Photo: Thomas Pierre shutterrescues / CC0

Fishing 6,751 ft Bortle 3 Solitude: 75/100 (remote)

There is still some debate over whether Stoneman Lake is the remains of a volcanic crater or whether it fills a deep, collapsed sinkhole. The location of this naturally occurring body of water at the bottom of a large bowl-shaped valley and its nearly circular shape actually support both conclusions. The fact that faults in underlying rock layers provide the only way for water to leave the lake, adds weight to the sinkhole conclusion. The lake's recreational value, on the other hand, is something that is easily agreed upon. This medium-sized body of water, surrounded by Gambel oak and ponderosa pine covered basalt slopes is an excellent place to bird watch during the yearly waterfowl migrations, or all summer long for songbirds. There is a gravel parking lot and boat ramp at a day use area on the lake's northern shore. Picnic tables at shaded sites nearby provide a good place to spend an afternoon. Campground Season: There are no campgrounds at Stoneman Lake. Camping is available to the north at Mormon Lake and to the south at Beaver Creek. Please view "Dispersed Camping Guidlines" for camping in the area. Attractions : Boating (single electric motors only), Picnicking, Wildlife viewing, Photography Facilities : Gravel boat ramp and parking area, Picnic tables, Vault toilets Notes : No camping is permitted at the day-use area. Boats may be powered with no more than a single electric motor. The last 4 miles of road into the lake are not suitable for passenger cars in wet weather. There are a number of private cottages near the lake. Please respect their privacy.

Near Happy Jack, AZ in Arizona

What to Pack for Stoneman Lake (NE, 0mi), Coconino

Preparation starts with your pack. Here's what to bring.

The conditions at Stoneman Lake call for specific gear — here's a tailored packing list.

Essential

Water (minimum 2L) — Even cool-weather hiking demands steady hydration, as exertion and altitude increase water loss faster than most expect.
Navigation (map/GPS/compass) — Even well-marked trails have confusing junctions, especially in fog or snow; a GPS unit or downloaded map keeps you on route.
Sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen) — Quality sunglasses prevent snow blindness and reduce eye strain during long days on exposed trails or ridgelines.
First aid kit — Adhesive bandages, antiseptic, and athletic tape handle the most common trail injuries and weigh under a pound.
Extra food — Blood sugar drops fast during sustained effort outdoors, and having a reserve keeps your body and mind sharp.
Headlamp with extra batteries — Batteries drain faster in cold weather; carrying spares ensures you won't be left in the dark when you need light most.
Fire starter — Starting a fire boosts morale and provides light, warmth, and a way to purify water in an emergency.
Emergency shelter (space blanket) — If an injury forces you to stop moving, a reflective blanket prevents the rapid heat loss that leads to hypothermia.
Knife or multi-tool — In a survival situation, a blade lets you process tinder, build shelter, and prepare food.
Extra clothing layer — Wet clothing accelerates cooling; a dry backup layer can prevent hypothermia when conditions turn.

Wildlife Gear

Hiking buddy (avoid solo) — Solo hikers are more vulnerable to predatory behavior from mountain lions, which typically avoid groups.
Noise maker — A loud whistle doubles as a rescue signal, serving both wildlife safety and emergency communication.
Gaiters — Beyond snakes, gaiters also protect against thorns, brush, and ticks in overgrown trail sections.
First-aid snakebite kit — A lightweight pressure bandage and marker for tracking swelling take up minimal space but provide critical aid.

Climate Gear

Insulated layers — Layering lets you regulate temperature as conditions change, preventing the sweat buildup that causes chills later.
Hand warmers — Beyond comfort, hand warmers can help treat mild hypothermia by warming blood flowing through the extremities.
Thermos — A thermos also works in reverse: cold water stays cold in summer heat, encouraging steady hydration.

Terrain Gear

SPF50 lip balm — Reapply every 2 hours and after eating or drinking, as lip balm wears off faster than body sunscreen.

Seasonal Gear

Spring: Camera, Wildflower field guide
Fall: Camera, Binoculars (foliage viewing)
Winter: Microspikes/traction devices

Activities & Best Time to Visit Stoneman Lake (NE, 0mi), Coconino

The Forest terrain here lends itself to a range of outdoor activities throughout the year.

