Coconino National Forest spans about 1.856 million acres in northern Arizona around Flagstaff and Sedona, ranging from desert near the Verde River to Humphreys Peak, the state’s highest point. This dramatic elevation range creates exceptional variety, including red rock canyons, juniper woodland, ponderosa pine forest, and Arizona’s only alpine tundra. Established in 1908 after earlier forest reserve designations beginning in 1898, it took shape under federal conservation policy despite early local opposition. Its districts include volcanic landscapes near Flagstaff, lakes on Anderson Mesa, Sedona’s famous red rock country, and the forested Mogollon Rim. The forest is also shaped by persistent wildfire risk and active management.