Photo: cogdogblog / CC BY 2.0

Day Use Areas 7,270 ft Bortle 3 Solitude: 95/100 (remote)

Arizona's Mormon Lake Overlook (South) features 13 mammal and 30 bird species in its secluded setting. Spring through fall visits suit its mild 48°F climate.

Near Mormon Lake, AZ in Arizona

What to Pack for Mormon Lake Overlook (south), Coconino

The right gear makes all the difference — here's a packing list tailored to this area.

Your packing list for Mormon Lake Overlook (south) should account for the Forest terrain and Temperate.

Essential

Water (minimum 2L) — Water sources marked on maps may be seasonal or dry; carrying enough to complete your route prevents a dangerous shortfall.
Navigation (map/GPS/compass) — Getting lost is the leading cause of backcountry search-and-rescue calls; reliable navigation prevents the situation entirely.
Sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen) — Prolonged sun exposure causes headaches, fatigue, and heat exhaustion that can cut a trip short or create a medical emergency.
First aid kit — Remote locations mean longer response times for help; a first aid kit bridges the gap between injury and professional care.
Extra food — High-energy snacks weigh little but provide crucial fuel if you need to bushwhack out or wait for conditions to improve.
Headlamp with extra batteries — Hands-free light is essential for navigating uneven terrain, setting up camp, or signaling for help at night.
Fire starter — Waterproof matches or a ferro rod weigh almost nothing and can be the difference between a cold night and a survivable one.
Emergency shelter (space blanket) — Wind and rain strip heat faster than most people realize; a compact emergency shelter blocks both.
Knife or multi-tool — A multi-tool handles problems you can't predict: jammed zippers, tangled line, first-aid tape cutting, or gear fixes on the trail.
Extra clothing layer — A lightweight fleece or puffy stuffs small but provides critical insulation if temperatures drop unexpectedly.

Wildlife Gear

Hiking buddy (avoid solo) — A companion can help with first aid, signaling, and decision-making if a wildlife encounter turns serious.
Noise maker — Group noise is especially important in dense brush or near berry patches where bears may be feeding and less alert.
Gaiters — Thick gaiters deflect fangs before they reach skin, buying critical time in areas with rattlesnakes or copperheads.
First-aid snakebite kit — Knowing how to immobilize a limb, mark swelling progression, and avoid harmful folk remedies can improve outcomes.

Climate Gear

Insulated layers — Modern synthetic or down insulation packs small and weighs little, making it easy to carry just in case.
Hand warmers — Disposable warmers weigh almost nothing and provide 8+ hours of steady heat in gloves or pockets.
Thermos — In freezing conditions, warm liquids help prevent the calorie drain your body spends on staying warm.

Terrain Gear

SPF50 lip balm — High elevation, snow glare, and desert sun amplify UV exposure on exposed facial skin, especially lips.

Seasonal Gear

Spring: Camera, Wildflower field guide
Fall: Camera, Binoculars (foliage viewing)
Winter: Microspikes/traction devices

Activities & Best Time to Visit Mormon Lake Overlook (south), Coconino

The Forest terrain here lends itself to a range of outdoor activities throughout the year.

Visitors come to Mormon Lake Overlook (south) primarily for boating, though the Forest terrain opens up other options too.

With a photography score of 55/100, Mormon Lake Overlook (south) offers Good dark sky (Bortle 3) and 3 excellent meteor showers worth capturing.

Activities

boating — Boating provides a different perspective on shorelines and wildlife.
fishing — Fishing blends patience and skill with peaceful waterfront settings.
photography — Golden hour and dramatic weather can transform ordinary scenes into striking images.
picnicking — Picnicking turns a scenic overlook or shady grove into a memorable gathering spot.
sightseeing — Sightseeing highlights iconic vistas, waterfalls, and unique rock formations.
swimming — Swimming adds refreshing fun to a day outdoors.
walking — Walking lets you slow down and notice details — wildflowers, birdsong, shifting light through trees.
wildlife_viewing — Early mornings and dusk offer the best chances to quietly spot native wildlife.

