BEDH_Flagstaff

Location: 27 miles southeast of Flagstaff.

Distance: 6.4 miles out and back.

Approximate hiking time: 3 hours.

Elevation change: None.

Best seasons: Spring through fall.

Water: None.

Other trail users: Horses and mountain bikes.

Canine compatibility: Dogs are allowed if kept under control.

Permits and restrictions: None.

Maps: USGS Mormon Lake; Coconino National Forest.

Trail contacts: Peaks Ranger District, Coconino National Forest, 5075 N. Highway 89, Flagstaff, AZ 86004, (928) 526-0866, www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/.

Finding the trailhead: From Flagstaff, drive 27 miles southeast on Lake Mary Road (Forest Highway 3). The highway skirts the east side of Mormon Lake, then descends through a road cut. Watch for the turnoff to Kinnikinick Lake on the left (east), then turn right (west) onto an unmarked, unmaintained dirt road that descends toward the lake, then turns right (north). Go through the gate (low-clearance cars should be parked at the gate). Drive to a fork; turn right (uphill) and drive a few yards to a second gate and park. This gate is normally locked to protect the area’s wildlife.

The Hike

Most of the year, Mormon Lake is more a marsh than a lake. When full, after the spring snowmelt, it is the largest “natural” lake in Arizona. Although there is no dam (in contrast with Upper and Lower Lake Mary), humans have still influenced the lake. The area was first settled by Mormons, who started dairy farming here. In the pioneer days, the lake area was never more than a marsh, and the settlers ran cattle on the rich forage. Eventually, the hooves of the cattle compacted the soil and made it less porous, so that the marsh flooded and became a lake in wet years. Today, the lake and its marshes are important havens for wildlife.

This walk follows the old road along the shore of the lake. The topographic map shows this old road, but not the present highway, which is to the east, above the lakeside cliffs.

The old road is nearly level and is about 20 feet higher than the lake, so there is a good view. This hike is best done at sunrise or sunset, which are good times for wildlife viewing. The old road can be followed more than 3 miles along the eastern shore, to a point just past the viewpoint on the new highway at 3.2 miles. Cottonwood and aspen trees grow here in an unusual association, and there are fine views of the distant San Francisco Peaks.

Retrace your steps to the trailhead.