Coconino NF--Lockett Meadow CG

Coconino NF--Lockett Meadow CG

Coconino National Forest Flagstaff, Arizona 86001

Official Website
Lockett Meadow Campground location map

Tips for Birding

This high-elevation meadow, complete with a campground, is a quieter way to experience the San Francisco Peaks. The road up is long and windy, but not as busy as Snowbowl Road. Many of the same birds can be found in the area, including American Three-Toed Woodpecker, Dusky Grouse, Clark’s Nutcracker, and Olive Warbler. A trail system provides access to the scenic Inner Basin as well as to the Peaks themselves.

About this Location

This primitive campground offers a scenic view of the San Francisco Peaks and dry camping in the cool aspen trees that surround Lockett Meadow. This is a terrific campground for those who cherish a real mountain camping experience and love to hike Wilderness trails. You may catch a glimpse of the natural residents, porcupine or elk or thrill to the song of a hermit thrush that sings his best here. Even black bears have been known to stroll right through groups of picnickers without as much as a glance at their lunches.

The San Francisco Peaks are actually the remains of an extinct volcano, which millions of years ago shattered and reshaped these great peaks, forming four of the highest individual peaks in Arizona and is home to the only region of tundra in Arizona. Inside the now quiet caldera, a lush alpine environment has blurred evidence of that cataclysmic event.

Drive northeast of Flagstaff on US-89 for 12.5 miles to FR-420 directly across from the Sunset Crater National Monument turnoff. Turn left (west) for about 1 mile to FR-552. Turn right at the Lockett Meadow sign and continue to the campground. This dirt road is closed in early spring and late fall due to snow.

This road is not recommended for RVs/trailers due to the very steep, narrow (single lane), and rough road.

Notable Trails

The Inner Basin Trail that leads into the heart of the ancient volcano begins in beautiful Lockett Meadow. Starting at this island of emerald, which is ringed with quaking aspen stands and majestic high peaks, it leads into the mountain’s now quiet Inner Basin. The Spring and Summer wildflowers add a sprinkling of blue, red, and yellow to the peaceful scene. While Fall turns the extensive stands of aspen, which cover the steep slopes of the caldera, to solid gold, Winter avalanche tracks streak down the talus slopes exposing remnants of old lava flows that bear witness to the mountain’s turbulent heritage.

Content from Official Website and Northern Arizona Audubon Society