Upper Lake Mary Near Flagstaff Arizona

Originally written by Tony Subia

Updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on October 2, 2026

Boating, Fishing & Outdoor Recreation

Upper Lake Mary is a scenic high-country reservoir about 12 miles southeast of Flagstaff in the Coconino National Forest. The largest of Flagstaff's twin lakes, it is one of northern Arizona's most popular destinations for power boating, water skiing, fishing, kayaking and canoeing. Its long shoreline winds through ponderosa pine forest and open high-country terrain, with the San Francisco Peaks nearby. Lake levels can fluctuate considerably with precipitation, snowmelt and water use, so boaters should check current water and launch-ramp conditions before visiting.

• Why Visit Upper Lake Mary
• Things To Do
• Best Time To Visit
• Water Levels & Access
• Fishing
• Fish Species
• Boating
• Camping
• Visitor Tips
• Map & Directions
• Nearby Lakes
• FAQ

Upper Lake Mary is a long, narrow reservoir at an elevation of approximately 6,800 feet. Motorboats, sailboats, kayaks, canoes and other paddle craft share the lake, making it one of the Flagstaff area's most versatile boating destinations. Its high-country setting generally provides much cooler summer conditions than Arizona's lower deserts. See our Flagstaff Weather Chart for average monthly temperatures when planning your visit.

Why People Enjoy Upper Lake Mary

Upper Lake Mary combines motorized water recreation with fishing, paddling, wildlife viewing and scenic high-country surroundings. Unlike many smaller northern Arizona lakes, there is no motor-size restriction, making it especially popular for power boating and water skiing when water levels permit. Anglers pursue northern pike, walleye, channel catfish, crappie and other species, while the surrounding Lake Mary watershed provides habitat for bald eagles, osprey, elk, deer and waterbirds.

Things To Do At Upper Lake Mary

• Boating & Water Skiing – Enjoy one of northern Arizona's best lakes for motorized boating, with open water suited to cruising and water skiing when lake levels permit.
• Fishing – Fish for northern pike, walleye, channel catfish, crappie, bass and other species from shore or boat.
• Kayaking & Paddleboarding – Explore the lake's long shoreline and quieter areas by paddle craft.
• Picnicking & Day Use – Use developed recreation areas for lakeside picnics and day trips.
• Wildlife Viewing & Birdwatching – Watch for bald eagles, osprey, waterfowl, elk and deer in the surrounding habitat.
• Scenic Drives & Photography – Travel Lake Mary Road for high-country scenery and views of the lake and surrounding forest.
• Cycling & Hiking Nearby – Explore roads and forest trails throughout the surrounding Flagstaff high country.

Best Time To Visit Upper Lake Mary

Spring

Warming temperatures and improving access make spring a good time for fishing, birdwatching and quieter lake visits. Water levels often benefit from winter precipitation and snowmelt, although conditions vary considerably by year.

Summer

Summer is the primary season for boating, water skiing, kayaking, camping and escaping the hotter temperatures of Arizona's lower deserts. Afternoon thunderstorms can develop quickly during the summer monsoon season.

Fall

Cooler temperatures, lighter weekday use and changing high-country scenery make fall pleasant for fishing, paddling, scenic drives and wildlife viewing.

Winter

Upper Lake Mary remains accessible when road and weather conditions permit, but cold temperatures, snow and ice can limit recreation and seasonal services.

Upper Lake Mary Water Levels & Access

Upper Lake Mary and the Lake Mary Recreation Corridor are accessible year-round when conditions permit, although facilities, boat-launch conditions and seasonal services can vary. Fees may apply at developed recreation sites. Because the reservoir depends heavily on precipitation, snowmelt and water use, its water level can change substantially from year to year. Low water can make launching trailered boats difficult, so boaters should check current lake and ramp conditions before traveling.

For current access, fees and recreation-site information, check the Lake Mary Recreation Corridor and the latest Arizona Game and Fish fishing report.

Fishing At Upper Lake Mary

Upper Lake Mary offers one of the more diverse warmwater fisheries in the Flagstaff area. Fishing is available from shore and by boat, although changing water levels can affect shoreline access and boat launching. Anglers should review current Arizona fishing regulations before visiting.

Fish Species In Upper Lake Mary

Northern pike and walleye are two of Upper Lake Mary's better-known game fish. Channel catfish, crappie, bass, yellow bass, bluegill and green sunfish are also found in the lake. Fish populations, fishing success and shoreline access can vary considerably with changing water levels and seasonal conditions.

Boating At Upper Lake Mary

Upper Lake Mary is one of the Flagstaff area's primary destinations for motorized boating, water skiing, sailing, kayaking and canoeing. There is no motor-size restriction on the lake. Developed access includes paved boat-launch facilities, although fluctuating water levels can affect whether ramps are usable for trailered boats.

