Fall color in Lockett Meadow, September 23, 2016. Some groups of trees are peaking or approaching peak color in the Inner Basin. Trees are just starting to turn lower on Inner Basin Trail and in Lockett Meadow.

This primitive campground and day use area offers a scenic view of the San Francisco Peaks in the cool aspen trees that surround Lockett Meadow. This is a terrific campground for those who cherish a real mountain camping experience and love to hike wilderness trails. There is a small day use area, making this a beautiful place to have a picnic and enjoy the meadow and Peaks views.

The Inner Basin Trail ascends from Lockett Meadow into the caldera of the San Francisco Peaks, an extinct volcano and home of the tallest peaks in Arizona. The first 1.7 miles of the trail winds through the extensive aspen forest flanking the upper reaches of the Peaks, joining the Waterline Trail briefly before following a jeep road into the caldera. The trail starts at an elevation of 8665 feet, gaining approximately 1200 feet over 2 miles on its way into the Inner Basin. The trail continues another 2 miles, gaining an additional 600 feet or so to join up with the Weatherford Trail.