Official websites use .gov
A .gov
website belongs to an official government organization in the
United States.
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock
(
) or https:// means you've safely
connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only
on official, secure websites.
Mormon Lake
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.
At a Glance
| Usage: | Medium |
|---|---|
| Closest Towns: | Mormon Lake, AZ |
| Operated By: | Flagstaff Ranger District - 928-526-0866 |
General Information
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.
General Notes:
Attractions: Fishing/boating/windsurfing (when the lake has water in it), picnicking, hiking, camping (developed and primitive), wildlife watching, biking, photography
Facilities: 43 single unit campsites at Dairy Springs and Double Springs Campgrounds with tables, fire rings, and cooking grills, Drinking water and vault toilets at the campgrounds, Hiking trails nearby, Equipment rentals at Mormon Lake Village
Campground Season: May 1st to end of September (weather permitting) at Dairy Springs and Double Springs Campgrounds.
Notes: When the lake has water in it, it is still relatively shallow. Most of the time the lake has enough water in it to resemble a riparian marsh, but it also occasionally dries up.
Helpful Links:
- Handbook of Boating Laws and Responsibilities (non-Forest Service Site)
- Vessel and Engine Restrictions in Arizona (non-Forest Service Site)
- Arizona Game and Fish Department (non-Forest Service Site)
Activities
Lake and Pond Fishing
Viewing Wildlife
Boating - Motorized
There are no boat motor size restrictions on Mormon Lake; however, there is seldom enough water available to use a motor boat. Check before you go.
Boating - Non-Motorized
Windsurfing
When this lake has water in it, it is a popular place for windsurfing.