Last verified: March 2026

Federal Lands in Arizona

Arizona has extensive federal land holdings. Unlike Alaska where 60% of the state is federal, Arizona's federal lands are concentrated around its most popular tourist destinations:

• Grand Canyon National Park — Arizona's most visited destination, entirely federal jurisdiction
• Saguaro National Park (east and west Tucson) — iconic saguaro cactus landscape
• Petrified Forest National Park — Painted Desert, northeast Arizona
• Coconino National Forest — Surrounds Sedona and Flagstaff
• Tonto National Forest — East of Phoenix, includes popular Salt River tubing areas
• Prescott National Forest — Central Arizona highlands
• BLM lands — Extensive throughout the state
• Military installations — Luke AFB, Davis-Monthan AFB, Fort Huachuca

The Sedona Challenge

Sedona presents a particular challenge for cannabis users. Much of the famous Red Rock hiking — Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, Devil's Bridge — falls within Coconino National Forest, which is federal land. The town itself is on state/private land where cannabis possession is legal, but the moment you step onto a trail, you may be entering federal jurisdiction. Always verify trail management before bringing cannabis.

Practical Advice

• Leave cannabis at your lodging before visiting any national park, monument, or forest
• Do not store cannabis in your vehicle when parked at federal trailheads or park entrances
• If you're unsure whether land is federal or state, assume federal and leave cannabis behind
• Rangers can search vehicles at park entrances and federal land access points