The Forest landscape around Stoneman Lake makes it well suited for birdwatching, boating, fishing.

The scenery here earns a 55/100 photography rating — Good dark sky (Bortle 3) and 3 excellent meteor showers.

Activities

birdwatching — Quiet observation often leads to rewarding encounters.
boating — Always wear life jackets and follow local water safety rules.
fishing — Check local regulations and seasons before heading out.
photography — Outdoor photography invites you to slow down and frame the beauty around you.
picnicking — Whether lakeside or in a meadow, it's a relaxed way to savor both the setting and the company.
swimming — Be mindful of currents, depth, and posted safety guidelines.
walking — Perfect for all ages, a casual walk can turn any outdoor space into a relaxing nature experience.
wildlife_viewing — Bring binoculars and patience — nature often rewards careful, respectful observers.

Best months: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Terrain: Forest — Expect cooler temperatures and higher humidity under tree cover. Wildlife habitat is abundant, especially in mixed hardwood or conifer stands.

Wildlife Safety at Stoneman Lake (NE, 0mi), Coconino

Knowing what to watch for helps you enjoy the outdoors here safely.

Wildlife safety at Stoneman Lake comes down to awareness. The area's danger score of 25/10 reflects Mountain lions, Venomous snakes, Far from city (97mi).

Danger rating: 25/100 (based on terrain difficulty, wildlife presence, weather exposure, and remoteness) moderate

Mountain lions
Venomous snakes
Far from city (97mi)

Altitude risk: mild

UV risk: high (Southern latitude (35N), Elevated (6,751ft), Forest canopy (shade))

Photo score: 55/100

Good dark sky (Bortle 3)
3 excellent meteor showers
Fall foliage
Spring wildflowers

Venomous Snakes

0 venomous snake species are found in this area: .

Watch where you step and place hands
Stay on trails
Wear boots and long pants in snake country
Do not reach under rocks or logs
If bitten: stay calm, immobilize limb, seek medical help immediately
Do NOT: cut wound, suck venom, apply tourniquet, ice, or alcohol

Nature & Wildlife at Stoneman Lake (NE, 0mi), Coconino

The Forest terrain here supports a rich ecosystem worth noticing as you explore.

Nature at Stoneman Lake includes 3 tree species, 2 wildflowers, and a range of mammals, birds, and reptiles.

Trees (3)

Southwestern Ponderosa Pine — Its thick bark forms broad orange plates separated by dark fissures.
Gambel Oak — It often grows in dense thickets, spreading by underground sprouts to form large colonies.
white fir — The bark is smooth and gray on young trees, becoming furrowed with age.

Wildflowers (2)

Arizona mariposa lily — Slender stem rising from narrow basal leaves.
Stansbury's Cliffrose — Feathery seed plumes developing after flowering.

Other Plants (5)

Echinocereus bakeri
great mullein
quaking aspen
alligator juniper
western blue flag

Mammals (8)

Abert's Squirrel — Medium-sized with agile build.
Mule Deer — Bucks carry branching antlers that fork rather than form a single main beam.
Gunnison's Prairie Dog — Often stands upright near burrow mounds.
Wapiti — Adults may weigh 500–1,000 pounds.
Rock Squirrel — Often stands upright on rocks to scan for predators.

Birds (30)

Red-winged Blackbird — Glossy breeding male plumage
House Sparrow — Urban plumage often dusted and worn
European Starling — Sleek dark breeding plumage with yellow bill
Eurasian Collared-Dove — Squared tail with white tips
Dark-eyed Junco — Pink-sided form with pale gray and buff flanks

Reptiles (5)

Plateau Fence Lizard — Usually 5–7 inches long including tail.
Greater Short-horned Lizard — Typically under 5 inches long.
Western Terrestrial Garter Snake — Typically grows 18–36 inches long with a narrow head and round pupils.
Gopher Snake — Adults commonly reach 3–6 feet in length.
Ornate Tree Lizard — Typically 4–6 inches long.