Best months: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Terrain: Forest — This terrain features mature trees, fallen logs, and filtered light beneath a closed canopy. Trails may wind through uneven roots and soft organic soil.

Wildlife Safety at Mormon Lake Overlook (south), Coconino

Most wildlife encounters are positive, but a few potential hazards are worth knowing about.

The danger rating here is 30/10 — Mountain lions and Venomous snakes.

Danger rating: 30/100 (based on terrain difficulty, wildlife presence, weather exposure, and remoteness) moderate

Mountain lions
Venomous snakes
Remote (109mi from city)

Altitude risk: mild

UV risk: high (Southern latitude (35N), Elevated (7,270ft), Forest canopy (shade))

Photo score: 55/100

Good dark sky (Bortle 3)
3 excellent meteor showers
Fall foliage
Spring wildflowers

Venomous Snakes

Watch your step — are present in the Forest habitat around Mormon Lake Overlook (south).

Watch where you step and place hands
Stay on trails
Wear boots and long pants in snake country
Do not reach under rocks or logs
If bitten: stay calm, immobilize limb, seek medical help immediately
Do NOT: cut wound, suck venom, apply tourniquet, ice, or alcohol

Nature & Wildlife at Mormon Lake Overlook (south), Coconino

The Forest terrain here supports a rich ecosystem worth noticing as you explore.

The forests and meadows around Mormon Lake Overlook (south) support a diverse community of wildlife, from Pronghorn and Wapiti to House Sparrow and Great-tailed Grackle.

Wildflowers (2)

Arizona mariposa lily — Cup-shaped flower with three rounded petals.
Woods' rose — Arching thorny stems with pinnate leaves.

Shrubs (2)

Fourwing Saltbush — Foliage often appears silvery due to salt excretion.
fernbush — Foliage has a strong resinous scent when crushed.

Other Plants (5)

Spinystar
Kingcup Cactus
Whipple Cholla
western blue flag
Green Ephedra

Mammals (13)

Pronghorn — Both sexes have short, curved horns with a forward prong.
Wapiti — Bulls carry massive branching antlers that can span over four feet.
Gunnison's Prairie Dog — Black-tipped tail distinguishes it from some other prairie dogs.
American Bison — Large head with curved horns and heavy forequarters.
White-tailed Antelope Squirrel — White underside and underside of tail.

Birds (30)

House Sparrow — Plain brown female with buff eyebrow
Great-tailed Grackle — Brown female
Hooded Merganser — Brown female with shaggy crest
Brewer's Sparrow — Faint facial markings
Black-throated Sparrow — Gray face with white stripes

Reptiles (11)

Plateau Fence Lizard — Males show blue belly patches.
Eastern Collared Lizard — Males display bright green and blue hues during breeding season.
Common Side-blotched Lizard — Distinct dark blotch behind the front legs on each side.
Prairie Rattlesnake — Broad triangular head and distinct rattle.
Greater Short-horned Lizard — Color matches surrounding soil in browns and grays.

Amphibians (4)

Northern Leopard Frog
Arizona Tree Frog
Boreal Chorus Frog
Mexican Spadefoot

Insects (4)

Megetra vittata
Painted Lady
Convergent Lady Beetle
White-lined Sphinx

Fungi (1)

Fly Agaric

Other Wildlife (2)

Diablo Mountainsnail
Common Desert Centipede

Nature Bingo at Mormon Lake Overlook (south), Coconino

Can you spot them all? Check off each species as you find it on your visit.

Wildlife Challenge

Common Raven (bird)
Pronghorn (mammal)
Plateau Fence Lizard (reptile)
Northern Leopard Frog (amphibian)
Spinystar (plant)

Botany Challenge

Achnatherum Pinetorum
Aquilegia Coerulea Var. Pinetorum
Arabis Holboellii Var. Pinetorum
Asclepias Engelmanniana
Echinocereus Engelmannii
Almutaster

Mormon Lake Overlook (south), Coconino Climate & Sun

Month-by-month climate and daylight information for Mormon Lake Overlook (south).

