Lake Mary Rd from Flagstaff to Payson - By Guest

Took this route last week (actually this was the back-half of a ride north from Phoenix up 89A into Flagstaff and then south down Lake Mary Rd.). Left Phoenix at 9:30am headed north and 100 degree temps. An hour and a half later (and 20 degrees cooler) was turning off of I-17 onto 179 north which hooks you up with 89A heading into Sedona. Absolutely stunning scenery included the Red Rock country of Sedona, the outstandingly beautiful splendor of Oak Creek Canyon, the majesty of the Coconino National Forest and Flagstaff's ponderosa pine country. A quick stop and leg-stretch in Flagstaff, and I start my trek south on Lake Mary Rd. I'd recommend gassing-up in Flagstaff before heading south. Having camped up in this area, I was aware of what an incredible ride this would be on a motorcycle. Driving down the east side of Lower and Upper Lake Mary you pass miles of wonderful fresh pine-smelling woods with glimpses of the lake revealing itself between tree limbs. Turning west on Lake Mormon Rd ( a few miles below Upper Lake Mary) you travel for a couple handfuls of miles and see to your left an expansive and huge "field" extending a half-mile across. This is actually the temporary state of Mormon Lake, as the mountain run-off has been low for the past dozen years which normally kept this lakebed filled. I remember years ago having friends come up here and catching their limits on walleyes and perch. It will come around again one of these years when the drought AZ has experienced this decade passes. Up ahead is Mormon Lake Village, population 50 or 5000 (depending on the season). Great place to stop and have a cold beverage at the Lodge. From there I continued on and rejoined Lake Mary Road heading south to Happy Jack, AZ. Don't look for any facilities--the 'town' is more or less just a ranger station, population: 2. Continuing south you travel thru more statuesque pine forests with some of the best twists and curves around. I opted to head west on 260 which takes you down from the elevated forests to the lower (and hotter) desert plains and into Camp Verde for more gas, a drink, and onward south on I-17 back into Phoenix. Don't pass this ride up if you get the chance, but if you've got a choice, ride it in the spring or fall due to the valley's heat at ride's end.