Coconino National Forest

The Coconino National Forest spans a total area of about 1.8 million acres of land situated in northern Arizona and spread across three counties including Yavapai, Coconino, and Gila counties, in Arizona. The forest can be accessed using two main routes including US 89 and US 89A. Some of the towns or cities close to the national forest include Flagstaff, Camp Clarkdale, Sedona, and Verde. 

The park was established on July 2, 1908, and is managed by the U.S. Forest Service. Visitors to the park can be treated to a whole host of interesting features at the park. Some of the top features that make the Coconino National Forest a popular place for visitors include the Oak Creek Canyon, which is comprised of red and pink sandstone cliffs. You can also find Arizona's highest point atop Mount Humphreys at the height of 12,633 feet. 

Furthermore, the forest is also home to the Mogollon Rim, which is a rugged escarpment that forms part of the Colorado Plateau. The forest is also the home to ten federally protected wilderness areas including Kendrick Mountain Wilderness, Kachina Peaks Wilderness, Mazatzal Wilderness, Fossil Springs Wilderness, Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness, Munds Mountain Wilderness, Sycamore Canyon Wilderness, Strawberry Crater Wilderness, Wet Beaver Wilderness, and West Clear Creek Wilderness.

Predominant plant species in the forest include conifers and other evergreen plants. The single most popular plant is the Ponderosa Pine. Besides these interesting natural features, the forest is also popular for several other recreational activities including hunting, camping, fishing, canoeing, hiking, boating, rafting, horseback riding, snowmobiling, ORV riding, cross-country and downhill skiing, and snowshoeing.  

Dogs are allowed into Coconino National Forest, but you have to be aware that some regulations must be followed to protect wildlife, the natural habitat, visitors and their pets. Some of the rules regarding dogs are as follows. First, dog owners are expected to clean up after their dogs and dispose of the solid waste in the right manner. Secondly, dogs are expected to always be on a leash or in a secure enclosure.