Mormon Lake

Arizona's largest natural lake — when it has water. This shallow, intermittent lake southeast of Flagstaff swells to nearly 12 square miles after wet winters and monsoon seasons, then shrinks to a riparian marsh or dries up entirely in drought years. Wet or dry, it's one of northern Arizona's best wildlife stages: hundreds of elk gather in the lake bed from July through early September, and wintering bald eagles perch in the snags from November to February.

The designated scenic pullout on Lake Mary Road (east shore) offers the best views across the basin, framed by the largest continuous ponderosa pine stand in North America. Bring binoculars, and check water levels before planning any boating or fishing — conditions swing dramatically year to year.