Two Campgrounds In Coconino National Forest With Beautiful Views Of A Lake And Mountains
Topics: Arizona camping, Coconino National Forest, Coconino National Forest Campgrounds, National Forests
Coconino National Forest contains 1.8 million acres of pristine protected areas surrounding Sedona and Flagstaff in northern Arizona with diverse landscapes including deserts, ponderosa pine forests, flatlands, mesas, alpine tundra, and ancient volcanic peaks. The forest contains all or parts of ten national wilderness areas, including the Kachina Peaks Wilderness containing the San Francisco Peaks. Much of the forest is a high altitude plateau with an average elevation of 7,000 feet located in the midst of the largest contiguous ponderosa pine forest in North America.
Coconino National Forest is divided into four major districts. The northern most district, known as the Peaks District, is home to the San Francisco Peaks, an ancient group of volcanic summits. The highest peak, Humphreys Peak, is the highest point in Arizona at 12,633 feet. The San Francisco Peaks are the most striking feature of the San Francisco Volcanic Field, an 1,800 square mile volcanic field that contains more than 600 volcanic structures.
South of Flagstaff is the Mormon Lake District known as the Lake Country and is home to several natural lakes including Mormon Lake, the largest natural lake in Arizona. Ashurst and Marshall Lakes are also located in this area, both at the top of Anderson Mesa, an approximately 20 mile long ridge that rises 200 to 400 feet above the surrounding landscape. Anderson Mesa is best known for the branch of Lowell Observatory that is located along the edge of the mesa.
Located about twenty miles south of Flagstaff, Ashurst Lake is home to Ashurst and Forked Pine campgrounds each having about 25 camp sites most of which have direct views of both the beautiful lake and the distant and seasonally snow capped San Francisco Peaks. At an elevation of about 7,000 feet, both campgrounds can accommodate small RV’s. Although the only amenities provided are vault toilets, the scenery and recreational opportunities at these two campgrounds are worth it. Both Ashurst and Forked Pine campgrounds are located along the lakeshore with campsites huddled in a picturesque stand of mature juniper trees and pinyon pines with most of the sites having good views of the lake and the distant San Francisco Peaks.
The lake is only 230 acres, medium-sized as northern Arizona lakes go, but it has a reputation for holding water even through long dry spells typical in this area. Wind surfing, fishing and bird watching are popular recreational activities at these two campgrounds. Consistent winds and water levels make Ashurst Lake excellent for wind surfing although there is not a designated wind surfing launching area.
Fishing is also popular at these two campgrounds. Ashurst Lake is stocked with trout, bass and channel catfish and all parts of the shoreline are very accessible although some parts are a little rocky.
The area is also popular for birding with many species of birds including Western Grebes, migrant Black Terns, white-faced ibises, pintails and other ducks. Bald eagles and osprey can also be seen in the area, along with a number of species of hawks and songbirds. Bird watching during the spring waterfowl migration is a favorite in this part of Coconino National Forest.
Camp, fish, wind surf and bird watch at Ashurst and Forked Pine campgrounds with beautiful views of not only the lake but the seasonally snow capped San Francisco Peaks as well. Ashurst Lake is a favorite recreational destination in Coconino National Forest.
Visit www.campingwithaview.com for more information on Coconino National Forest. Carl Zimmerman is owner and webmaster of Camping With A View (www.campingwithaview.com) dedicated to finding campgrounds with beautiful views.
Previous Articles Highlighter:
Tempted To Cruise Through Life? (1)
There was Bingo too. What would a cruise be without Bingo? It would B-2 bad. Although we played for cocktails instead of cash, Bingo was a sobering experience.
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary - South India (2)
If you prefer, you can even rent your own boat and explore at your own leisure. There is plenty to do at Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and the range of activities are so diverse that you will find something for everyone whilst on your South India package tour.
Putnam County Florida: A Natural Wonderland (3)
Johns River and its immediate tributaries. Besides its many historic attractions, Palatka is also home to Ravine Gardens State Park, a 182 acre, 100 foot ravine known for its many thousands of blooming azaleas during the winter and spring months.