Amphibians (2)

American Bullfrog
Arizona Tree Frog

Insects (10)

Convergent Lady Beetle
Gray Buckeye
Carolina Grasshopper
White-lined Sphinx
Spotted Pine Sawyer

Fungi (1)

lobster mushroom

Other Wildlife (2)

Common Pill Woodlouse
Virile Crayfish

Nature Bingo at Stoneman Lake (NE, 0mi), Coconino

Can you spot them all? Check off each species as you find it on your visit.

Wildlife Challenge

Common Raven (bird)
Abert's Squirrel (mammal)
Plateau Fence Lizard (reptile)
American Bullfrog (amphibian)
Southwestern Ponderosa Pine (plant)

Botany Challenge

Achnatherum Pinetorum
Aquilegia Coerulea Var. Pinetorum
Arabis Holboellii Var. Pinetorum
Asclepias Engelmanniana
Echinocereus Engelmannii
Almutaster

Stoneman Lake (NE, 0mi), Coconino Climate & Sun

Here's the weather and sun data to help you pick the best time to visit.

Expect Temperate weather at Stoneman Lake, with the most comfortable conditions from May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep.

Climate type: Temperate

Best months to visit: May, Jun, Aug, Sep.

Winter 30°

3.0"

Spring 44°

0.7"

Summer 66°

3.2"

Fall 47°

1.3"

Month	Avg Temp	Precip
Jan	30°F	3.0 in
Feb	32°F	2.3 in
Mar	38°F	1.9 in
Apr	44°F	0.7 in
May	50°F	0.9 in
Jun	61°F	0.3 in
Jul	66°F	3.2 in
Aug	63°F	2.9 in
Sep	57°F	1.7 in
Oct	47°F	1.3 in
Nov	39°F	1.6 in
Dec	30°F	3.0 in

Daylight & Sun Times

Daylight ranges from 9.8 hours in winter to 14.5 hours in summer — a difference of 4.7 hours.

Summer: 5:11 AM – 7:40 PM

Winter: 7:25 AM – 5:16 PM

Winter Solstice: Sunrise 7:25 AM, Sunset 5:16 PM Golden hour from 4:37 PM

Summer Solstice: Sunrise 5:11 AM, Sunset 7:40 PM Golden hour from 7:03 PM

Spring Equinox: Sunrise 6:38 AM, Sunset 6:33 PM Golden hour from 5:59 PM

Fall Equinox: Sunrise 6:08 AM, Sunset 6:34 PM Golden hour from 6:01 PM

Stoneman Lake (NE, 0mi), Coconino Trip Planning & Access

Now for the logistics — distances, costs, and accessibility details for Stoneman Lake.

Plan for a drive from Phoenix to reach Stoneman Lake.

Nearest city: Phoenix (97 mi)

Estimated fuel cost: $24.37 (28 mpg, $3.5/gallon)

Carbon footprint: 78.8 kg CO2 (round trip by car)

Visitor Friendliness

Accessibility: dog-friendly (unknown), family-friendly (unknown), elderly-friendly (unknown).

Beginners: Perfect for beginners (Easy difficulty - perfect for beginners (+20))
Accessibility: Generally accessible to most visitors (100/100)

Places Near Stoneman Lake (NE, 0mi), Coconino

Extend your trip with these nearby outdoor spots.

Extend your visit with these nearby options — 14 destinations sit within range of Stoneman Lake.

Stargazing & Night Sky at Stoneman Lake (NE, 0mi), Coconino

The night sky adds another dimension to an overnight visit here.

Stargazing at Stoneman Lake benefits from Rural sky darkness — Bortle class 3 on the light pollution scale.

Bortle 3 Rural sky

Constellations

Key constellations visible from this latitude include Ursa Minor, Cepheus.

Ursa Minor — Visible throughout the year in much of the United States, Ursa Minor rotates steadily around the North Celestial Pole.
Cepheus — Though its stars are modest in brightness, Cepheus is visible year-round from most of the U.S.

Meteor Showers

The Geminids peaks around December 13-14 and is the best meteor shower visible from here.

