MORMON MOUNTAIN
Coconino
National Forest
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| Mormon Mountain |
Having hiked up Mormon Mountain perhaps a dozen times, I’ve decided to give it a
nickname: Upside Down Mountain. That’s because when compared to a typical
mountain trek experience, this one plays outside the box. First, the most
difficult climbing happens along its base rather than near the top and second, views
normally gained on summits are seen near the bottom of this trail. Although some online reports besmirch Mormon Mountain Trail #58 because of its failure to conform, I rank it high on my list of
must-dos because of its renegade nature.
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| Dense coniferous forests cover much of the trail |
Shrouded in an
old growth forest, the lumpy dome of Mormon Mountain is an impressive landmark
on the western edge of Flagstaff’s plateau lakes region. Despite its beguiling profile, the trail that
ascends its southeast face is pleasantly devoid of crowds.
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| Richardson's Geranium bloom April through October |
The route’s gradual
but steady ascent doesn’t have any precarious edges or wind-in-your-face
vistas. Along the first mile, views of marshy
Mormon Lake peek out from a curtain of pines and oaks but after that, the trail
ducks into cloistered woodlands of spruce, fir and pine. A mix of saplings, mature growth, snags (standing dead trees) and downed logs create an untamed atmosphere and juicy
habitats for turkeys, owls, squirrels, bears and bats. A few years ago, while
hiking the trail in pre-dawn light, a swarm of what I thought were butterflies
flew in front of me.
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| Sparse views of Mormon Lake occur on the lower trail |
It wasn’t until I saw them fold their wings to roost
beneath the bark of a dead pine tree that I realized they were bats. That was
my only encounter with the nocturnal flying mammals. Bats are usually harmless
to humans and are valuable as pollinators and beneficial for controlling
mosquito and insect populations. Arizona
Game & Fish has guidelines for bat encounters on their website and it’s a
good idea to read it before venturing into bat territory.
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| Old growth forest scene |
Once the trail
hits the 8000-foot point, it levels out as the forest changes from a shady
coniferous tunnel to a sunnier mix of brambles, meadows and aspens. At the 2.5-mile
point, a sign at the entrance to an open field makes for a good turnaround
point. (Note, the forest service says this trail is 3 miles long, but my GPS
recorded 2.6 miles.) However, if you’re
up for more, veer left and hike another 0.1 mile to where the trail ends at
Forest Road 648. From here, you can turn right and hike the road another 0.6
mile to an array of communication towers for Flagstaff and Sedona area
broadcasting stations.
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| A meadow near the end of the trail |
True to its outsider nature, this mountain doesn’t yield
the expected soaring peak and unobstructed panorama. Its true highpoint resides
on a tree-cluttered lump somewhere beyond the towers, however signs about
private property and radiation exposure were ample inspiration for me to end
the trek at the property boundary and head back the way I came.
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| Forest Road 648. Scars on the aspens are elk antler rubs. |
LENGTH: 5 miles
roundtrip or 6.6 miles roundtrip to the towers
RATING: moderate
ELEVATION: 7220’
– 8440’
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| Deers Ears bloom May thru August |
GETTING THERE:
From Flagstaff,
go 20 miles south on Lake Mary Road (Forest Road 3) and turn left on Mormon
Lake Road (Forest Road 90) past milepost 323. Continue 3.6 miles to Montezuma
Road and the turn off for Dairy Springs Campground, turn right and go 0.3 mile
to the trailhead.
INFO & MAP:
LIVING WITH
BATS:
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