After months of record-breaking, sweltering heat in the valley, eleven Trailblazers headed to the high country for a weekend camping trip at Mormon Lake. Located 24 miles southeast of Flagstaff in the Coconino National Forest, Dairy Springs campground is nestled in a cool forest of ponderosa pine, white fir, conifer, and aspen trees. Just down the road from Mormon Lake Village, the campground sits at 7000 feet.

Campers arrived at different times on Friday and unpacked their gear at a leisurely pace. We had three campsites reserved but one site showed evidence of recent heavy rains and runoff, so all tents were erected on higher ground. The early arrivals did some exploratory walking in the area and discovered a deserted Boy Scout camp. Although clearly abandoned some time ago, the cabins still bore signs of the young scouts who must have enjoyed their wilderness retreat. Rumor has it that the place is for sale and perhaps someone will revitalize it for future generations.

Friday’s potluck dinner could best be described as a sumptuous feast. With the camp fire blazing, tables were set up, tablecloth spread out, camp stoves heated, and out came the most delicious assortment of food imaginable.

The table was laden with Korean-style barbeque pork, posole, fire roasted tamales, fried rice, potato salad, meatballs, and a fried peppered prickly pear hash. And if that was not enough, dessert offerings included a gargantuan fruit salad, and two versions of cookies.

We ate until the sun went down and darkness settled over the campground.

Sitting around the campfire is always one of the most enjoyable moments when camping. Enjoying one another’s company, we played games, swapped stories, and even had some extra entertainment when Charlie sang and played a few songs on the mandolin. It was a nice, star-studded evening and as the temperatures dropped quickly, we gathered close to revel in the fire’s warmth. We did not know it then, but we were in for some cold sleeping weather: the temperature dipped to 37 degrees that first night.

The next morning, we were greeted by nine additional hikers who had driven up to join us for the day hike. Twenty Trailblazers trekked up Mormon Mountain for an invigorating six mile hike under a shady canopy of trees. The trail begins at the edge of Dairy Springs Campground and gradually climbs almost 1500 feet up the side of the mountain.

Mormon Lake is said to be the largest natural lake in Arizona but that seems to be stretching it a bit. It’s only large when there's water in it! Our camp host informed us the lake “won’t hold water” and that information matched up pretty well with what we saw. Regardless of the condition of the lake, the area is quite picturesque and we enjoyed the hike. We stopped for lunch in an open grassy area towards the top, then turned onto an old forest service road. At the top of the mountain, there is a multitude of towers and on this day, construction crews were busy digging holes and creating more towers. Some of the hikers found this activity interesting; others were ready to head back down the mountain.

Returning to the campground, farewells were said as the day hikers left for Mormon Village to get a bite to eat on their way out of town.

For the group remaining at the campsite, there were many options. A card game was set up under a canopy and snacks were shared. Those who did not sleep well the night before stacked some zzzzzs. Others chose to do some additional exploring around the area and a few even took up geocaching.

The entire group cleaned up pretty well for a Saturday night dinner at Mormon Lake Lodge. The lodge was originally built in 1924 by a Chandler man. Popular during the ranching and logging days in northern Arizona, the place burned to the ground in 1974 during a team roping contest. Local ranchers rebuilt it into the existing restaurant and saloon.

Team roping continues at the lodge to this day. In addition, the village boasts a lively nightlife, with a steakhouse, a live band for dancing in the saloon, a firework display on the fourth of July, a petting zoo for kids, horseback riding and other weekend events.

After a hearty dinner at the steakhouse, most of the group headed over to the saloon for some dancing. Much to our dismay, we discovered that the live entertainment ended for the season on Labor Day. We were not to be deterred however, so digging into our pockets, we fed the jukebox and livened up the dance floor.

Sunday morning seems to come too soon on these camping trips. Some of the group packed up early and headed for home; others stayed longer and enjoyed the beautiful weather and good company a bit longer. Overall, another memorable Trailblazers’ camping trip!

Photos courtesy of Quy, Michael, Debbie, Ajay, Bill, and Monica.