Ashurst Lake, Flagstaff, Arizona

Coconino National Forest in Flagstaff, Arizona is one of the more popular outdoor recreation areas in the state. The forest presents a myriad of conifer, pine, fir, and spruce trees along the mountain ridges. Within the forest is Ashurst Lake. The lake provides a number of reasons for tourists to go to the park each season. For tourists who love a quiet place to fish this lake is amply endowed.

The lake has been stocked with rainbow and brook trout. Tourists can paddle a canoe out onto the lake to fish, swim, or just sit there admiring the views around them. Windsurfing and other water sports are available on the lake. The national forest is dedicated to preserving the land, so there may be times when motorized vehicles like boats are not allowed on the lake. To reach the lake from the entrance of the forest is easy. There is a paved road that drives straight to the lake. There is also a gravel road that will accommodate mountain bikers and hikers. From the lake it is possible to view the San Francisco Peaks.

Photographers will find plenty of scenes worth recording. For these tourists the wildlife of the area can help enliven a photo. Bears, elk, deer, birds, and other wildlife can be found in the forests. They have plenty of sources for water, and the lake is one of them. If visitors stay around long enough they may just catch a glimpse of the wildlife taking a drink.

Ashurst Lake is of medium size when compared to other lakes in the state of Arizona. It has a reputation though. Unlike other lakes Ashurst tends to keep the water level even during a dry period. Arizona can have periods of extremely low precipitation, and smaller lakes tend to dry up.

Close to the lake there is a campground. Motor homes and tents are welcome at the campground during the seasons. There tend to be a lot of shady sites to choose from, but it is first come first serve. To reach Ashurst Lake travelers need to drive 20 miles southeast of Flagstaff. The elevation in this area is about 7,000 feet. Most of the trip will be spent on the Forest Highway, until reaching FR 82E. The campground season is May 1st to October 15th. This can vary from year to year depending on the weather that is being called for.

Among the attractions of the park and lake are fishing, boating, camping, windsurfing, wildlife watching, bird watching, biking, and photography. There is one boat ramp, 50 single unit camp sites, and several picnic tables. Fire rings are in place at the camp site. However, depending on how dry the season is, the camp fires may not be allowed. There are cooking grills at the sites as well. Drinking water and other facilities are in place. For the boats a motor must be 10 horsepower or less. During the winter months the drinking water is unavailable to avoid freezing pipes.