Mormon Lake Overlook (south) experiences Temperate conditions with average temperatures ranging from °F in to °F in .

Climate type: Temperate

Annual avg temp: 48°F

Annual precipitation: 24.5 in

With an average annual temperature of 48°F and 24.5 inches of precipitation, Mormon Lake Overlook (south) has cool, moderate rainfall conditions. Summer highs average around 68°F, while winter lows drop to 31°F.

Best months to visit: May, Jun, Jul, Sep. Consider avoiding: Jan, Dec.

Winter 31°

2.9"

Spring 44°

1.1"

Summer 68°

2.3"

Fall 49°

1.6"

Month	Avg Temp	Precip
Jan	31°F	2.9 in
Feb	34°F	3.0 in
Mar	39°F	2.6 in
Apr	44°F	1.1 in
May	52°F	0.7 in
Jun	63°F	0.3 in
Jul	68°F	2.3 in
Aug	66°F	3.4 in
Sep	60°F	2.1 in
Oct	49°F	1.6 in
Nov	39°F	1.8 in
Dec	31°F	2.7 in

Daylight & Sun Times

Daylight ranges from 9.8 hours in winter to 14.5 hours in summer — a difference of 4.7 hours.

Summer: 5:11 AM – 7:40 PM

Winter: 7:25 AM – 5:15 PM

Winter Solstice: Sunrise 7:25 AM, Sunset 5:15 PM Golden hour from 4:36 PM

Summer Solstice: Sunrise 5:11 AM, Sunset 7:40 PM Golden hour from 7:03 PM

Spring Equinox: Sunrise 6:38 AM, Sunset 6:32 PM Golden hour from 5:59 PM

Fall Equinox: Sunrise 6:07 AM, Sunset 6:34 PM Golden hour from 6:01 PM

Mormon Lake Overlook (south), Coconino Trip Planning & Access

Ready to visit? Here's what to know about getting here and what it'll cost.

Getting to Mormon Lake Overlook (south) means a 109-mile drive from Phoenix, the closest major city.

Nearest city: Phoenix (109 mi)

Estimated fuel cost: $27.32 (28 mpg, $3.5/gallon)

Carbon footprint: 88.3 kg CO2 (round trip by car)

Visitor Friendliness

Visitor friendliness: families (excellent), dogs (likely_allowed), elderly (highly_suitable).

Dogs: likely_allowed — No restrictions found
Families: excellent
Elderly: highly_suitable
Strollers: excellent (100/100)
Beginners: Good starting point
Accessibility: Generally accessible to most visitors (95/100)

Places Near Mormon Lake Overlook (south), Coconino

If you're in the area, these nearby destinations are worth considering too.

The area around Mormon Lake Overlook (south) includes trails, campgrounds, and other destinations.

Stargazing & Night Sky at Mormon Lake Overlook (south), Coconino

If you're staying past sunset, the stargazing conditions here are worth planning around.

With Bortle class 3 skies, Mormon Lake Overlook (south) offers Rural sky conditions for observing the night sky.

Bortle 3 Rural sky

Constellations

Look for Ursa Minor, Cepheus — all visible from this location depending on the season.

Ursa Minor — This compact constellation contains Polaris at the end of its handle, a reliable guide to true north.
Cepheus — Named for a mythological king, this constellation sits beside Cassiopeia and is circumpolar in northern latitudes.

Meteor Showers

For meteor viewing, the Geminids (December 13-14) offers the best show at this location.

Geminids — peaks December 13-14 (excellent)
Cold December air often means clear skies—look overhead after midnight for bright, slow-moving meteors.
Quadrantids — peaks January 3-4 (excellent)
Bundle up—January nights are frigid, but dark skies can produce bright fireballs.
Perseids — peaks August 11-13 (excellent)
Peak activity typically builds after midnight when Perseus climbs higher.
Eta Aquariids — peaks May 5-6 (good)
Southern U.S. observers often get better rates due to the radiant's position.
Delta Aquariids — peaks July 28-29 (fair)
This steady shower rewards patient observers in dark, moonless conditions.

