Flagstaff, Arizona — As fall colors arrive in Coconino National Forest, visitors often scramble for spots to view the spectacular reds, oranges and yellows that this season brings.
Due to the popularity of Lockett Meadow as a destination for viewing fall colors and aspen stands, vehicle access to the meadow will be managed over the next couple of weekends to ensure public safety.
Beginning October 7, Forest Service personnel will be positioned in Lockett Meadow and at the bottom of the road that leads to the meadow (near the junction of Forest Roads 552 and 418). Personnel will not allow uphill traffic once the maximum capacity of approximately 100 vehicles has been reached in Lockett Meadow for the day. As peak visitation in Lockett Meadow falls off for the day in the late afternoon, uphill access will be allowed. Uphill access is expected to resume at approximately 4:00 p.m.
Forest Road (FR) 552, which is used to access the meadow, is a narrow, rocky and rough forest road alongside a steep cliff that can be unsafe and difficult for opposing traffic to pass one another. Drivers should pay particular attention to oncoming traffic and blind corners. Passenger cars and vehicles with trailers are strongly discouraged.
Lockett Meadow Campground has 17 campsites ($16/night) that are on a first-come, first-served basis. The 100-vehicle restriction will not apply to those camping at Lockett Meadow. Those interested in viewing fall colors in Lockett Meadow should avoid weekends, as weekends tend to have the highest visitation numbers.
Other locations available for viewing fall colors!
Forest visitors are encouraged to seek other locations besides Lockett Meadow, as there are many locations to choose from. The following is a list of locations where one can view stunning fall colors across Coconino National Forest:
For current fall color status, more information and destinations to view fall colors on the Coconino, please visit our Fall Color Report.
John Stewart Managing Editor - 4x4Voice - 4x4Wire - MUIRNet.net Natural Resources Consultant - California Four Wheel Drive Association - http://www.cal4wheel.com Board of Directors - BlueRibbon Coalition http://www.sharetrails.org
OutdoorWire, 4x4Wire, JeepWire, TrailTalk, MUIRNet-News, and 4x4Voice are all trademarks and publications of OutdoorWire, Inc. and MUIRNet Consulting. Copyright (c) 1999-2020 OutdoorWire, Inc and MUIRNet Consulting - All Rights Reserved, no part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without express written permission. You may link freely to this site, but no further use is allowed without the express written permission of the owner of this material. All corporate trademarks are the property of their respective owners.