LEDGES TRAIL
Mormon Lake near Flagstaff
 |
| View from the ledges, May 5, 2012 |
Short in length but long on scenic beauty, this easy trek
climbs to a stone outcropping overlooking Mormon Lake. For fans of wildlife
viewing, the "ledges" are a terrific platform for spotting elk, waterfowl,
raptors and other large game. In
addition, legions of leapin' lizards, loquacious loggerhead shrikes, screeching
Stellar's jays and butterflies a plenty keep things interesting along the
trail.
The hike begins at site #25 in Dairy Springs campground,
ascending gently but with loose rock underfoot. Alligator juniper-framed first views of the lake emerge near
the 0.3-mile point where the route levels out amid lava-boulder-strewn fields
of wildflowers. This environment
is prime lizard habitat---they are everywhere. At one point, so many of the
little creatures were darting across the path, I though I had interrupted some
sort of reptile fly catching convention or something. Lucky for me, lizards can
be excellent photo models--they freeze when cornered. The path meets the "ledges" at the 0.6-mile
point. Here, lake vistas are
breathtaking. I saw a wandering
herd of elk waaaay in the distance and chided myself for not bringing
binoculars. From the ledges, the trail heads
left and downhill along a quagmire of footpaths passing several private
homes. Just pick a path---they all
lead to Mormon Lake Road where you can return the way you came or hang a right and walk back to the parking lot.
LENGTH: 1.5 miles one-way
RATING: easy
ELEVATION: 7,237' - 7,400'
DOGS: leashed dogs allowed
KID FRIENDLY?: yes
BEST SEASON: April-November
DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 167 miles
GETTING THERE:
From Phoenix, take I17 north to exit 339 for Lake Mary Road
(FR3) located south of the I40 interchange just before entering Flagstaff. Follow Lake Mary Road south (right)
20.6 miles to Mormon Lake Road (milepost 323.6), turn right and drive 3.7 miles
to the turn off for Dairy Spring campground. Turn right again and go roughly 0.2 mile to the
"trailhead parking" on the right or continue another bumpy/rocky 0.1mile
to the Mormon Mountain trailhead.
Trailhead parking areas are free, but if you park in the campground,
you'll be subject to fees. Hike
begins in the campground near site 25.
INFO: Flagstaff Ranger District, Coconino National Forest
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