Explore Arizona Hunt Unit 9 Map: Wildlife, History & Adventure Beneath the Grand Canyon

A breathtaking view from the south rim of the Grand Canyon, where snow blankets the rugged cliffs and contrasts with the warm hues of the canyon's layers under a serene winter sky.

A Legendary Arizona Hunt Unit with More Than Just Game

Tucked just south of the Grand Canyon, Arizona Hunt Unit 9 isn’t your average hunting zone — it’s a land shaped by deep canyons, high plateaus, ancient cultures, and towering forests. Known for producing some of Arizona’s most impressive trophy elk and mule deer, this unit also doubles as a dream destination for hikers, backpackers, and Grand Canyon visitors looking to escape the crowds and dive into real Arizona wilderness.

Terrain, Access & Habitat: From Canyonlands to High Country

This unit lies mostly within the Kaibab National Forest, blending ponderosa pine forests in the north with pinyon-juniper woodlands and high chaparral to the south. To the east, you’ll approach the forested edges of the Navajo Nation, while the western boundaries begin to roll into dramatic canyon formations near Cataract Canyon and the Havasupai Nation.

Unit 9’s remote character is part of what makes it so special. Roads here can be primitive and unmaintained, especially during or after storms. While some are passable with a high-clearance vehicle, many stretches require true 4x4 capability to navigate safely.

Land Ownership Breakdown

• Public land: Primarily U.S. Forest Service (Kaibab NF)

• State Trust, BLM, and private lands: Patchworked throughout

• Adjacent tribal land: Includes Havasupai and Navajo Nations

• Always confirm public access and land status before venturing out

Big Game & Small Game Opportunities

Arizona Game and Fish Department lists Unit 9 as home to one of the broadest species ranges in the state. If you’re lucky enough to draw a tag here — especially for elk — you’ll be hunting in one of Arizona’s premier zones.

Two pronghorn antelope bucks stand alert amidst the winter brush, their keen senses tuned to the frosty landscape.

Game species in Unit 9 include:

• Elk (record-class bulls in certain seasons)

• Mule Deer

• Pronghorn Antelope

• Merriam’s Turkey

• Javelina

• Black Bear

• Mountain Lion

• Bighorn Sheep

• Tree Squirrel

From deep canyon predator country to high-elevation elk bedding zones, this unit keeps hunters on their toes across multiple ecosystems. For those interested in a deeper dive into species-specific details, tag allocations, and unit recommendations, visit the official Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Unit 9 page.

Whether you’re after big game in the high country or calling coyotes from the juniper flats, Unit 9 is as diverse as it is rewarding.

Hiking, Backpacking & Camping Adventures in Arizona Hunt Unit 9

Unit 9 isn't just for hunters. This rugged landscape offers some of the most scenic and rewarding backcountry hiking in Arizona, with multiple access points to the Arizona Trail and views that rival anywhere in the Southwest. Whether you're out for a single day or planning a multi-day backpacking adventure, Unit 9 delivers solitude, diverse terrain, and a strong wilderness character.

Arizona Trail Highlights

• Moqui Stage Station: Once a territorial-era stagecoach stop ferrying passengers from Flagstaff to the South Rim, now a quiet historical waypoint on the Arizona Trail. Surrounded by ponderosa forest and public land, it offers peaceful hiking and historical interest.

• Russell Tank: A serene spot featuring seasonal water and scenic rest opportunities. It's a favorite for Arizona Trail section hikers and attracts wildlife. Trails in this area are remote and less traveled.

• Grandview Lookout Tower & Red Butte Vista Area: South of Grand Canyon National Park, this fire lookout tower provides panoramic views of the pine forests and the iconic Red Butte. The surrounding trail system and forest roads offer excellent hiking with far fewer visitors than nearby park areas.

• Charlie Tank Area: A more remote hiking destination, Charlie Tank lies in a quieter section of Unit 9 and offers rugged terrain for experienced hikers seeking solitude. Forest roads in this area also double as peaceful walking routes.

• Greenway Trail to Tusayan: Part of the Arizona Trail, this route passes through the ponderosa pine forest northward to Tusayan, offering gradual elevation gain and a scenic connection to the greater trail system.

Adventurous moments captured: friends sharing a high-five while backpacking in the stunning Arizona sunset.

Camping Within Unit 9

Camping in Unit 9 ranges from well-maintained forest campgrounds to secluded, off-grid dispersed spots. The entire unit lies within the Kaibab National Forest, where dispersed camping is permitted throughout, unless otherwise posted.

