Mormon Mountain Summit

The trail starts in a dense forest of ponderosa pine and Douglas fir, with a shaded path cushioned by pine needles. You'll pass through groves of aspen trees and open meadows with wildflowers during spring and summer. Wildlife sightings may include mule deer, squirrels, and a variety of birds such as western bluebirds and Steller's jays.As you ascend, the trail becomes and rockier but is never terribly steep. You'll catch views over your shoulder of Mormon Lake below. The lake often appears as a wetland, attracting migratory birds like sandhill cranes and bald eagles.The trail ends at a gravel service road, which you'll follow a short distance to reach the top of the mountain. The summit is mostly forested and is shared with several radio towers. So while there's no immediate panorama, you can go off-trail a short distance to find a viewpoint. There is also a meadow nearby, with a tank that usually holds water. Check this out for a different kind of scenery and a chance off spotting wildlife.