Did a portion of the AZT #29 to escape the heat. Nice stroll through the pines. Parked off 90N and hiked to the lookout on Lake View Trail and back. Interesting history with the old logging railroad.
Good little trail with great views of Mormon Lake. More exposure near the vista at the top, but shade mostly the entire trail in the tall stands of ponderosa. The first part of the trail you will pass over the Double Springs for which the campground derives its name from. The water was crystal clear in the springs. The Lake View trail connects with the Arizona Trail so you may see some hikers as I did along this portion of the hike, but after about a half mile or so you stay on the Lake View trail and you will hardly see anyone. Great weather, about 30 degrees colder than PHX.
This trail begins just across from the host's campsite at Double Springs Campground. Probably one of the few spots in the area to get a nice, higher-up view of the lake. Most of the peaks on this side of the lake are tree covered but this trail takes you to some rare cliffs. Trail is easy to follow with a moderate grade near the end.
Flew up and down this trail with some family on 4th-of-July weekend. I'm always very pleased with the delightful vantage point from the top despite the short and easy hike it takes to get there.
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"The farther one gets into the wilderness, the greater is the attraction of its lonely freedom. Yet to camp out at all implies some measure of this delight."
-- Theodore Roosevelt, The Publishers' Weekly, Nov. 25, 1905
I did this hike with Ma and Pa for Mother's day. (They are not avid hikers, or even regular-exercisers.) Despite my dad's relentless grumbling, we made it all the way to the top.
For your average hiker, this is a quick and easy hike with surprisingly good views from the top. In addition to a wide view of Mormon Lake to the east, there's a nice view over a cliff to the south.
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"The farther one gets into the wilderness, the greater is the attraction of its lonely freedom. Yet to camp out at all implies some measure of this delight."
-- Theodore Roosevelt, The Publishers' Weekly, Nov. 25, 1905
Forgot I did this trip with a couple friends a couple years ago. Camped at Dairy Springs and hiked around.. not much of a lake this time of year! Nice little area though.
Fun little nature hike. Hope to see water in that lake soon!
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average hiking speed 2.04 mph
WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.
Route Editor
Route Scout
This is a great family hike on father's day. A little windy. Trail was a little confusing with all the forks.
