Stoneman Lake

**Location & Access:** Stoneman Lake is located 36 miles south of Flagstaff via Interstate 17. Take Exit 306 (Stoneman Lake Exit), turn east under the highway, and follow Forest Road 213 for approximately 6.3 miles, staying north (left) at the T-intersection. The access site sits at 6,900 feet elevation in the Coconino National Forest.

**Facilities & Boating Rules:** A gravel boat ramp and parking area serve as the primary launch point for kayakers, canoeists, and small boats. The facility includes picnic tables and vault toilets but offers day-use only—no camping is permitted. Important restriction: Only single electric motors are allowed; gas-powered boats are prohibited. This naturally occurring medium-sized lake offers a scenic, secluded paddling experience, though water levels can fluctuate seasonally, so conditions may vary year to year.

**Note:** This is a non-reservable, day-use facility. Paddlers should verify water availability before making the trip, as Stoneman Lake does not always contain water year-round.

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,...

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, PhotographyFacilities: Gravel boat ramp and parking area, Picnic tables, Vault toiletsNotes: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.

Read More Read Less