Explore the Coronado National Forest
- Places to Visit
- Coronado National Forest
Where Arizona's Wild Places Come Together
Surrounding much of southeastern Arizona, Coronado National Forest is a landscape of towering mountains, remote wilderness, scenic drives, hidden canyons, and endless opportunities for exploration. Within Graham County, the forest serves as the backdrop for many of the region’s most iconic outdoor destinations, including Mount Graham, the Pinaleño Mountains, and countless miles of trails, campgrounds, and recreation areas.
Unlike many national forests that are defined by a single landscape, Coronado National Forest is a collection of mountain ranges known as “Sky Islands”—isolated peaks rising from the surrounding desert. This creates an extraordinary mix of ecosystems, scenery, and outdoor experiences found nowhere else in the country.
A Forest Unlike Any Other
Coronado National Forest isn’t one continuous forest. Instead, it’s a network of mountain ranges scattered across southeastern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico, each with its own character and environment. In a single day, visitors can experience desert grasslands, oak woodlands, pine forests, alpine landscapes, and rugged wilderness areas.
This incredible diversity has made Coronado one of the most biologically rich public lands in the Southwest and a destination for hikers, campers, birdwatchers, photographers, and outdoor adventurers from around the world.
Coronado National Forest Highlights:
- 1.7 Million Acres of Public Land
- 11 Distinct Mountain Ranges (“Sky Islands”)
- Home to Mount Graham & the Pinaleño Mountains
- Hundreds of Miles of Trails & Forest Roads
- Some of Arizona’s Most Diverse Wildlife & Ecosystems
Sky Island Landscapes
The forest’s mountain ranges rise dramatically from the desert floor, creating isolated ecosystems filled with unique plants, wildlife, and scenery.
Endless Outdoor Recreation
Hiking, camping, fishing, mountain biking, wildlife viewing, scenic driving, and stargazing are all part of the Coronado experience.
Forests Above the Desert
Visitors can travel from cactus-covered valleys into cool pine forests in less than an hour, experiencing one of Arizona’s most dramatic landscape transitions.
Room to Explore
With vast public lands and numerous recreation areas, Coronado National Forest offers endless opportunities to discover new places and adventures.
Frequently Asked Questions About Coronado National Forest
Coronado National Forest is a federally managed forest covering portions of southeastern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico, known for its Sky Island mountain ranges and diverse landscapes.
Yes. The Pinaleño Mountains, including Mount Graham, are one of the forest's most popular recreation areas.
Visitors enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, scenic drives, wildlife viewing, photography, mountain biking, and countless other outdoor activities.
Its collection of isolated mountain ranges creates one of the most biologically diverse regions in North America, with ecosystems ranging from desert to alpine forest.
Most forest areas are open to public access, though certain campgrounds, recreation sites, or activities may require permits or fees.