Mormon Lake Lodge opens for summer season
Seeking a cool getaway from Phoenix’s scorching heat? Mormon Lake Lodge, in Coconino National Forest south of Flagstaff, might be the answer. The historic 97-year-old lodge is opening for its 2021 season on April 30.
The 300-acre property surrounded by ponderosa pines has long been a gathering place for friends, family and even team-building groups.
“They get a lot of returning visitors every summer,” said Scott Gold, vice president of Forever Resorts, the concessionaire that has been running the lodge since 1994. “Sometimes we see them every month because, you know, there we are, only two and a half hours away from Phoenix.
“On Friday after work you can literally be on the lake before the sun goes down, and so we just really want to see some of our family and friends, which is what we call them, because as we know, last year it was completely, completely askew and it wasn’t even close to any sense of normalcy.”
Here’s how to plan a trip to Mormon Lake Lodge.
Cabin rentals and camping at Mormon Lake Lodge
Initially, Mormon Lake Lodge cabins and campsites will be available Fridays through Sundays. Starting Memorial Day weekend, the lodge will be open seven days a week. After Thanksgiving weekend, it will return to weekends
only.
Lodging options range from rustic log cabins amid the trees to duplex-style rooms. Some cabins can accommodate up to eight people.
Visitors can also reserve one of the 74 campsites for RVs and tents. There are RV sites with electricity, water and sewer hookups, dry RV sites and dry tent sites. There also are coin-operated showers and laundry facilities. Kids will like the jungle gym, trout pond, basketball and volleyball courts and the buffalo viewing area behind the country store.
Mormon Lake Lodge dining options
Last year, dining was takeout only. This year, it’s back to normal with inperson dining at Mormon Lake Lodge Steakhouse and Mormon Lake Lodge Saloon. Gold said the saloon will have no standing areas, to encourage social distancing.
Feeling something more casual? Check out the Mormon Lake Pizzeria.
Masks are encouraged for guests and required for employees.
Recreation, activities and services
Want to socially distance while having a good time? The lodge has plenty of outdoor activities. There will be horseback riding, ATV rentals, archery and outdoor music.
“We do have some events planned with some precautionary measures in place and a lot of information and hand sanitation stations,” Gold said.
Want to buy a souvenir or send some mail? The lodge has a country store and post office that is open year-round.
Details: 1991 Mormon Lake Road, Mormon Lake. 877-386-4383, https://www.mormonlakelodge.com.