Hannagan Campground - Apache Sitgreaves National Forests

Hannagan and KP Cienega Campgrounds are currently open with limited services and no water, until winter weather and snow accumulation no longer allows safe access. Hannagan Meadow Recreation Area, complete with the historic Hanngan Meadow Lodge, rustic campgounds, access to the Blue Range Primitive Area, breathtaking views from the edge of the Mogollon Rim, hunting, fishing, and winter trails, is a high country four-season sporting paradise for a wide range of outdoor pursuits. History of Hannagan Meadow The explorer Coronado and his expedition passed through the area in the 1540s on their way from Mexico to Zuni, but it is unknown whether they passed by this particular site, although some have speculated that they may have. The meadow was named after Robert Hannagan, a Nevada miner and cattle rancher. One local legend is that Hannagan was chained to a tree by the meadow until his debt of $1,200 was paid off. Fortunately it was promptly paid by his son, but the name stuck. Another story suggests that Toles Cosper, a rancher from nearby Luna, New Mexico was riding with the young Hannagan when they came across the meadow during the 1870s. They flipped a coin to see which man they would name it after, and Hannagan won. Toles Cosper's son, DeWitt Cosper, built a lodge here in 1926. Hannagan Meadow is currently the highest point in Arizona to be inhabited throughout the entire year. Winter Trails Highlights The groomed ski trails at Hannagan Meadow are narrower and generally more challenging than those at Williams Valley. However, all levels of skiers are likely to find suitable skiing from the 14 kilometers of groomed trails. For those in search of solitude, the back-country trails leading into upper elevations of Blue Range Primitive Area provide some of the best remote skiing in the Southwest. Skiers who possess advanced skiing abilities and snow camping experience should find this area very rewarding. It is recommended that skiers in this area obtain the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests’ visitor map from any Forest Service office. Please note that Hwy. 191 south of Alpine may not be plowed on evenings, weekends, holidays or during snowstorms. Trail grooming is likely to be delayed following winter storms.