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)
It's a vacation that lets you put your life on cruise control. Knight Pierce Hirst takes humorous looks at life. Take a minute to make yourself smile at knightwatch.typepad.com
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary - South India (2)
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)
The local ferry makes daily trips to beautiful Drayton Island, a haven for plants and wildlife. Timothy Tyson has spent most of 2007 traveling by car around the state of Florida.
South India Package Tours (4)
Everything was well organised, the staff were friendly and the resort and its surroundings were so beautiful that it cannot be described in words. Although it was quite expensive it was definitely worth it and we will definitely be returning.
Making Golf Club Selection Less Than Painful (5)
Consider the clubs you have been using prior to this. Have they been working well for you, or do you have problems? Before picking new golf clubs, you should write down a little table of the old golf clubs.
A Beach Holiday In The French Capital, Paris? Strange, But True... (6)
Crazy perhaps, but not impossible. In fact, for the sixth year in a row during 20th July and 19th August, the idea actually becomes a reality, as Paris celebrates the summer festival 'Paris Plages'.
Spooky Delights In London (7)
Remember, this is a journey best taken by those that are not faint of heart. Gaizka Pujana is the co-owner of Barcelona Homes, S.L. which is a company specialized in providing short term tenancy solutions in Europe through its web pages www.barcelonahomes.net www.getreadylondon.com www.getreadyrentals.com
The Final Fantasy XI Job The Warrior Explored (8)
At level 5 they attain provoke which will allow them to taunt an enemy into attacking the warrior. This is useful when you want to redirect all damage away from your team mates, or to steal enemies away from other players.
Drinking And Dining In Barcelona (9)
Make sure that you pack light snacks to take with you through the day if you are not used to eating at such times. Wine is cheap and good in Spain.
Beach, Desert And Dubai (10)
Something that you definitely won't find in the UK is camel racing. Even though enthusiasm for the sport died out years ago, it is quickly becoming ever-more popular once again.
Newer Articles Highlighter:
How To Write Your First Article (1)
Learn to create a conclusion that sticks in the mind of the reader. For example, in how-to articles, point out the benefits of following your directions and let them know how to proceed next.
Pet Training Troubles With Multiple Pets (2)
Try to go at least far enough away to not here the other pets, as the whining will be a distraction for both you and your pet. You will not want to hear it, and the other pet will want to investigate.
Rock Climbing Provides New Levels Of Adventure For Those In Texas (3)
The proper equipment, including ropes and specialized gear that stop a climber from falling too far, are part and parcel of the sport. Another aspect of the safety is the anchors that are hammered into rock and to which climbers attach pitons and ropes to assist in the adventure.
Chasing The Perfect Golf Swing (4)
Swing slowly and steadily using good rhythm. And make sure not to grip the golf club too tightly. Many golfers who are left-handed prefer the right-handed golf swing.
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)
He/she is very important. Sit down with them and make a checklist of items you need. 2. Check the "lay of the land." Vitally important! Whether you are traveling solo or with a group, do a little homework on where you are traveling too.
Baby On Board (7)
Before the flight take off, make milk or make them drink milk because there will be pressure in their ears. Little kids can't exactly do what adults can. 3.
Selecting Tickets For N F L Football Games (8)
They have their favorite team that trains everyday in their hometown and they know the stadium layout by heart. Picking the seats for those tickets only takes a few minutes, and they can go to the football stadium and buy as many tickets as they please or buy them through retail outlets on the internet and know exactly where they will be seated.
Kiteboarding: A Great Way To Enjoy Life In Texas (9)
Wakeboard bindings are boot-like and are hard to get into, compared to the easy-entry, sandal-like binding of a kiteboard. Those who are in the water with the kite will want to have the binding as easy as possible to put the board on their feet while flying the kite.
Refreshing N F L Moments (10)
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.