Lockett Meadow Campground

Lockett Meadow Road (Forest Road 552) temporarily closed

Lockett Meadow Road (Forest Road 552) is temporarily closed for maintenance.

PROHIBITIONS
Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a) and (b), the following are prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) lands in the Flagstaff Ranger District, Coconino National Forest, described below and shown on the attached map incorporated into this Order as Exhibit A (the “Described Road” and “Described Area”):

Being on the Described Road. 36 C.F.R. § 261.54(e).
Going into or being upon the Described Area for the protection of public health and safety. 36 C.F.R. § 261.53(e).

EXEMPTIONS
Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:

Persons with Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation or Order), specifically exempting them from this Order or a written determination by a Forest Service authorized officer that a permit is not required under 36 C.F.R. § 251.50(e)(1) or (2).
Any Federal, State, or Local Officer, member of an organized rescue or firefighting resource, or private contractor operating within the scope of an interagency agreement with the Forest Service and the National Park Service.

DESCRIBED ROAD AND AREA
The Described Area as depicted in Exhibit A includes all NFS lands and roads within 300 feet of and including National Forest System Road (NFSR) 552, beginning at the gate on NFSR near the junction with NSFR 552 (35°22'25"N ; 111°36'01"W), thence extending westerly to the saddle of Sugarloaf Mountain (35°22'15"N ; 111°37'02"W).

PURPOSE
To provide for public health and safety during road maintenance activities.

IMPLEMENTATION

This Order shall be in effect from July 14, 2026, through November 30, 2026, unless rescinded.
A map identifying the Described Trail and Described Area is attached and can be viewed below.
Unless otherwise expressly defined in this Order, the terms used in this Order are defined by the regulations of the Secretary of Agriculture, 36 C.F.R. Chapter II, Parts 200-299. If there are terms in this Order that are not expressly defined in the Order or 36 C.F.R. Chapter II, Parts 200-299, their meaning shall be determined by their plain language definitions.
A violation of the above prohibition is punishable as a Class B misdemeanor by a fine of not more than $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations, or by imprisonment for not more than six months, or both. 16 U.S.C. § 551; 18 U.S.C. §§ 3559, 3571, and 3581.
Contact the Flagstaff Ranger Station in Flagstaff, AZ at 928-526-0866 for more information about this Order.
This Order supersedes any previous Orders prohibiting the same or similar acts in the same Described Area.

Signed and issued on July 3, 2026.

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 bear 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 mllions 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.

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 wild flowers 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 which bear witness to the mountain’s turbulent heritage.

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Directions

Location: 15 north of Flagstaff in the heart of the San Francisco Peaks. Directions: Drive northeast of Flagstaff on US Highway 89 for 12.5 miles. Turn left on Forest Road 552, directly across from the Sunset Crater National Monument turnoff. Follow FR 552 for approximately one mile. 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. GPS (Map): 35°21'33.3"N 111°37'09.7"W Click map thumbnail for larger view.