of Navajo (Dine) vendors that sell jewelry and other items there (at least on weekends). You can learn a lot about the canyon there too from the signs posted along the walk that tell you various facts about the area and wildlife. If you go to or are in Flagstaff or Sedona, don't miss the chance to enjoy this beautiful canyon. read more

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Visited the information center and it was closed by the time we got there. It's a beautiful place to take photos of Sedona's Red Rocks. read more

Coconino National Forest - Info on Red Rock Country - Public Services & Government Near Me - Flagstaff, Arizona

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Can't really say much other it look beautiful! When I arrived the sign said CLOSED due to pandemic! Was able to continue on but when it does open I would recommend ! Looked like a extremely beautiful place to visit, read more

We drove through this forest on our way from Grand Canyon to Sedona on route 89A and I could not believe how beautiful it was! The road wove through the forest of trees which hung over the road. The weather was beautiful and the scenery was incredible. I saw some campsites from the road and this looks like a great place to camp and spend the weekend. It looks like there are many great places to hike and some awesome photo opportunities. I'm from New England originally and this reminded me of home, but it's right here in Arizona. read more

I came out here with my friends on the way to Sedona. We only stopped by the visitor center and the people are very friendly and helpful. You can also see some of the red rocks from here. Nice place to come here with family or a small trip with friends. Note: Don't wash your car before coming here during windy months...windy = red car from all the dust. read more

Coconino National Forest - sign before the visitor center - Public Services & Government Near Me - Flagstaff, Arizona

Great trail diversity (i.e., easy, medium and difficult trails) with excellent views. Plus, a day pass is only $5 and a weekly pass is $10, which is an excellent value, as the trails are well maintained and the costs permits you to park at all the different park trailheads. We completed three different hikes during our visit: Cathedral Rock, Soldier Pass/Brins Mesa Loop, and Boynton Canyon. Of those, I personally liked Cathedral Rock and Boynton Canyon the best. Both trails had a fairly easy scramble at the end, with the scramble on Cathedral Rock being slightly more challenging than that found in Boynton Canyon. Overall, both trails were fairly easy and offered an amazing view at the end. Soldier Pass/Brins Mesa was also really rewarding -- you pass by the sacred pools and the sink hole, and there are excellent views of the red rocks from hilltops. However, this trail requires close attention to markers, as its somewhat easy to end up off trail. read more

Forest... in the desert! It's a puzzling sight, and if it weren't for the elevation, this wouldn't be a forest - probably a desert like the rest of AZ - it's definitely special. There are so many amazing trails to hike in the Coconino National Forest area. I recommend a stop at the Park Ranger station right off 89 in Flagstaff to get maps and suggestions. They're nice and can help you figure out the right hike for your skill and/or motivation level, even if that means just a scenic drive in the car. The Canyon drive down to Sedona is life-changing, but a hike of Fat Man's loop on Mt. Elden is always a good idea too. Seriously, I want to work for the Forest Service and just live in these woods Walden-style. Last thing remember, wildfires are a huge problem here and they are often preventable! So be careful while you enjoy the beautiful forest. read more

Beautiful drive! I have loved it every time and I have driven though it for years. I personally recommend stopping in the forested areas leading to Sedona and seeing if you can pick some wild apples. The variation in vegetation is amazing. You go from pine forest to desert environment in the drive and it is fantastic. If you want a pretty drive, do this one. read more

We love coming up here. Spent a fabulous weekend exploring all over Sedona and Flagstaff and can never get enough. You can lose yourself in silence, be out of Cellular Service Range, no electricity and just get back to basics. No stress, no worries, just feeling free. This is a big area and much to see and explore. If a person has a sense of adventure, willing to get off the asphalt and see where that Forest Road leads, you will see mother nature in a whole new perspective. Wildlife is abundant, noise is none, crowds are non-existent....my type of relaxation. Bring a tent, actually see all the stars in the sky at night and watch satellites glide across the atmosphere. Plan ahead and catch some hiking trails to some awesome sights. I prefer to see things in person and have discovered quite a bit of things not publicized and I greedily keep to myself so I can appreciate again in the future. LOL. Please keep these forests clean and pick up after yourself for the next person or family to enjoy the best mother nature has to offer. read more

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Driving south through Coconino National Forest from Grand Canyon to Sedona is a beautiful, scenic route. What's amazing is that as you within a half hour span, you go from this amazing view which reminded me of the Sierra Nevadas near Tahoe ... and then all of a sudden, the snow is gone and you're faced with the equally stunning red rocks of Sedona. Coupled with the Grand Canyon only two hours away, this is some of the most magnificent natural landscape I've seen. read more

Stop at the Ranger Station at Elden. Super friendly, knowledgeable staff. They were very helpful regarding forest road and camping info. Lots of brochures,etc available. read more

Took some back roads. Amazing and scary drive up the mountains. But the peace and quiet is worth it. Beautiful park!!

We stopped on our way to Las Vegas from Sedona for a bathroom break & view of the Flagstaff/northern Arizona region. There is ample parking & the views are spectacular with a creek below, lots of trees, red rocks, & mountains. The restrooms are clean; it was my first using a pit style toilet & having air blow up from the toilet. There were some people there that day selling items & it is a popular hiking area & there were dogs & some other animals that everyone loved seeing. This is definitely a great place to stretch on a long car ride. read more

So many incredible views in Coconino. So many different types of landscapes, prarries, lava rock, ponderosa pines, desert, red desert. One of the prettiest, and most diverse places I have ever visited. read more

This is a review for Mt Elden lookout. It is a quite stunning view and close to town. However, it is pretty strenuous. I am acclimated to the altitude and in pretty good shape, but it is difficult. Don't let the 2.5 miles (one way) fool you. It climbs about 2500 feet and is quite steep. I was stupid and did not have water. bring water and a snack. It is pretty rocky and steep, so hiking boots and even trekking poles can be really useful. There is a ranger tower at the top you can climb if you are ok with heights. Be careful with dogs. We saw a guy with a lab and the dog got stuck going down. When we passed by we gave him some snacks, but the dog was really worn out and wouldn't move. You might feel that way too, but I imagine it is good training for the Grand Canyon and you really feel like you accomplished something. Most people we passed going down did not look happy. Also watch the weather- it can change especially during the summer with storms. read more