Coconino County, Arizona
Arizona's largest county by area and home to the Grand Canyon, Flagstaff, and some of the most spectacular landscapes in the American Southwest.
Coconino County is the largest county by land area in Arizona and the second-largest county in the United States (after San Bernardino County, California). Established in 1891, the county encompasses a vast and diverse landscape that includes the Grand Canyon, portions of multiple national forests, the Colorado River, and the San Francisco Peaks. The county takes its name from the Coconino band of the Havasupai Native American tribe.
With an area of 18,661 square miles, Coconino County is larger than nine U.S. states. Despite its enormous size, much of the county is sparsely populated, with the majority of residents living in and around Flagstaff, the county seat and largest city. The county's diverse landscape ranges from the high-elevation forests and mountain peaks around Flagstaff to the dramatic canyons and desert landscapes of its northern reaches. This geographic diversity makes Coconino County a major destination for outdoor recreation and tourism, with millions of visitors coming each year to experience the Grand Canyon and other natural wonders.
County Information
Demographics & Economy
Photos
Major Attractions
Grand Canyon National Park
One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the Grand Canyon is a massive canyon carved by the Colorado River over millions of years. Much of the canyon and the South Rim, which receives the majority of visitors, is located within Coconino County. The canyon stretches 277 miles in length, up to 18 miles in width, and reaches depths of over a mile.
Location: Northern Coconino County
Features: South Rim visitor facilities, hiking trails, viewpoints, Colorado River
Flagstaff
The county seat and largest city, Flagstaff sits at an elevation of around 7,000 feet at the base of the San Francisco Peaks. Known for its four-season climate, proximity to outdoor recreation, and historic downtown along Route 66, Flagstaff is also home to Northern Arizona University and the Lowell Observatory.
Features: Historic downtown, Northern Arizona University, Lowell Observatory, Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course
San Francisco Peaks
A volcanic mountain range containing the highest points in Arizona, including Humphreys Peak (12,633 feet), the tallest mountain in the state. These mountains are sacred to several Native American tribes and offer outdoor recreation year-round, including hiking in summer and skiing in winter at Arizona Snowbowl.
Location: North of Flagstaff
Features: Humphreys Peak, Arizona Snowbowl, hiking trails, scenic drives
Horseshoe Bend
A horseshoe-shaped meander of the Colorado River located near the town of Page. The overlook offers a dramatic vista of the river 1,000 feet below, with the distinctive horseshoe curve that has become one of the most photographed sites in the Southwest.
Location: Near Page, AZ
Features: Scenic overlook, Colorado River vista, short hiking trail
Wupatki National Monument
Preserves ancient Native American pueblos built by the Sinagua, Cohonina, and Kayenta Anasazi peoples around 1100 CE. The red sandstone structures stand out dramatically against the desert landscape, with some buildings rising several stories high.
Location: Northeast of Flagstaff
Features: Ancient pueblo ruins, visitor center, trails, Wukoki Pueblo
Frequently Asked Questions
Coconino County is best known for being home to the Grand Canyon, one of the most visited natural wonders in the world. However, the county offers much more:
- It's the second-largest county by land area in the contiguous United States
- Home to Flagstaff, a mountain town known for its dark skies, astronomy facilities, and outdoor recreation
- Contains the San Francisco Peaks, including Humphreys Peak, the highest point in Arizona
- Features multiple national monuments including Wupatki, Sunset Crater Volcano, and Walnut Canyon
- Includes portions of five national forests
- Contains significant portions of the Navajo Nation and Hopi Reservation
- Home to scenic attractions like Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend
- Features historic Route 66, which passes through Flagstaff and Williams
Coconino County is accessible by several transportation options:
- By Air: Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG) offers daily commercial flights connecting to Phoenix and other cities. Larger airports within driving distance include Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (approximately 2.5 hours from Flagstaff) and McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas (approximately 4 hours from the western part of the county).
- By Car: Interstate 40 runs east-west through the southern portion of the county, passing through Flagstaff. Interstate 17 connects Flagstaff to Phoenix in the south. US Highway 89 runs north-south, connecting Flagstaff to Page and the Grand Canyon.
- By Rail: Amtrak's Southwest Chief stops in Flagstaff and Williams, connecting to Los Angeles, Albuquerque, and Chicago.
- By Bus: Greyhound provides service to Flagstaff, connecting to major cities throughout the region.
The best time to visit Coconino County depends on which areas you plan to visit and what activities you wish to enjoy:
- Spring (April-May): Moderate temperatures, wildflowers in bloom, and fewer crowds at the Grand Canyon make this an excellent time to visit. However, spring can be windy, and weather can be unpredictable.
- Summer (June-August): Peak tourist season for the Grand Canyon and other attractions. Flagstaff offers a cool retreat from the summer heat with temperatures typically in the 70s-80s°F (21-32°C). Afternoon thunderstorms are common during the July-August monsoon season.
- Fall (September-October): Many consider this the ideal time to visit with pleasant temperatures, fall colors in the mountains, and fewer crowds than summer. Aspen trees around Flagstaff and the North Rim usually reach peak color in early October.
- Winter (November-March): Flagstaff and the San Francisco Peaks become a winter sports destination with skiing at Arizona Snowbowl. The South Rim of the Grand Canyon remains open year-round but can experience snow. The North Rim facilities close mid-October through mid-May.
Visitors should note the significant elevation differences within the county - Flagstaff sits at around 7,000 feet, while the bottom of the Grand Canyon is about 2,000 feet. This creates temperature variations of up to 30°F (17°C) between different locations in the county.
Coconino County offers an incredible array of outdoor activities throughout the year:
- Hiking: Thousands of miles of trails in the Grand Canyon, national forests, and other public lands ranging from easy walks to challenging backcountry routes
- Winter Sports: Downhill skiing and snowboarding at Arizona Snowbowl, cross-country skiing at multiple Nordic centers, snowshoeing, and sledding
- Water Recreation: Boating, fishing, and swimming at Lake Powell, rafting on the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon, kayaking at lakes near Flagstaff
- Mountain Biking: Extensive trail systems around Flagstaff, including the Flagstaff Urban Trail System (FUTS) and technical trails on Mount Elden
- Rock Climbing: Routes at locations like The Pit in Flagstaff, Priest Draw bouldering area, and technical climbs in the Grand Canyon
- Camping: Developed campgrounds and backcountry camping in national forests, at the Grand Canyon, and on other public lands
- Stargazing: Flagstaff was the world's first International Dark Sky City, offering excellent viewing conditions for astronomy enthusiasts
- Wildlife Viewing: Opportunities to see elk, mule deer, pronghorn, bald eagles, California condors, and numerous other species
- Scenic Drives: Routes like the San Francisco Peaks Scenic Road, Grand Canyon's Desert View Drive, and historic Route 66
Major Communities
Flagstaff
County seat, population ~76,800, mountain town and university city
Page
Northern gateway city, population ~7,500, near Lake Powell
Williams
Historic Route 66 town, population ~3,200, "Gateway to the Grand Canyon"
Sedona
Partially in Coconino County, population ~10,300, known for red rocks
Tusayan
Small town, population ~580, gateway to Grand Canyon South Rim
Fredonia
Northern border town, population ~1,300, near Utah border