South India Package Tours (4)
Our stay there was an extremely pleasant one with lots to do, beautiful scenery and helpful staff. In fact it was a perfect example of South India package tours at their best.
Making Golf Club Selection Less Than Painful (5)
Have an expert golfer decide for you whether the length of your current clubs are proper for your playing. Playing with clubs that are too long or too short can have a surprisingly large effect on your game, and if you have been playing with the wrong length then you will be amazed at what switching to the right length can do.
A Beach Holiday In The French Capital, Paris? Strange, But True... (6)
To cope with the expected increase on that figure this year, an extra location was organised in addition to the two from previous years. The three locations have been set up at various points around the city, connected by shuttle buses, each with a different theme or focus.
Spooky Delights In London (7)
The Viaduct Tavern dates back to 1875, and is the last example of a late Victorian gin palace left in the City of London. It is also prone to suffer from bouts of poltergeist activity.
The Final Fantasy XI Job The Warrior Explored (8)
Warriors have all of the skills and characteristics necessary to make them the primary defensive fighters of Vana d'iel - high hp (hit points), high defense (both innate and because of the variety of armors they can wear), good evasion and solid damage with their weapons.
Drinking And Dining In Barcelona (9)
As it is in most European countries, the standard is to round up to the next euro. Then, sit back, sip your Trifasico, and enjoy some conversation with those you are dining with; the table is yours for as long as you like.
Beach, Desert And Dubai (10)
The best time to go on holiday to Dubai if you're interested in camel racing is in October when the season starts. A fascinating way of seeing the new and old Dubai side is to take part in a creek tour.
Newer Articles Highlighter:
How To Write Your First Article (1)
Try using a catchy title to make the reader curious to find out more about your topic. Look through various article directories and make note of the headlines that capture your attention.
Pet Training Troubles With Multiple Pets (2)
Topics: Dog training, train your pet, pet training guide, how to train your dog, puppy training, dog training Training your pet is by far one of the best things you can do to keep your pets happy, healthy, and out of trouble.
Rock Climbing Provides New Levels Of Adventure For Those In Texas (3)
The American Safe Climbing Association has undertaken to replace deteriorating anchors on classic climbs in the U.S. ,while also educating climbers and the general public about climbing safety. Various rock climbing venues are typically "rated" by the amount of time it would take a climber to complete, with Grade I being a short climb done in a couple of hours.
Chasing The Perfect Golf Swing (4)
There are golf swing aids to help you with your swing alignment. Before you buy any aid or trainer for your swing, check with an expert to get an idea of what problem you need to work on first; for example, back lift of golf swing, momentum of downward thrust or your stance.
More Tips On Online Motorcycle Shopping (5)
The provisions and extent of the warranty must be reasonable enough to allow you to have a check on the bike. Remember that if the dealer is far off, damages resulting from shipping and other handling either due to negligence or natural wear and tear may occur.
African Safari Vacation - How To Enjoy Your African Adventure! (6)
Too many times on an African safari vacation people over pack. Dragging heavy luggage around on a mobile trip like a safari is sheer lunacy. The tip is to travel light and if you are not quite sure, refer back to your initial guide...your travel agent.
Baby On Board (7)
4. Always hold their hands. Dress them in family-code color shirts or outfits. This will make them easier to find in crowded places like airports. 5.
Selecting Tickets For N F L Football Games (8)
They might understand that NFL football is one of the favorite sports for millions of people around the world but they are not really sure which seats are fans seats and which ones are reserved for family and friends.
Kiteboarding: A Great Way To Enjoy Life In Texas (9)
Experts are more likely to compare the sport of kiteboarding to scuba diving rather than to wakeboarding, skiing or surfing. Lessons, in short, are required. Each year kiteboarding gear is getting better, which is helping the learning curve for those who take up the sport.
Refreshing N F L Moments (10)
Every moment of that professional football game will be embedded in their memory just as if they had gone to the game earlier that day. The moments that seem so memorable might have a great deal to do with the fact that they caught the game football and seeing the ball as it sits on a dresser top brings the day of the game up close and very personal.