Today is Memorial Day. Have you enjoyed your long weekend? I hope at some point you’ve taken time to appreciate the lives lost—human and canine—to ensure our freedoms. I am grateful!
We originally were going to camp, but Mom needed to do some work yesterday. Instead, we headed up for the day to one of my all-time favorites: Bismarck Lake. Allow for three hours to drive from North Phoenix to the Bismarck Lake trail head parking lot. You’ll go through Flagstaff and head toward the Snowbowl ski area, which has its last day of skiing today, breaking the record for the longest winter skiing season.
We were hoping most people drove up on Friday, but traffic was still heavy. It kept moving along, though, and we didn’t run into any big snags.
Just past Snowbowl, get on 151 to Hart Prairie Road. It’s a dirt road and can be a bit bumpy with rocks. A car could make it, but you won’t want to take a low-riding one on it. You are driving through private land so no going off road. Your GPS will take you this far, but unfortunately, it gets lost trying to find Forest Road #627. Look for a pavilion on your left, and the road is shortly past that on your right.
Your navigation should pick up the FR#627. Keep an eye for it. We missed it the first time around. his takes you to the free parking lot, and it does not have human restrooms. We suggest you take advantage of one of the marts or gas stations along 151.
Note: The area has ranches, and cows wander around. Wild deer are also present, and we saw quit a few. Pay attention because a collision with either will not end well for anyone.
We thought the lot would be full, but only one other car was parked. Awesome! Mom and Dad loaded up their backpacks with our picnic and layers. 
You see, this trail is up at 8,500 feet in elevation, and the weather can change quickly. The temperatures are always cooler, and that is why I love this place. Woof! It was barely 60 degrees when we started. Yeah baby.
The hike is only one mile to the lake, and it is easy. It goes up slightly the entire way but nothing steep. Only one section doesn’t have shade, but it is here where you have incredible views of the San Francisco Peaks. We suspected they would have snow since Snowbowl was still open, and we were right! Wow—how pretty to see them against the blue sky and all the lush, green grasses from spring rain. A real treat.
As we were hiking in, we met the other people, and they were hiking out. This meant we had our picnic spot all to ourselves. Nice! Things kept getting better because the lake actually had water in it. Yowsa!
Bismarck Lake is one of those lakes by name only and usually doesn’t have any water in it. We’ve been here several times, and this is the first time it was truly a lake and not a mud hole. I dove in for a swim but sank into the mud. I didn’t care as it felt great!
The frogs were singing songs, and the ducks were tooling around. They were our only company, and we loved it! Dad hung up the hammock, and Mom got our lunch ready. They sat on a log, and we enjoyed Mom’s homemade macaroni salad and some salami.
Mom and Dad settled in under a tree to read their books, and I took it all in. A slight breeze was blowing all sorts of smells my way. That is my reading: nature. I knew they were coming, but they didn’t know I was there. Three bicyclists stopped to snap a picture of the lake with the San Francisco Peaks in the background. I arfed to say hi and startled them. Ha! At least they didn’t fall off their bikes. They carried on with their ride, and we had the place all to ourselves once again.
We couldn’t believe this was a holiday weekend. Where were all the people? We did not complain one bit and hung out for hours. The sounds of nature 
are soothing and can lull you into a sleep. I may have dozed off a bit, and I woke up barking. I guess I was ready to go. Ha!
Mom and Dad looked at their watches and agreed we should pack it up and hike out. I took one last dip in that cool, mountain lake water and off we went. I must say, I was feeling quite spry, and I was pulling Mom the entire way back. I was full of zest and vigor! Yes, I am a mountain dog, and I am happy in the forest.
Since we drove home on Saturday, the traffic was incredibly light. Hardly anyone was on the road as they were probably where they wanted to be for the holiday. We made it home in 2 ½ hours, easy peasy.
Remember, I-17 southbound is down to one lane from Flagstaff to Munds Park for the unforeseeable future due to road construction. I can only imagine what a mess it will be today. Please always be safe in your travels so you can adventure once again.
My mom, Lorraine Bossé-Smith, is kind enough to help me share my Great Adventures, big and small. My mom is a motivational speaker, corporate trainer, executive recruiter, business consultant, coach, fitness expert, and author of nine published books. More importantly, she’s the best doggy mom ever!
Enjoy my blog at https://www.lorrainebosse-smith.com/category/kuma/kumas-great-adventures/
and be sure to follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kumathedog/ and Instagram: kumaitothedog
Get outside! You never know what you’ll discover, and our paths just might cross. Happy tails!
Ginger Stahl says
Hmmm, that pasta salad and salami sound good – yummm! But guess dogs wouldn’t like it. The hammock and reading with the quiet sounds all around sounds SO relaxing. Guess that’s the way nature is supposed to be! Thanks for detailing your adventure, Kuma!!