Lockett Meadow
A breathtaking mountain meadow north of Flagstaff, famous for its vibrant golden aspens in the fall and the scenic Inner Basin Trail.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak fall foliage
Lockett Meadow
Best Time
Peak fall foliage
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A breathtaking mountain meadow north of Flagstaff, famous for its vibrant golden aspens in the fall and the scenic Inner Basin Trail.
"The golden aspens at Lockett Meadow in October are a memory I'll treasure forever."
🚗 Check Road Status First
Roads can close unexpectedly. Always verify access before heading out to avoid long hikes. :warning:
🥾 Be Ready for a Hike
If the road is closed, expect a 3-6 mile hike to the trailhead. Wear comfortable shoes! :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Inner Basin Trail
Starts at Lockett Meadow Campground
Hike through a stunning ancient volcano and a grove of golden aspen trees. A must-see in fall!
+1Lockett Meadow
Base of the Inner Basin Trail
A beautiful meadow offering serene views and a peaceful escape, especially when the aspens are in bloom.
Aspen Grove Hike
Various trails around Lockett Meadow
Experience the magic of hiking amidst vibrant yellow aspen trees, a quintessential Arizona autumn spectacle.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Road Access & Closures
Best Time for Fall Colors
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Check Road Status First
Roads can close unexpectedly. Always verify access before heading out to avoid long hikes. :warning:
🥾 Be Ready for a Hike
If the road is closed, expect a 3-6 mile hike to the trailhead. Wear comfortable shoes!
📸 Capture Fall Colors
Early to mid-October is prime time for stunning golden aspens. Don't miss the photo ops!
💧 Pack Water & Snacks
There are no water sources at the trailhead or campground. Bring plenty for your hike. :water_wave:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Check Road Status First
Roads can close unexpectedly. Always verify access before heading out to avoid long hikes. :warning:
🥾 Be Ready for a Hike
If the road is closed, expect a 3-6 mile hike to the trailhead. Wear comfortable shoes!
📸 Capture Fall Colors
Early to mid-October is prime time for stunning golden aspens. Don't miss the photo ops!
💧 Pack Water & Snacks
There are no water sources at the trailhead or campground. Bring plenty for your hike. :water_wave:
⚠️ Avoid Off-Roading Mistakes
The road beyond the meadow is for 4x4 vehicles only. Normal cars can get stuck in sand. :car:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Lockett Meadow's stunning fall colors, particularly the golden aspens, and the serene beauty of the Inner Basin Trail. However, frequent road closures requiring long hikes to access the trailhead are a significant drawback for many. Some also caution about the challenging road conditions beyond the meadow for regular vehicles.
"Roads closed, no vehicle access, I guess you could hike miles to get there. Looks like they are building or rebuilding a new road?"
Dan Heaton
"Lockett Meadows during October is beautiful! All of the aspens are golden & it’s such a beautiful hike. It’s harder when the road up the mountain is closed (3.5 miles straight up a mountain took us roughly 2hrs before getting to the trailhead). But overall, so serene. We went during the eclipse & it’s a memory I’ll treasure forever."
Cheyene Heid
"The road leading up to the campground is still closed. If you want to hike the Inner Basin, be prepared to hike an extra 3 miles up to the campground. With the road closure, the hike was actually much more enjoyable as there was no one around. I did hear some people off in the distance, but for the most part I spent the afternoon hiking in completely solitude. Disclaimer. These photos are not recent. They were taken almost six weeks ago. At the end of the first week of October."
Tinh Duong
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Lockett Meadow is located north of Flagstaff. The main road (Lockett Meadow Road) can be bumpy and is often closed due to damage or fire restrictions. If the road is closed, you'll need to park at the closure point and hike several miles to reach the campground and trailhead.
Road status varies greatly. It's crucial to check with the Coconino National Forest Service for current closures and conditions before your visit.
Typically, the road leading to the Inner Basin Trailhead within Lockett Meadow Campground is closed to regular vehicles. You'll likely need to hike from the main road closure point.
While the road to the meadow can be managed slowly with a regular car, the road further up the mountain past the meadow is often only suitable for 4x4 vehicles and can be sandy.
