Lockett Meadow to the Inner Basin

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · Views

Colorado and Utah often steal the credit for glorious aspen groves, but Arizonans know where to go--Lockett Meadow of the San Francisco Peaks near Flagstaff. Famous for its high-elevation forest cradled in a volcanic crater, Inner Basin Trail #29 is one of the most popular hikes in the state. It's a worthwhile destination all through the summer, but it really shines in fall (mid September to late October) when the leaves turn ablaze.

The trail and campground are accessible for more than half the year, but the gravel access road is typically snowy and closed from mid-November through May. When it's open, the Lockett Meadow road is passable by most cars, but it is very steep and windy with blind turns. To improve safety during crowded weekends in fall, the Forest Service sometimes controls the number of cars parked at Lockett Meadow, only allowing one car in for every one car out. Traffic drops off dramatically during the weekdays, so try to avoid Saturdays and Sundays during peak season (late September and early October) if possible.

Lockett is the meadow you initially drive into, where the campground is located and the trail starts. The Inner Basin proper is the string of higher meadows at the upper end of the trail.

When beginning the trail from Lockett Meadow, it begins as an easy stroll through the woods, heading gradually uphill. It soon steepens into a set of switchbacks but remains moderate in grade. About 1.5 miles from the start of the hike, the trail merges with the Waterline Road (Trail), and a another half mile takes you into the meadows of the Inner Basin.

When walking the steep dirt road, you'll pass an array of pump houses that draw water from springs to supply the city of Flagstaff. The buildings hardly detract from the allure. As the path continues uphill, trees thin out and peaks loom overhead. This "basin" is actually the blown-out crater of an ancient volcano, today known as the San Francisco Peaks and home to the highest point in the state.

Plan for plenty of time to wander this trail and enjoy the aspens from all angles. Eventually you'll reach the higher meadow where views open up. The trail reaches this spot in just over 2 miles, and this is where most people turn around but you could keep going to meet the Weatherford Trail higher up.