Avoid Grand Canyon Crowds At This National Forest Between Phoenix And Flagstaff

The Grand Canyon is unquestionably one of the most mesmerizing places on earth and Arizona's most famous natural wonder. So famous that Arizona's official nickname is "the Grand Canyon State." But that recognition as one of the most popular American tourist destinations means lots and lots of crowds. According to the National Park Service, it welcomed a whopping 4.9 million visitors in 2024. So what if we told you there's somewhere equally stunning, where you can fish in cool waters, paddle calm rivers, camp overnight under dark skies, and hike through dramatic landscapes with views of volcanic and mountainous peaks without the Grand Canyon's relentless crowds? There is, and it's called Coconino National Forest.

Stretching across nearly 2 million acres, this forest is sandwiched between Phoenix (about 90 miles away) and Flagstaff (just 12 miles away). Visitors can fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and make the 1.5-hour drive via Interstate 17 or fly to Flagstaff Pulliam Airport. Though regional, it is served by American Airlines with daily flights from Phoenix, Dallas, and LA and is just a 20-minute drive from Coconino National Forest.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Named after the Cohonina people, this forest was established as San Francisco Mountains National Forest Reserve in 1898. It was not until 1908 that President Theodore Roosevelt merged four separate forest reserves and designated it a national forest. Today, its three districts — Flagstaff, Mogollon Rim, and Red Rock — protect 10 designated wilderness areas packed with ecological variety that supports wildlife ranging from elk and mule deer to mountain lions and bobcats.

There are 482 different trails spanning hundreds of miles within Coconino National Forest, according to AllTrails, a tool for finding the best hikes and outdoor activities. To put it simply, it's a haven for travelers who lace up their boots and head out, not knowing where the trail will take them, but trusting it'll be worth it. Before you hit the trails, though, you'll need forest access. Visitors can use a Red Rock Pass ($5 daily) or the America the Beautiful annual pass ($80 for residents), which works across several parks. However, some recreation sites charge separate fees, so it's worth checking beforehand.

The top-rated trail is Devil's Bridge Trail via Dry Creek Road, with a 4.8-star rating from over 30,000 reviews. The 3.9-mile out-and-back starts gently, winding past juniper, prickly pear cactus, and desert plants while birds call overhead. The route then turns tougher, with natural rock stairs leading to Devil's Bridge, a massive sandstone arch carved over many years by wind and rain. Visitors often climb to the top for sweeping shots of the landscape. Other highly rated options include the 0.8-mile Bell Rock Trail, which passes through red rock formations with impressive views, and the 1.2-mile Cathedral Rock Trail, which is short but challenging and absolutely worth it, earning a 4.9 out of 5.0 star rating on AllTrails.

For avid hikers, don't miss the Kachina Peaks Wilderness. The 9.6-mile trail climbs to 12,633-foot Humphreys Peak, Arizona's tallest summit and part of the dormant San Francisco Peaks volcanoes. The payoff is sweeping views of the entire forest, and on clear days, you can even see the Grand Canyon without stepping foot in it. With trails ranging from easy strolls to challenging climbs, there's a hike here for every type of traveler.

For those wanting to soak up the scenery without the hike, the Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Drive connects Sedona and Flagstaff. This road climbs toward the Mogollon Rim with red rock desert views and several pullouts to explore along the way. Beyond the trails, there are other spots worth checking out. About 20 miles south of Flagstaff sits Slide Rock State Park in Oak Creek Canyon, where the swimming hole is one of the best places to cool off. Just know that Oak Creek water gets icy cold during winter and spring. Upper Lake Mary is another option if you want to paddle or fish. Marshall Lake is smaller and only opens early May to mid-October, but it's where coots and other water-loving birds splash around. The area around it is also great for spotting elk and bald eagles.

The forest has 24 campsites and 4 cabins scattered throughout. Clints Well Campground is worth checking out. It sits near a crossroads, so you've got a gas station and restaurant nearby if you need them. Campsites cost $8 per night and stay open year-round, and you'll be camping under tall ponderosas. For those who would rather spend the night under a roof, consider staying in one of the hotels in nearby Flagstaff or at Sedona Views Bed and Breakfast, which is only 11.2 miles away and has a 5-star rating on TripAdvisor.