Black Mesa Ranger District

Facility · Arizona ·

Managed by the USDA Forest Service

6,565 ft
Elevation

Black Mesa Ranger District is the westernmost ranger district on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. Located only 2 1/2 hours from the Phoenix Metro area, the district is a popular destination for residents of the valley looking to escape the summer heat.

 

Guidelines for Target Shooting on The Black Mesa Ranger District 

You may NOT discharge a firearm or any other weapon (including paintball guns, air guns, archery, slingshots, etc):

  • Within 150 yards of a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation site, or occupied campsite
  • Across or on a Forest Developed Road, across a body of water or stream, or across a canyon
  • In any manner or place whereby any person or property is exposed to injury or damage as a result of such discharge (36CFR 261.10d)
  • With any tracer bullet or incendiary ammunition (36CFR 261.5b)

Choose a remote area with an earthen backdrop. ALWAYS know where your bullets are going. Look at a map, know before you go.

CLICK HERE for Shooting Restrictions within the Black Mesa RD area including the Rim Lakes Recreation Area.

MAP  of Rim Lakes restricted shooting area

Getting there

34.38287, -110.49362 · 34°22'58.3"N 110°29'37.0"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 83°F in Jul, down to 46°F in Jan.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F465057647182838176675546
Low °F202328323948565548362720
Precip in1.71.61.40.70.60.52.73.01.81.21.21.9

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 3.7 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Member photos

Common questions about Black Mesa Ranger District

Can you reserve a site at Black Mesa Ranger District?
No. Black Mesa Ranger District is not reservable through Recreation.gov, so sites are first-come, first-served or booked elsewhere.

Camping near Black Mesa Ranger District

Comments

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.