Your guide to central Arizona lakes

Does the desert have you feeling dry and dehydrated? Check out one of these refreshing central Arizona lakes. 

“But it’s a dry heat!” — a line that never seems to get old here in Arizona, because, well, it’s dry and hot. This logically equates to dehydrated, barren landscapes complete with dust storms, dirt devils, and tumbleweeds.

Fortunately for us, there are several rivers that run through the Grand Canyon State, offering a reprieve and welcome juxtaposition of wet and refreshing to the otherwise dry and barren. Even more welcome is the damming that began in the turn of the 20th century as a result of a decade-long drought. 

The damming that mitigated the need for an emergency supply of liquid gold created with it the majority of the lakes that we enjoy today. Around the capitol of Phoenix, locals can enjoy a day trip to one of six major man-made lakes, an afternoon at a park with a fish-stocked lake, or an overnight trip to the White Mountains to visit one of several crisp and refreshing lakes there. These lakes provide space for fishing, camping, and other fun water recreations.

Here is your guide to the six lakes worth the day trip, plus some honorary mentions of the others. Find your favorite and you just may start celebrating the dammed lakes! 

Bartlett Lake

A government official named Bill Bartlett was surveying the Verde River when he discovered the right spot for the new Bartlett Dam. Funded 80% by SRP and 20% by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, it was built by 1939 and created what we now know as Bartlett Lake. Bartlett Lake is a 12-mile long water haven that sits 22 miles northeast of Carefree (sometimes carelessly referred to as North Scottsdale). While this lake is great for swimming and kayaking, it is actually known for being THE spot to take the jet skis. Yes, jet skis in Arizona! With roughly 2800 acres of boatable surface, Bartlett offers the extensive stretch perfect for catching the right speeds on the skis to have a little fun. If jet skis aren’t your thing, don’t worry! The fish are known to bite a bit here, too. 

What to do: Jet ski, swimming, water sports, fish, and more.
What’s bitin’: Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Crappie, Catfish, and Bluegill 

Lake Pleasant

Set on the Agua Fria River, this lake is named after the person who designed the dam, Carl Pleasant. Quite the Pleasant name, isn’t it? Built in 1916, this lake serves as a recreation hub for the Northwest Phoenix metropolitan area and is situated within the boundaries of Peoria. It is here that locals spend a day unwinding on the water with the many recreation rentals available. At one of the marinas, you will find rentals for kayaks, ski boats, party pontoons, tubes, paddle boards, and even scuba diving gear! That’s right–scuba diving gear. Lake Pleasant has actually been cited as one of the best inland places in the west to scuba dive, with its unique rock structures and vast housing of water animals. If that’s not enough, gear up for fishing, or stop by the Nature Center and book sailing lessons. Now if that doesn’t pique your interest, then grab the kiddos and check out H2 Whoa, the largest floating water slide! If you haven’t already deduced this, the 10,000 acres of surface area make this lake home to an endless number of worthwhile activities. 

What to do: Scuba diving, sailing, sliding, and just about anything else you can imagine. 

What’s bitin’: largemouth bass, striped bass, white bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, bluegill, sunfish, and crappie.

Sister Lakes of the Salt River

The damming of the Salt River resulted in four reservoirs. These reservoirs are sometimes referred to as sister lakes, the Salt River acting as something akin to a parent to all four. 

Lake Roosevelt

Part of the Theodore Roosevelt Dam in the town of Roosevelt, where Tonto Creek meets the Salt River, Lake Roosevelt was the first of the sister lakes. It was created in 1911 and is part of the Tonto National Forest. It includes 128 miles of shoreline and holds the title of the largest lake in all of Arizona! In fact, when this lake is full, it is about 21,500 acres! With its size, it is perfect for just about any water sport you can imagine and is surrounded by amazing campgrounds. Actually, if you are looking for an unusual—maybe even a touch creepy—stay, check out the Windy Hill Campgrounds. Spots 248 and 249 will get you closest to the unusual site. In the center of this campground is a tiny pioneer cemetery with a plaque honoring the Blevins children—a local legend in these parts.

What to do: Camp, hike, fish, play on the water, swim
What’s bitin’: Catfish, Crappie, but is known for Bass

Saguaro Lake

Created by the Stewart Mountain Dam in 1930, Saguaro Lake is named after its abundant surrounding of saguaros and is the fourth lake created by the Salt River.  With 22 miles of shoreline, this lake is fantastic for swimming, fishing, or paddle boarding. It is also great for a picnic with the family, or for an aspiring photographer. Surrounded by mountains filled with saguaro and seagulls flying overhead, this lake promises beautiful views that will leave you wanting to come back again and again. If you wish to prolong the experience, there are campgrounds here that are only accessible by boat!

What to do: Swim, fish, photography, camp
What’s bitin’:  Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Yellow Bass, Blue Gill, Crappie, Rainbow Trout, Walleye and Channel Catfish

Canyon Lake 

For the smallest of the Salt River Dam lakes, this one is a true jewel. Located along the Apache trails past winding roads, the first peak of this lake leaves many in awe. The blue water, the deep canyon, and the unusual rock formations all add up to make this one of the most stunning lakes around. It was created in 1925 by the Mormon Flat Dam and provides a humble surface area of 950 acres. Don’t let the smaller number fool you, though. This lake hosts campgrounds, a shoreline for water play, and the Dolly Steamboat, where you can enjoy an evening dinner or opt for the more simple sight-seeing tour of the lake, the hills, and the vast wildlife, including big horned sheep, eagles, and even the smelly javelinas. Located about 16 miles from Apache Junction, past Goldfield Ghost Town in the Superstitions, this lake beckons a short but incredibly stunning drive.

What to do: Dinner cruise, camp, swim, fish
What’s bitin’: Bass, Walleye, Yellow Bass, Rainbow Trout, Crappie and Channel Catfish

Apache Lake

Apache Lake is the result of the Horse Mesa Dam and is the second largest of the sister lakes, sitting 5 miles downstream of Roosevelt Lake and upstream from the other 2. It is 17 miles long and hosts a beautiful resort, complete with a coffee shop. This is a great lake to land at if you wish to have all of the fun of the other lakes with the added convenience of cozy accommodations.

What to do: Swimming, fishing, water sports, lounging
What’s bitin’: Bass

Lakes of the White Mountains

If you have visited all six of these lakes and find that it is time to venture further out, the White Mountains are only about two hours from Phoenix and host a whole slough of lakes surrounded by forest and cooler weather. These lakes include Show Low Lake, Fool Hollow Lake, and Woodland Lake, all of which are family-approved for their amenities, beauty, and recreation capabilities.

Suburban lakes

If you are dreaming of a lake day, but have limited time, be sure to check out some of these suburban lakes that offer water views and fishing, and limited water play recreation: Tempe Town Lake, Chaparral Lake, Veterans Oasis, Pioneer, Desert Breeze.

Wherever you go, may your desert day be refreshing!

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

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