Planets

Planets visible to the naked eye from this location:

Venus — The brightest planet, often called the Morning or Evening Star
Jupiter — The largest planet, bright and steady in the night sky
Saturn — Famous for its rings, visible as a golden steady light
Mars — The Red Planet, recognizable by its reddish-orange hue

Equipment Guide

Naked eye: Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Mars, Mercury (with care)
Binoculars: Jupiter moons, Uranus, Saturn rings (barely)
Small telescope: Saturn rings, Jupiter bands, Mars surface features, Neptune

Viewing Tips

Check planets rise/set times for your specific date
Planets appear along the ecliptic (zodiac path)
Planets don't twinkle like stars - steady light
Venus and Jupiter are unmistakable - brightest objects after Moon
Use a stargazing app to confirm planet positions
Best viewing: when planet is highest in sky (transit)

Best Viewing Months

Evening: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
Morning: Jul, Aug, Sep

Seasonal Highlights at Mormon Lake Overlook (south), Coconino

Each season brings something different to this area.

What you'll see at Mormon Lake Overlook (south) depends heavily on when you visit.

Spring Wildflowers

Peak bloom: March - April

Check local park websites for bloom reports

Fall Foliage

Peak color: October 15 – November 5

Best trees for color: Maple, Oak, Aspen

Higher elevations peak 1-2 weeks earlier

Bird Migration

Spring peak: March - April

Fall peak: October - November

Best spots: Wetlands, coastlines, mountain ridges

Indigenous Land at Mormon Lake Overlook (south), Coconino

Long before trails were marked and campgrounds built, this land was home to Indigenous peoples.

This area is part of the ancestral territory of Hopitutskwa, Pueblos, Ndee/Nnēē: (Western Apache).

Territories

Languages

2 Indigenous languages are associated with the peoples of this area: Dilzhę́’é (North), Hopilavayi.

Data from Native Land Digital

Mormon Lake Overlook (south), Coconino Geology & Natural History

Beyond the trails and wildlife, Mormon Lake Overlook (south) sits within a landscape shaped by millions of years of geological processes. Here's what researchers and surveys have documented about this area.

Bedrock Geology

Rock Type: Pliocene to late Miocene basaltic rocks
Lithology: Major:{basalt}
Age: Neogene

Fossils

Fossil Occurrences: 5
Unique Species: 5
Oldest: 283.3 million years ago

Mineral Deposits

Deposit Sites: 26
Richness: Moderate
Minerals Found: Sand and Gravel, Construction, Volcanic Materials, Pumice, Stone, Crushed/Broken

Endangered Species

Species at Risk: 1478
ESA Endangered: 29
ESA Threatened: 16
Conservation Score: 100/100

Temperature Records

Record High: 114°F (2005-07-18)
Record Low: -35°F (1979-01-30)

Wildfire History

This area has a relatively low wildfire risk, but always follow posted fire regulations.

Recorded Fires: 100
Largest Fire: Snake Ridge (15,333.3 acres)
Most Recent: 2024
Fire Risk: Extreme

Watershed

Watershed: Lower Woods Canyon
Water Quality (Good): 0%
Impaired: 0%

Reported Phenomena

UFO Sightings: 63 (NUFORC)
Bigfoot Reports: 2 (BFRO)
Eeriness Score: 46/100

Mormon Lake Overlook (south), Coconino Safety & Conditions

Conditions change fast outdoors — bookmark these official sources for your visit.

Real-time safety data for Mormon Lake Overlook (south) — weather, fire, flood, and road conditions.

Flood zone: Not in a flood zone

Nearest weather station: MUNDS PARK 0.3 ESE, AZ US (11.47 mi)