Lake Mary Flagstaff: Hiking, Fishing & Scenic Trails

Why Lake Mary Belongs on Your Flagstaff Itinerary

Just 20 minutes south of downtown Flagstaff, Lake Mary is one of those places that makes locals proud and visitors scratch their heads wondering why it wasn't on their list sooner. The two-reservoir system — Upper Lake Mary and Lower Lake Mary — sits at nearly 7,000 feet elevation, ringed by towering ponderosa pines and punctuated by meadows that burst green after monsoon season.

Unlike the more crowded trailheads on the San Francisco Peaks, Lake Mary offers a quieter side of Flagstaff's outdoor scene. It's the place Flagstaff families bring kids for fishing on a Saturday morning, where birders scan for bald eagles in winter, and where photographers catch mirror-perfect reflections of pine stands on still mornings.

Upper Lake Mary vs. Lower Lake Mary

The two lakes share a name but offer different experiences:

Upper Lake Mary

The larger of the two at about 600 acres when full, Upper Lake Mary is the main draw for fishing. Arizona Game and Fish stocks it regularly with rainbow trout, and the lake also holds brown trout, walleye, and channel catfish. The access road hugs the eastern shore, offering easy fishing spots without long walks. A small boat launch accommodates non-motorized watercraft — kayaks and canoes are ideal. Note that as a drinking water reservoir, swimming is not permitted.

Lower Lake Mary

Lower Lake Mary is smaller and often drier — it can become a meadow in drought years. When full, it's a beautiful spot for birding and photography. The surrounding wetland area attracts great blue herons, osprey, and in winter, occasional bald eagles. The trails here are flat and easy, making it the better choice for families with young children or anyone looking for a gentle walk.

Hiking Around Lake Mary

The trails around Lake Mary aren't technical, but they deliver tremendous scenery for low effort. Here's what to expect:

Lakeshore Trail (Upper Lake Mary)

The most popular walk follows the eastern shore of Upper Lake Mary for roughly 2 miles each way. The path is dirt and gravel, mostly flat with gentle undulation, and offers constant lake views through the pines. Best in morning light when the water is calm. Round trip: 4 miles, about 1.5 hours at a comfortable pace.

Marshall Lake Trail (nearby)

About 3 miles past Upper Lake Mary, Marshall Lake is a small seasonal pond surrounded by meadow and forest. The trail from the Lake Mary area connects via forest roads — ask at the Flagstaff Ranger District for current conditions. At its best in late summer after monsoons when wildflowers peak.

Lower Lake Mary Loop

A flat 1.5-mile loop around the Lower Lake Mary basin. Best for birding — bring binoculars. The meadow edges harbor deer, elk, coyote, and if you're lucky, a great horned owl at dawn or dusk.

Fishing at Lake Mary: What You Need to Know

Lake Mary is one of the most accessible trout fisheries in northern Arizona. Arizona Game and Fish stocks Upper Lake Mary with rainbow trout in spring and fall — stocking dates are published on the AZGFD website. Brown trout up to 5–6 pounds are resident year-round for those willing to work for them.

Walleye fishing heats up at night and in low light; use blade baits or jigs along the deeper channel. Catfish respond well to nightcrawlers off the bottom in summer. A valid Arizona fishing license is required for anyone 10 and older.

Kayak and canoe anglers have a significant advantage — they can reach structure that shore anglers can't. The lake has no motorized boat limit per se, but non-motorized craft dominate and the vibe is quiet and relaxed.

Wildlife and Birding

The Lake Mary corridor is a productive birding area year-round. Spring and summer bring a full complement of forest nesters: Western bluebirds, Steller's jays, white-breasted nuthatches, and multiple woodpecker species including the acorn and hairy. The lake edges attract great blue herons and belted kingfishers. Osprey are reliable in summer. Bald eagles occasionally winter at Upper Lake Mary — check eBird for recent sightings before you go.

Mammals are abundant: mule deer and elk are regularly seen along the forest road, especially at dawn and dusk. Pronghorn occasionally cross the open meadows south of Lower Lake Mary. Coyotes hunt the meadow edges at night.

Picnicking and Day Use

Several developed picnic areas line the Lake Mary Road corridor, most with tables, fire grills, and vault toilets. These fill up on summer weekends by 10 AM — arrive early or plan a weekday visit. The Pinegrove Campground (fee required) sits near the lake and offers one of the most pleasant campsite settings in the Coconino National Forest. For day trippers, the undeveloped pullouts along the east shore give decent bank fishing access without the fee-area crowds.

Practical Info: Getting There and What to Bring

Take South Milton Road south from downtown Flagstaff until it becomes Lake Mary Road. The road is paved all the way to Upper Lake Mary, with the turnoff for Lower Lake Mary about 7 miles from town and Upper Lake Mary another 3 miles further. Parking areas are signed throughout.

What to bring: Arizona fishing license if fishing, water (the lake is a reservoir — don't drink from it), sunscreen (the elevation means UV is intense), layers (afternoons can turn cold), and bear spray if venturing onto forest trails beyond the lake area.