Geminids — peaks December 13-14 (excellent)
Find a dark location away from city lights and give your eyes 20–30 minutes to adjust for peak rates.
Quadrantids — peaks January 3-4 (excellent)
Look toward the northern sky after midnight for the highest activity.
Perseids — peaks August 11-13 (excellent)
Expect fast, bright meteors and occasional fireballs under dark skies.
Eta Aquariids — peaks May 5-6 (good)
Plan for early morning viewing; activity increases in the hours just before sunrise.
Delta Aquariids — peaks July 28-29 (fair)
Southern states often see stronger activity due to radiant placement.

Planets

Planets visible to the naked eye from this location:

Venus — The brightest planet, often called the Morning or Evening Star
Jupiter — The largest planet, bright and steady in the night sky
Saturn — Famous for its rings, visible as a golden steady light
Mars — The Red Planet, recognizable by its reddish-orange hue

Equipment Guide

Naked eye: Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Mars, Mercury (with care)
Binoculars: Jupiter moons, Uranus, Saturn rings (barely)
Small telescope: Saturn rings, Jupiter bands, Mars surface features, Neptune

Viewing Tips

Check planets rise/set times for your specific date
Planets appear along the ecliptic (zodiac path)
Planets don't twinkle like stars - steady light
Venus and Jupiter are unmistakable - brightest objects after Moon
Use a stargazing app to confirm planet positions
Best viewing: when planet is highest in sky (transit)

Best Viewing Months

Evening: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
Morning: Jul, Aug, Sep

Seasonal Highlights at Stoneman Lake (NE, 0mi), Coconino

Beyond the night sky, the changing seasons shape what you'll experience here.

Each season reveals a different side of Stoneman Lake, from wildflower blooms to fall foliage.

Spring Wildflowers

Peak bloom: March - April

Check local park websites for bloom reports

Fall Foliage

Peak color: October 15 – November 5

Best trees for color: Maple, Oak, Aspen

Higher elevations peak 1-2 weeks earlier

Bird Migration

Spring peak: March - April

Fall peak: October - November

Best spots: Wetlands, coastlines, mountain ridges

Indigenous Land at Stoneman Lake (NE, 0mi), Coconino

The natural world here has been shaped by thousands of years of Indigenous stewardship.

The land around Stoneman Lake has been home to Hopitutskwa, Pueblos, Ndee/Nnēē: (Western Apache) for thousands of years.

Territories

Languages

The languages traditionally spoken in this area include Dilzhę́’é (North), Hopilavayi.

Data from Native Land Digital

Stoneman Lake (NE, 0mi), Coconino Geology & Natural History

Beyond the trails and wildlife, Stoneman Lake sits within a landscape shaped by millions of years of geological processes. Here's what researchers and surveys have documented about this area.

Bedrock Geology

Rock Type: Pliocene to late Miocene basaltic rocks
Lithology: Major:{basalt}
Age: Neogene

Fossils

Fossil Occurrences: 5
Unique Species: 5
Oldest: 283.3 million years ago

Mineral Deposits

Deposit Sites: 26
Richness: Moderate
Minerals Found: Sand and Gravel, Construction, Volcanic Materials, Pumice, Stone, Crushed/Broken

Endangered Species

Species at Risk: 1478
ESA Endangered: 29
ESA Threatened: 16
Conservation Score: 100/100

Temperature Records

Record High: 114°F (2005-07-18)
Record Low: -35°F (1979-01-30)

Wildfire History

This area has a relatively low wildfire risk, but always follow posted fire regulations.

Recorded Fires: 100
Largest Fire: Snake Ridge (15,333.3 acres)
Most Recent: 2024
Fire Risk: Extreme

Watershed

Watershed: Lower Woods Canyon
Water Quality (Good): 0%
Impaired: 0%

Reported Phenomena

UFO Sightings: 63 (NUFORC)
Bigfoot Reports: 2 (BFRO)
Eeriness Score: 46/100

Stoneman Lake (NE, 0mi), Coconino Safety & Conditions

Check current conditions from these authoritative sources before you go.

Conditions change quickly outdoors. These links provide current data for the area around Stoneman Lake.

Flood zone: Not in a flood zone

Nearest weather station: HAPPY JACK RANGER STATION, AZ US (6.95 mi)