Explore Arizona Hunt Unit 7 West – Elk Hunts & Backcountry Adventure Near Kendrick Mountain
- ADVENTURE iDIAZ
- Aug 26
- 6 min read
Updated: Sep 2
Arizona Hunt Unit 7 West is a premier Game Management Unit (GMU) located in north-central Arizona, stretching across the western slopes of the San Francisco Peaks near Flagstaff. Known for its trophy bull elk, diverse landscapes, and easy access to outdoor recreation, Unit 7 West is a favorite among hunters and adventurers alike. The Arizona Hunt Unit 7 West Map from ADVENTURE iDIAZ gives you the precision, durability, and detail needed to confidently navigate this vast and rugged country.
Historical & Geographical Context of Hunt Unit 7 West
Unit 7 West lies in the heart of northern Arizona, encompassing the volcanic terrain west of Humphreys Peak, Arizona’s tallest mountain at 12,633 feet. The San Francisco Peaks were once sacred to Native tribes, including the Hopi and Navajo, who still regard them as spiritually significant.
In the late 1800s, Flagstaff developed as a railroad and logging town, and Unit 7 West’s timbered landscapes became part of early Arizona’s economic lifeblood. Today, remnants of logging roads, historic ranches, and railroad spurs still thread through the forest.
Geographically, Unit 7 West ranges from roughly 5,500 feet in the desert grasslands up to more than 11,000 feet near alpine timber. Volcanic cinder cones, Ponderosa pine forests, and open prairies define the terrain, offering both scenic variety and diverse wildlife habitats.
Hunting in Arizona Hunt Unit 7 West
Unit 7 West is best known as one of Arizona’s premier elk hunting units, with a reputation for producing heavy-antlered bulls and large herds. Its location on the western slopes of the San Francisco Peaks provides a mix of habitats that support a wide range of game species, from big game to upland birds. Hunters consider it both challenging and rewarding, making it one of the more desirable GMUs in the state.
Trophy Elk Hunting
Elk are the crown jewel of Unit 7 West. The combination of volcanic soils, abundant forage, and high-country cover makes this area a consistent producer of trophy bulls.
Habitat: Elk are commonly found in the Ponderosa pine forests, grassy meadows, and around water sources such as stock tanks and seasonal creeks. During warmer months, herds often move higher in elevation near Kendrick Peak and the San Francisco Peaks.
Strategy: Glassing across open meadows at dawn and dusk is productive, while calling and bugling bring bulls out during the rut. Spot-and-stalk opportunities exist in the more open volcanic cinder areas.
Tag Demand: Elk permits for Unit 7 West are highly competitive. Draw odds are tough, especially for rifle bull hunts, reflecting the unit’s reputation for quality animals.
Mule Deer Hunting
Mule deer are widely distributed in Unit 7 West, especially in the lower elevation grasslands and open juniper country.
Habitat: Deer frequent the transitional zones between forest and grassland, often bedding in shaded timber and feeding in open meadows.
Strategy: Glassing from high points works well, and hunters often find success during early morning and late evening when deer move between feeding and bedding areas.
Pronghorn Antelope
Pronghorn are found in portions of Unit 7 West, particularly in the grasslands north and west of the San Francisco Peaks.
Habitat: Open prairies and rolling terrain at lower elevations.
Tag Demand: Tags are limited and highly coveted, with good trophy potential.
Black Bear & Mountain Lion
Predators thrive in the diverse terrain of Unit 7 West.
Black Bear: Bear activity is common in rugged drainages and oak thickets, especially in late summer and fall when forage like berries and acorns are plentiful.
Mountain Lion: This GMU overlaps a statewide lion zone. The volcanic ridges and canyon systems provide prime habitat for lions, and hunters often rely on hounds or extensive glassing.
Merriam’s Turkey
Unit 7 West supports strong numbers of Merriam’s turkey, particularly in ponderosa pine and mixed conifer forests.
Spring Hunts: Gobblers respond well to calling.
Fall Hunts: Often encountered during elk and deer scouting.
Small Game & Upland Birds
In addition to big game, Unit 7 West offers enjoyable small game opportunities.
Dusky (Blue) Grouse – Introduced population on the San Francisco Peaks.
Band-tailed Pigeon – Seasonal species found in ponderosa and mixed conifer at mid-to-high elevations.
Tree Squirrels & Cottontail Rabbits – Abundant throughout forests and meadows.
Coyotes – Common across grasslands and cinder cone terrain.
For official species lists, regulations, season details, and tag application instructions, visit the Arizona Game & Fish Department.
Outdoor Recreation Beyond Hunting
Unit 7 West is not just prime elk country—it’s also a hub for outdoor recreation with trails, lakes, campgrounds, and easy access from Flagstaff. For forest updates, recreation access, and closures, see the US Forest Service.
Hiking & Backpacking in Hunt Unit 7 West
Explore the Beale Wagon Road Trail 61– Walk or ride along portions of this historic 19th-century wagon route that still crosses Unit 7 West, offering both a glimpse into Arizona’s frontier past and a unique outdoor experience.
