On this trip, take a short but worthwhile drive to the beautiful Lockett Meadow northeast of Flagstaff. After the drive, you’ll be able to camp in the picturesque meadow or hike into the lightly traveled Inner Basin of the San Francisco Peaks.

Where to go:

From downtown Flagstaff, head east on I-40 Bus/US-180 East for 3.6 miles. Continue north onto Highway 89 for 12 miles. Turn left onto F.R. 545 towards the signs for Schultz Pass where Sunset Crater Loop Road goes right. The trail begins as you cross over a cattle guard leaving Highway 89.

Trail Description:

Please note – this trail and associated campground are seasonal and closed from late fall to early spring. From the cattle guard on F.R. 552, head west half a mile to the intersection. Stay right where F.R. 420 goes left to Schultz Pass. Stay left at 1.0 mile where a lesser road goes right to a gravel pit. Continue southwest on the wide gravel road and veer right at 1.7 miles where straight dead ends in a gravel pit. The trail gently climbs as it winds back and forth along several gullies. The forest becomes somewhat sparse as this area was affected by the Schultz Fire in 2010. The road makes a hard left at 2.6 miles where a pullout to the right offers a great view of the San Francisco Volcanic Field to the north and east.

The road begins to head southwest as it continues to wind, climb and narrow. The trail levels out and reaches Lockett Meadow at 4.5 miles. Continue straight in the meadow to complete a loop around numerous campsites and Lockett Tank. Lockett Meadow Campground is open from May 15 – the first major snow. Single sites are $14.00/day and are open on a first come, first-served basis. There is a vault toilet in the campground. Hikers can follow the Inner Basin Trail from Lockett Meadow into the quiet Inner Basin of the San Francisco Peaks. Be sure to stay on designated trails and tread lightly in Lockett Meadow in order to keep this area pristine.

Notes & Trail Ratings:

The trail to Lockett Meadow and back is 9 miles round trip. Allow for about an hour round trip to drive the trail, more to stop and look around in Lockett Meadow. This trail is fairly easy and we’ve rated it a ‘2’ out of 10. It is windy and narrow but is maintained for most of its length. High clearance is recommended but passenger cars can make it with care. This trail is closed when snow is on the ground but it is a quick easy trip to explore during the late spring, summer, and early fall!