Lower Lake Mary

Sometimes it's a lake; sometimes it's not. Lower Lake Mary, the smaller of Flagstaff's twin lakes, has a tendency to disappear during the long dry spells that periodically hit this area.When the lake has water in it, which actually is much of the time, its banks are usually lined with anglers trying to catch the trout which the Arizona Game and Fish Department stocks here. If it stays full for a year or two, it will pick up a population of northern pike and catfish.

Access to this lake is directly off Forest Highway 3 at the Lower Lake Mary Picnic Area and Boat Launch (open summers only). This day use area is a great picnic location no matter how high or low the water is with wide open views and lots of tables and grills under ramadas. Parking is ample but trailer/RV parking can be limited on a busy day.

During the warm season it is a good place to watch elk, deer, bald eagles, great blue herons and other waterfowl. This is also a good location to bring a kite or bicycle (FH 3 is popular for road bicycle fans and racers).- Coconino National Forest

GPS:

Latitude: 35° 06' 40.8" N Longitude: 111° 35' 0.80" W

Phone Numbers for more information::

(602) 789 3701 Game and Fish

Restrictions/Season of Use:

Lower Lake Mary is open all year except in winder conditions

Road Conditions:

paved

Land Ownership:

Lower Lake Mary is owned by the USFS Coconino National Forest

Ranger Station/District:

4773 S. Lake Mary Rd. Flagstaff, AZ 86001 (928) 774-1147

Entrance Fees/Permits:

fees: $6 per day per vehicle (up to 5 people, $1 per person over 5) 6 am to 6 pm, Monday – Friday, and from dawn to dusk on weekends. $1.00 per walk-in or bicycle for use of the facilities will be charged. These fees will be required during the highest use season, generally mid-April through mid-October. Recreation Resources Management (the Concessionaire for this site) is offering a seasonal pass for $35.00 that will be accepted at Upper and Lower Lake Mary and the Narrows. This pass is available only at the lake.

Elevation:

6,787 Feet

Max Surface Acres:

100 plus

River Lake Impounds:

Lower Lake Mary is a Natural Lake

Average Depth:

12 Feet

Boat/Engine Restrictions:

Your limited to a 10 horse motor at Lower Lake Mary .

Boats to Rent:

No

Swimming:

You would not want to swim in Lower Lake Mary because its freezing cold, murky and full of weeds in shallow water.

Camping:

May 1st to end of September ,43 single unit campsites at Dairy Springs and Double Springs Campgrounds with tables, fire rings, and cooking grills, Drinking water and vault toilets at the campgrounds, Hiking trails nearby, Equipment rentals at Lower Lake Mary Village

Trailer Spaces:

No

Electricity:

No

Launching Area:

Yes keep in mind Lower Lake Mary 's size fluctuates frequently impacting the launching area, but they do have one

Water Skiing:

No

Marinas:

No

Take Lake Mary Road (FH 3) south-east from Flagstaff, 8 miles. The day use parking area is on the west side of the road. -Coconino National Forest