Arizona Trail Passage 29: Mormon Lake

AZT Passage 29: Mormon Lake is a 14.8-mile point-to-point section of the roughly 800-mile Arizona National Scenic Trail. This moderately rated section runs from Gooseberry Springs Trailhead to Mayflower Spring and is located just outside of the small community of Mormon Lake, AZ. This passage is accessible for hikers, trail runners, long-distance backpackers, equestrians and mountain bikers. Passage 29 continues north through Coconino National Forest and traverses along the Colorado Plateau. This section has little to no elevation gain or loss, is relatively easy, and crosses beautiful, open meadows beside aspen and pine forests. Fallen pine needles often cover the trail, creating a soft tread and a nice break from the rocky and rugged sections further south. Starting from the Gooseberry Springs Trailhead, the trail crosses several dirt roads, follows the route of an old railroad bed, and traverses along the west side of Mormon Lake. Morman Lake Lodge, a small gateway community, is one mile away via the Navajo Spring Trail. DIRECTIONSFollow Arizona National Scenic Trail Signs/Trail Markers.Gooseberry Springs Trailhead to Highway 3. Cross Highway 3, pass through a gate, and follow the trail along the route of an old railroad bed. Eventually the trail leaves the railroad bed and crosses FR 91.Continue to follow the AZT to Railroad Spring. The trail crosses FR 219, FR 219A, and then passes near Navajo Spring. The trail passes Wallace Spring, crosses FR 90H and continues to Double Springs Campground. The trail climbs up to FR 240 and passes above Dairy Springs Campground.It crosses several forest roads and eventually comes to the end of the passage at Mayflower Spring.WATERCheck the Arizona Trail Water Report for current information at: https://aztrail.org/explore/water-sources/.ADDITIONAL INFORMATION INFORMATIONArizona National Scenic Trail Association: www.aztrail.orgCoconino National Forest, Flagstaff Ranger District, http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/, 1-(928) 526-0866.BLM Information Center (602) 417-9300.