Kendrick Peak Trail 22 – Starting near 7,500 feet and climbing to 10,418 feet, this trail leads to panoramic views of the San Francisco Peaks, Oak Creek Canyon, and even the Grand Canyon on clear days.
Slate Mountain Trail 128 – A moderate 3.5-mile trail beginning at 7,900 feet, offering scenic views of the surrounding cinder cone fields.
Red Mountain Trail 159 – A short but unique hike into a volcanic amphitheater formed from an eroded cinder cone.
Fishing in Lakes & Streams
While Unit 7 West doesn’t have the same alpine lakes as the White Mountains, there are several nearby waters that anglers frequent.
Horseshoe Lake – A scenic water body offering seasonal fishing opportunities.
Lower Lake Mary (near Flagstaff) – Stocked with trout, catfish, and bass, depending on seasonal conditions.
Small tanks and stock ponds – Marked on the ADVENTURE iDIAZ map, these often provide surprising fishing opportunities and critical water sources for wildlife.
Camping in Hunt Unit 7 West
Camping opportunities abound, from dispersed forest sites to developed campgrounds.
Kendrick Park Campground – A popular base camp north of Flagstaff with access to hiking and wildlife viewing.
Flagstaff Area Camping – Several developed campgrounds are accessible off Highway 180, providing easy entry into the unit.
Dispersed Camping – Coconino National Forest lands allow primitive camping throughout Unit 7 West.
Skiing at Arizona Snowbowl
Located on the slopes of the San Francisco Peaks just east of Unit 7 West, Arizona Snowbowl is one of the state’s premier ski areas. With elevations up to 11,500 feet, it offers:
55 runs across 777 acres of skiable terrain.
Arizona’s highest lift-served point with sweeping views of the Grand Canyon on clear days.
Year-round activities including summer hiking, scenic chairlift rides, and disc golf.
Wildlife Viewing & Photography
Unit 7 West offers abundant wildlife and scenic opportunities.
Elk Herds – Frequently seen grazing meadows at dawn and dusk.
Birding – From raptors soaring over cinder cones to Merriam’s turkey in the forests.
Fall Colors – Aspen groves along the slopes of the Peaks turn brilliant gold in September and October.
Scenic Drives – Highway 180 north of Flagstaff offers sweeping views of the San Francisco Peaks and easy pullouts for photos.
Arizona Hunt Unit 7 West Map Video Overview
Arizona Hunt Unit 7 West Map – Durable, water-resistant map detailing roads, trails, water sources, hunting boundaries, and recreation opportunities in Arizona’s San Francisco Peaks region.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Where is Hunt Unit 7 West located?A: It covers the western slopes of the San Francisco Peaks near Flagstaff, stretching north toward the Grand Canyon region.
Q: What is Unit 7 West best known for?A: Trophy elk hunting, volcanic landscapes, and outdoor recreation near Flagstaff.
Q: Are there campgrounds in Hunt Unit 7 West?A: Yes, including Kendrick Park Campground and dispersed sites throughout the Coconino National Forest.
Q: Can non-hunters enjoy Unit 7 West?A: Absolutely. Hiking, camping, skiing, and sightseeing are just as popular as hunting.
Q: Is the Arizona Hunt Unit 7 West Map field-ready?A: Yes—ADVENTURE iDIAZ maps are tear- and water-resistant, designed for rugged outdoor use.
Key Features of the Arizona Hunt Unit 7 West Map
Why choose ADVENTURE iDIAZ maps? Because serious hunters and outdoor explorers demand more than a generic map — they need detail, accuracy, and durability that will perform in the field. Our maps are trusted because they deliver the most information possible in a clear, easy-to-read format.
Why buy this map? Because it gives you an edge. Whether you’re glassing for elk across volcanic meadows, scouting water tanks in cinder cone country, or finding the perfect campsite near Flagstaff, this map provides more roads, more water sources, and more useful detail than any competitor. It’s rugged, reliable, and designed for the hunter who refuses to go into the field unprepared.
More Roads & Water Sources – ADVENTURE iDIAZ maps include more roads, tanks, creeks, springs, and water markings than any other map on the market.
Trails & Recreation Areas – Hiking, camping, and ski access routes.
Easy-to-Read Layout – Clear labeling and intuitive design.
Durable Construction – Tear- and water-resistant for field conditions.
Compact Scale – Lightweight, foldable, 1:100k scale.
Detailed Topographics – Elevation lines and contours.
Recreation Highlights – Campgrounds, picnic areas, and scenic points.
Full-Color Quality – Vibrant, professional-grade printing.
Navigate Elk Country with Confidence
Whether you’re chasing trophy elk, exploring cinder cone trails, or skiing at Arizona Snowbowl, the Arizona Hunt Unit 7 West Map from ADVENTURE iDIAZ is your essential field companion.
👉 Order today and discover why outdoorsmen and women trust our maps to explore Arizona’s most iconic landscapes.
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