SECLUDED LAKE Of the hundreds of volcanic mountains in the San Francisco Volcanic Field north of Flagstaff, only a few have lakes at their summit. Crater Lake, an extinct cinder cone, features a shallow pool ringed by red walls of solidified lava.
Getting There: From Flagstaff, go 18.3 miles north on U.S. 180 to Forest Road 760 (just past milepost 234). Turn left, continue 0.9 mile and bear right at a fork. At 1.1 miles, continue straight ahead at the crossroads for the Kendrick Snowmobile trails. From this point, continue 1 mile to FR 9009D on the left. The road sign is located roughly 100 feet in from FR 760 and is easy to miss. Park in the roadside pullouts and don’t attempt to drive up the hill. Length: 3 miles round trip Rating: moderate Kid Friendly: YES Pet Friendly: YES Elevation: 7,955-8,460feet Best Season: May-October
Photo credit Mare Czinar/PHOENIX
