Unit 5BN

Anderson Mesa stands as a prominent high point useful for orientation and glassing. The unit's named drainages form the key navigation corridor: Kinnikinick Canyon, Cherry Canyon, and Anderson Canyon all run northwest-southeast, providing natural travel routes through the rolling terrain. Sawmill Wash and Ashurst Run offer additional drainage corridors.

The lake system is substantial—Ashurst Lake, Indian Lake, and Cow Lake anchor the western section, while Breezy Lake and Corner Lake sit further north. These lakes and associated springs (Ashurst Spring, Kinnikinick Spring, Elk Spring) form reliable water nodes for planning daily movements.

The unit occupies a straightforward elevation band between 5,400 and 7,400 feet, sitting solidly in ponderosa pine and mixed conifer country with pockets of aspen. The majority of the unit stays in the mid-elevation sweet spot where ponderosa transitions to Douglas-fir and occasional spruce. Open parks and meadows—like Broomy Valley and Lockwood Park—break up the timber, creating habitat diversity attractive to both elk and deer.

The terrain is moderate and rolling rather than steep; this is accessible country without the dramatic elevation swings of higher rim units. Forest density is moderate overall, meaning glassing opportunities exist from open areas while travel through timbered sections remains straightforward.

Fair access characterizes 5BN. The 600 miles of road infrastructure primarily consists of Forest Service roads rather than highways—FH3, FR 69, and connecting spurs provide entry points without major interstate exposure. I-40 and Highway 87 borders mean access from Flagstaff is straightforward, yet the unit avoids the crush of closer units. The relatively flat terrain and good road network keep this from being remote, but the layout doesn't naturally funnel hunters into predictable patterns.

High-country units above the rim draw more attention; this transitional zone offers a good balance between accessibility and receiving lighter pressure than popular higher-elevation alternatives.

Unit 5BN encompasses the plateau country between Walnut Canyon National Monument and the I-40 corridor near Flagstaff. The northern boundary follows I-40 at Exit 233, while Highway 87 forms the eastern edge and Forest Road 69 runs along the north. Lake Mary-Clint's Well Road (FH3) marks the southern boundary near Walnut Canyon's rim.

The unit wraps around but excludes the monument itself, creating an irregular perimeter that captures prime ponderosa habitat and open meadow systems. This positioning places it squarely in the transition zone between high desert and forested mountain terrain.

Water is the unit's strongest asset despite the 'limited' badge. Multiple lakes—Ashurst, Indian, Cow, Breezy, Corner, and others—provide perennial sources in the western and central portions. A robust network of springs dots the landscape: Ashurst, Kinnikinick, Elk, Yellow Jacket, Burro, and Lion springs all serve as reliable fallback sources.

Sawmill Wash and Ashurst Run carry seasonal flow, while tank systems (Lost Tank, Upper Tank, Reed Lake Tank, Horse Tank) capture runoff across the unit. Water scarcity isn't a practical concern here; the real strategy is using these sources as concentrating points during dry periods.

Elk gravitate to the timbered slopes and canyon bottoms during general seasons, with parks like Broomy Valley and Lockwood Park providing forage zones. Mule deer prefer the ponderosa transitions and draws; hunt the edges where forest meets open country. Pronghorn occupy the flatter, more open park areas.

The moderate terrain complexity means you can cover ground efficiently; plan to glass open parks from ridgetop vantage points, then work canyon drainages where water draws animals. Use the lake system as a reference grid—position camps near water sources and hunt the surrounding timber and transitions. Mountain lion, black bear, and javelina are secondary options.

The canyon systems running through the unit naturally concentrate movement; hunt them during peak travel times.