Mormon Lake is the largest natural lake in Arizona… sometimes. During droughts it’s frequently not so large, and not so much a lake. Occasionally it’s even bone dry.
Wet or not, this has an excellent overlook where you can often see wildlife and birds across the lake’s landscape. There is also a picturesque little resort on the lake’s western shore where you can rent recreational equipment such as mountain bikes, horses to ride, snowmobiles and cross-country skis in season. Or you can drop in at the Mormon Lake Lodge, a famous cowboy steak house where the brands of local ranches are burned into the log walls.
Dairy Springs Campground and Double Springs Campground are located nearby. There, in addition to developed campsites, you’ll find some excellent hiking trails which lead to panoramic overlooks of the lake and the surrounding area.
Directions
Location: 29 miles southeast of Flagstaff on a paved road. Elevation is 7,000 feet.
GPS (Map): 34°57’46.9″N 111°26’15.1″W
Access: Drive south from Flagstaff 25 miles on Forest Highway 3 (Lake Mary Road) to the Forest Road 90 intersection. Turn west on FR 90 and drive about 4 miles to the lake.
Click map thumbnail for larger view.
GPS Coordinates
Latitude 34° 57′ 46.9116″ N
Longitude 111° 26′ 15.0612″ W