• Ten-X Campground: Located just 2 miles south of Tusayan, Ten-X is the premier developed campground in Unit 9. It features shady, pine-covered campsites with picnic tables, fire rings, vault toilets, and drinking water. Open seasonally (typically May–September), it’s ideal for families and those looking for a central base. Reservations are available at Recreation.gov.

• Dispersed Camping Near Grandview Lookout & Red Butte: Several Forest Service roads—such as FR 302 and FR 310—offer excellent dispersed camping options near Grandview Lookout Tower and Red Butte. These sites have no services, but they provide solitude and quick access to the Arizona Trail.

• Charlie Tank: This primitive camping area is located in a quiet pocket of Unit 9, accessible by dirt forest roads. It’s ideal for self-sufficient campers looking to stay well off the beaten path. There are no amenities, so pack in water and supplies.

• Russell Tank: Though a smaller site, Russell Tank offers primitive camping with a vault toilet available during the open season. It's a frequent overnight stop for hikers on the Arizona Trail due to nearby water availability.

• Forest Roads South of Tusayan: Outside the Tusayan town boundary—but still within Unit 9—dispersed camping is allowed throughout the national forest. These areas are popular with overlanders, hunters, and hikers due to their easy access and quiet settings. Be sure to camp at least 200 feet from trails and water sources, and follow Leave No Trace guidelines.

History in the Pines: Moqui Ranger Station & the CCC Legacy

U.S. Forest Service

History lovers will appreciate the Moqui Ranger Station, built between 1939 and 1942 by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and Works Progress Administration (WPA). Located just south of Tusayan, this historic compound is an architectural reminder of New Deal–era conservation work and early Forest Service infrastructure.

Though not a major tourist stop, the site still functions under the Kaibab National Forest (Tusayan District) and offers a glimpse into Arizona’s Depression-era development and land management legacy. If you’re in the area, it’s worth a short detour.

Know Before You Go: Road Conditions & Safety

The rugged nature of Unit 9 demands smart preparation. Roads can range from maintained forest highways to deeply rutted two-tracks that become impassable after storms. Conditions vary seasonally, but general guidance is:

• High-clearance vehicle required in most areas

• Four-wheel drive needed in wet or snowy conditions

• Cell service is limited — download maps or carry printed versions

• Check for closures with the Kaibab National Forest or AZGFD

Also, public lands are dynamic — grazing leases, burn areas, or wildlife closures can alter access. Respect all signage and temporary restrictions for your safety and the protection of the land.

Arizona Outdoor Maps You Can Trust

Front Cover to the Arizona Hunt Unit 9 Map by ADVENTURE iDIAZ

Over the past several years, we at ADVENTURE iDIAZ have put in the time, miles, and research to create maps that reflect the real conditions and needs of hunters and outdoor users in Arizona. What started as a small, family-driven project has steadily grown into a respected source for reliable, field-ready maps used by hunters, hikers, off-roaders, and even search and rescue teams throughout the region.

Our maps are built from real-world use—designed to hold up in tough terrain, highlight the most useful details, and support safe, successful trips. Here’s what makes our Arizona Hunt Unit Maps stand out:

Key Features You Can Count On:

• Multi-Sourced Road Name – More roads than any other printed map

• Extensive Water Source Markings – Lakes, ponds, creeks, tanks, and springs are clearly labeled for quick, accurate reference in the field

• Easy to Read & Follow – Clear labeling, intuitive layout, and user-first design

• Durable & Weather-Resistant Material – Tear & water-resistant and built to withstand spills, rough handling, and tough outdoor conditions

• Compact & Field-Ready Design – Easy to pack, unfold, and carry without bulk; 1:100k Scale

• Detailed Topographics – Elevation, contour lines, and terrain awareness

• Campgrounds & Picnic Areas

• Exceptional Design Quality – Stunning full-color maps that are as attractive as they are functional

• Snowmobile Areas & Points of Interest – And much more.

  
  

Arizona Hunt Unit 09 Map

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Don’t Head Into Unit 9 Without the Right Map

Whether you’re hunting trophy elk, hiking along the Arizona Trail, or exploring historic landmarks, navigation in Unit 9 is no joke. Cell service is spotty at best, and generic GPS apps can miss roads, water tanks, or public/private boundaries.

Get the most detailed Arizona Hunt Unit 9 map available — handcrafted by ADVENTURE iDIAZ.Our maps are trusted by hunters, hikers, and even search and rescue teams for their accuracy, road data, terrain clarity, and boundary markings.

Order your Unit 9 map today and prepare to explore one of Arizona’s most rugged, historic, and rewarding wild spaces.