Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests
Alpine Ranger District
(928) 339-4384
Bald Eagle
This high mountain lake, with a 7,900-foot elevation, offers excellent waterfowl viewing. Shore and boat access to the upper, western end of the lake is closed from April to August, providing safe nesting habitat for cinnamon teal, Canada goose, mallard and other waterfowl.
Bald eagle can be seen here in the winter, with a nesting pair usually present in spring and early summer. Both eastern and western meadowlark can be found here.
Walk the San Francisco River drainage below the dam spillway to see nesting Grace’s and yellow-rumped warblers, pygmy and white-breasted nuthatch, hairy woodpecker and an occasional Lewis’ woodpecker.
Mule deer and elk can be seen watering at sunrise and sunset. Beaver and muskrat are best seen in late evening.
Habitat: Aquatic, wetland riparian, ponderosa pine forest
Seasons: Spring through fall.
Location: From Alpine, go east four miles on U.S. Highway 180. Turn north onto Forest Road 570 to access the lake shoreline and the Forest Service campground located on the northeast side of the lake.
Access: 24 hours daily. The gravel road is suitable for passenger cars.
Near: Alpine
What You Might See
- Ponderosa pine forest birds
- Grassland birds
- Riparian birds
- Wetland birds
- Mule deer
- Elk
- Small mammals