A U.S. Geological Survey bathymetric survey conducted in 2024 measured Upper Lake Mary at approximately 954 surface acres and 5.7 miles long at full pool. The study was published in 2026. Actual lake surface area and usable boating water vary considerably with precipitation, snowmelt and water use.

Camping Near Upper Lake Mary

Developed camping is available nearby at Lakeview Campground and Pine Grove Campground, while Canyon Vista Campground is closer to Lower Lake Mary. Additional camping and outdoor recreation can be found near Mormon Lake and Ashurst Lake. Campground operating seasons, services, fees and availability can change, so check current Coconino National Forest or Recreation.gov information before visiting.

Upper Lake Mary Visitor Tips

• Check current lake levels and boat-ramp conditions before towing a boat to the lake.
• Expect rapidly changing high-country weather, especially afternoon thunderstorms during the summer monsoon season.
• Bring sun protection and drinking water even when temperatures are cooler than in Arizona's lower deserts.
• Use extra caution when paddling because kayaks and other paddle craft share the lake with motorized boats.
• Review current Arizona fishing regulations before fishing.
• Check campground availability and seasonal services before planning an overnight trip.
• Observe posted fire restrictions throughout the Coconino National Forest.

Map & Directions To Upper Lake Mary

From Flagstaff, travel southeast on Lake Mary Road, also known as Forest Highway 3. Continue past Lower Lake Mary for approximately 12 miles from Flagstaff to reach Upper Lake Mary and its developed recreation areas. The route is paved and provides access to the Upper Lake Mary boat launch, the Narrows area and nearby campgrounds.

Nearby Lakes & Recreation

Upper Lake Mary is part of a larger network of lakes and outdoor recreation areas southeast of Flagstaff. Visitors can combine a trip to the lake with several nearby destinations.

• Flagstaff Area Lakes – Explore additional fishing and recreation lakes around Flagstaff.
• Mormon Lake – A large, shallow natural lake and recreation area southeast of Flagstaff.
• Ashurst Lake – A popular fishing and camping destination farther southeast along the Lake Mary Road corridor.
• Kinnikinick Lake – A more remote high-country lake known for fishing and quiet forest surroundings.
• Flagstaff Arizona – Lodging, restaurants, attractions and visitor services approximately 12 miles northwest of Upper Lake Mary.

Upper Lake Mary FAQ

Where is Upper Lake Mary located?

Upper Lake Mary is located about 12 miles southeast of Flagstaff, Arizona, along Lake Mary Road in the Coconino National Forest.

Can you boat on Upper Lake Mary?

Yes. Upper Lake Mary allows motorized boating with no motor-size restriction and is popular for power boating, water skiing, kayaking, canoeing and other forms of paddling. Boat-launch conditions depend on the lake's current water level.

Are gasoline boat motors allowed on Upper Lake Mary?

Yes. Motorized boats are permitted on Upper Lake Mary, and there is no motor-size restriction. The lake is used for power boating and water skiing as well as kayaking, canoeing and other paddle sports.

What fish are in Upper Lake Mary?

Upper Lake Mary supports northern pike, walleye, channel catfish, crappie, bass, yellow bass, bluegill, green sunfish and other warmwater species. Fishing conditions and species activity vary by season and water level.

Can you camp near Upper Lake Mary?

Yes. Nearby developed camping includes Lakeview Campground and Pine Grove Campground, with Canyon Vista Campground closer to Lower Lake Mary. Additional camping is available elsewhere in the Flagstaff area.

How large is Upper Lake Mary?

A U.S. Geological Survey bathymetric survey conducted in 2024 measured Upper Lake Mary at approximately 954 surface acres at full pool and about 5.7 miles long. The report was published in 2026. Actual surface area varies significantly with precipitation, snowmelt and water use.

Does Upper Lake Mary have boat ramps?

Yes. Developed boat-launch facilities are available at Upper Lake Mary. Because lake levels fluctuate significantly, low-water conditions can make launching trailered boats difficult.

Is Upper Lake Mary open year-round?

The Lake Mary Recreation Corridor is open year-round, but seasonal services, fees, campground availability and boat-launch conditions can change. Check current conditions before visiting.

How do you get to Upper Lake Mary from Flagstaff?

From Flagstaff, take Lake Mary Road southeast for approximately 12 miles, passing Lower Lake Mary before reaching Upper Lake Mary and its developed recreation areas.

More Information

Check current fees, recreation-site status, road conditions and lake access before visiting.

Flagstaff Ranger District
5075 N. Highway 89
Flagstaff, Arizona 86004
928-526-0866

Related Interest
Camping Near Flagstaff
Flagstaff RV Parks
Other Flagstaff Lakes

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Arizona Lakes