Lockett Meadow is approximately 15 miles north of Flagstaff, Arizona. The drive time can vary significantly depending on road conditions and closures.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, no specific permit is required for day use at Lockett Meadow. However, if you plan to camp, you will need to secure a camping permit. Always check the Coconino National Forest website for any special area restrictions or requirements.
Lockett Meadow is typically open during daylight hours, but access can be restricted by road closures or seasonal conditions. There are no set 'opening' or 'closing' times for the meadow itself, but the campground has specific rules if you are camping.
There is no direct entrance fee for Lockett Meadow itself. However, if you are camping, there will be a fee associated with your campsite.
Yes, Lockett Meadow Campground offers camping opportunities. It's advisable to book campsites in advance, especially during peak seasons like fall foliage.
If the road is closed, you can still access the area by hiking. This adds significant mileage to your trip, so be prepared for a longer trek to reach the Inner Basin Trailhead.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The Inner Basin Trail is the most popular and highly recommended hike, known for its stunning aspen groves and scenic beauty. It's a moderate hike with significant elevation gain.
The peak fall colors, primarily golden aspens, usually occur from early to mid-October. This can vary slightly year to year depending on weather conditions.
Yes, there are forest service outhouse-style bathrooms available at the campground area. However, there are no water sources provided.
Lockett Meadow can be a great experience for families, especially if the road is open and accessible. If the road is closed, the extended hike might be challenging for very young children. The beauty of the aspens is captivating for all ages.
The Inner Basin Trail has a significant elevation gain, typically around 776 feet over 3.5 miles out and back, making it a moderately strenuous hike.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
The aspen groves, especially during fall, are prime photography locations. The meadow itself offers beautiful wide shots, and the trail provides opportunities for intimate forest scenes. +1
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offers the most flattering light for landscape and nature photography. Mid-day can be harsh, but the vibrant colors of the aspens can still be striking.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive meadow and forest. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details in the aspens or distant mountain views. Don't forget a tripod for low-light conditions.
The main challenge can be the unpredictable road access, which might require a longer hike. Also, during peak fall color, crowds can be an issue, so arriving early or on a weekday is advisable for unobstructed shots.
Drone usage is subject to regulations by the U.S. Forest Service. Always check for any temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) or specific rules regarding drone operation in national forest areas before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
If the road is closed, the extended hike might be too much for very young children, so assess your family's capabilities before committing. Tips for families: Pack plenty of snacks and water, as facilities are limited.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 Best times for photography are during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset for soft, warm light. Wide-angle lenses are ideal for capturing the expansive meadow and forest, while telephoto lenses can be used for detail shots of the aspens or distant mountain views. Considerations for photographers: Road closures can mean a longer hike to reach prime spots, so factor this into your planning.
Weekdays and early mornings are recommended to avoid crowds and secure unobstructed shots. Always be mindful of the environment and practice Leave No Trace principles. 🚶♀️ Solo Adventurers
Solo traveler tips: Ensure you have a reliable way to check road conditions before you go.
Pack extra water and snacks, and be prepared for varying weather conditions. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Road Closures and Access
When the road is closed, the upside is that the trails can be much less crowded, offering a more solitary and peaceful experience.
Chasing the Golden Aspens
+1 During this time, the Inner Basin Trail transforms into a magical corridor of yellow, creating a truly unforgettable hiking experience. +1 The visual impact of the aspens against the backdrop of the San Francisco Peaks is a photographer's dream. To make the most of the fall foliage, it's recommended to visit on a weekday if possible, as weekends can become quite busy.
Arriving early in the morning can also help you avoid the largest crowds and capture the best light for photography. Even if the road to the campground is closed, the hike through the aspens is still well worth the effort for those seeking to witness this natural wonder. Hiking the Inner Basin Trail
+1 The trail is approximately 3.5 miles out and back, with an elevation gain of around 776 feet. +1 It's a popular choice for hikers looking for a relatively short but impactful trek. Be aware that the trail can be strenuous due to the elevation gain, so it's important to pace yourself and stay hydrated.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit