Lake Powell

The Dominquez-Escalante party traveled through the Glen Canyon Area, where Lake Powell is today, on their way to California in 1776. These two Spanish priests were responsible for naming many of the 
features in the Four Corners area, such as the Colorado River. Many years passed before, Lieutenant Joseph C. Ives entered the area in 1858. Lieutenant Ives led his party along the Colorado River. 

Then in 1869, Major John Wesley Powell became one of the most famous explorers of the area. He took a party from Green River City in Wyoming down to the mouth of the Virgin River in Arizona . His 
exploration marked the first scientific and geological survey of the canyon. Major Powell made two journeys down the rivers in this area and he gave Glen Canyon its name. Eventually, Lake Powell was 
named in his honor.

Right after Major Powell’s adventures along the Colorado River, John D. Lee established a ferryboat service across the Colorado River. Lee used one of Major Powell’s abandoned boats as his first ferry. Today, there isn’t much left at Lees Ferry, except a fort, post office, ranch buildings and a cemetery. It wasn’t until many years later, when the area underwent a great change. In 1966, Glen Canyon Dam was 
completed to meet the demands of water and electricity. Lake Powell was the result of the construction of Glen Canyon Dam. Glen Canyon Dam holds back the second largest manmade lake in North America. 
The sheer size of the dam can be realized with a water depth of 500 feet, which took 17 years to reach full pool. The dam forms one of the most beautiful lakes in Arizona .

Lake Powell is a part of the Glen Canyon National Recreational Area. The Green River from Wyoming, the Colorado River from Colorado, the San Juan River from New Mexico, the Escalante River from Utah 
and the Dirty Devil River from Utah all feed into the lake. These five rivers provide Lake Powell with over 250 square miles of blue water edged by sandstone rock. Lake Powell also has 1,960 miles of shoreline, which is more than the entire West Coast from Mexico to Canada. There are 96 canyons that create a maze of water paths with walls of rock soaring as high as 400 feet. Visitors will discover swimming holes, sandy beaches and rock islands to explore. 

Lake Powell is home to a variety of wildlife. There are more than 170 species of birds, 800 different mammals and more than a dozen reptile species. Striped Bass, Largemouth Bass, Walleye Pike, Northern 
Pike, Channel Catfish, Bluegill, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout and Carp are just some of the fish that can be hooked in Lake Powell. Along with the wildlife, there are 730 species of plants growing in the area.
There are four marinas operating at Lake Powell. These marinas are on the perimeter of the lake and are accessible by land. All of the marinas offer rental, accommodations, fuel, food, fishing gear and dockside 
storage. A fifth marina called Dangling Rope is accessible only by boat. It is seven miles southwest of the entrance to Rainbow Bridge and 40 miles from Wahweap Marina. The name Dangling Rope came from a 
dangling rope found in a nearby canyon left behind by prospectors. 

Wahweap Marina is on the south shore of Lake Powell. Wahweap means, “bitter water” in the Ute Indian language. The marina is six miles north of Page and five miles from Glen Canyon Dam. Wahweap is the largest marina on the lake and many lake tours leave from here. Bullfrog Marina is in Utah near the middle of Lake Powell. It is named after the Bullfrog Rapids that used to flow before Lake Powell was created. Halls Marina is across from Bullfrog Marina. In 1881, Charles Hall used this site as a ferry crossing location. Hite Marina is the northernmost marina and is the smallest of the four. It is 140 miles from Glen Canyon Dam. Cass Hite found gold here in 1883 and eventually a small town sprang up. Hite Marina is one of the quieter marinas and is well liked by many fishermen.

The beauty of Lake Powell is intact, due in most part to Glen Canyon National Recreational Area. The National Recreational area encompasses the lake and prevents the shores from being filled up with businesses and homes. The landscape and stillness of Lake Powell can found today, even though thousands of visitors come to see the lake. Every visitor is able to find a spot all to themselves to soak in the lake’s natural wonders.

One of the most fantastic sights to see at Lake Powell is Rainbow Bridge. It is the largest natural rock bridge in the world. It is well worth the boat trip out to see it. You can get to Lake Powell from Tucson or Phoenix by taking Interstate 17 north out of town to Flagstaff. 
Once you are in Flagstaff take U.S. Highway 89 north to the town of Page, which lies just south of Lake Powell. Page is approximately 395 miles from Tucson, about 277 miles from Phoenix and 136 miles from 
Flagstaff.

Patagonia Lake State Park

Patagonia Lake State Park encompasses a 275-acre reservoir that is the perfect backdrop for hiking, fishing, water skiing, camping and picnicking. The lake was created by damming up Sonoita Creek and is 2.5 miles long. It is tucked into the rolling grasslands of Sonoita Valley. The Arizona State Parks Department manages the State Park. The park is at an elevation of 4,000 feet, making the climate ideal all year round. Although, the best times to make your visit is in the spring or fall. Fishermen will enjoy dropping their line in search of largemouth bass, channel catfish, crappie or bluegill.

You will find rainbow trout in the winter, when they are released into the lake. There is a no wake area designated on the lake for fishing. A marina is available, along with a level fishing pad for wheelchairs. Hiking trails circle the lake. You should find a ranger, who can point out where you can see the petroglyphs on the far side of the lake. You can get to the petroglyphs by hiking or by boat. Campers will enjoy the lake too.

Campsites range from undeveloped to ones with water and electric hook-ups. The campground fee is $5.00 a day and $7.00 for hook-ups. If you want to make your visit in the day only, the charge is $2.00. The lake is a favorite among water lovers. It has a boat ramp, swimming beach, picnic ramadas, gas pumps, supplies and boat rentals. During the summer months, the lake attracts so many people. This influx of people has caused the park to prohibit water skiing and jet skiing on weekends and holidays from May to October.

If you would like more information on the park and its services, call 520-287-6965. You can get to Patagonia Lake State Park from Nogales by taking State Highway 82 east out of town. It is approximately 12 miles north of Nogales. Just before you get to the town of Patagonia, you will come across signs to Patagonia Lake State Park. The turn off is going to be heading to the west. You can get to the park from Patagonia by taking State Highway 82 southwest out of town.

It is approximately 10 miles out of town. You will see signs directing you to the park. This state park is a fun place to visit and enjoy the outdoor activities available.

Parker Canyon Lake is a 133-acre fishing lake, east of the Huachuca Mountains. It is set in a grassy, rolling hill country. It is the prefect backdrop for a variety of outdoor activities for visitors. The lake offers fishing, boating, camping and picnicking. Parker Canyon Lake has a small marina to meet the needs of the fishermen. A 65-unit campground is also located near the lake.

If you would like more information on the lake, you may call 520-455-5847 or 520-378-0311. You can get to Parker Canyon Lake from Patagonia by taking State Highway 82 northeast out of town. You will travel to the town of Sonoita. Here you will take State Highway 83 south, until you come to Parker Canyon Lake. Parker Canyon Lake is approximately 40 miles away from town.

Beaker Lake

Beaker Lake is located in Eastern Arizona . It is two miles northwest of Springerville, just off of U.S. 60. The lake is 85 acres, at an elevation of 6,900 feet. Beaker Lake is known for its large Rainbow Trout. There are special regulations in effect from the first Friday in April to November 30. You will need to look into them if you are planning to fish at those times. The lake has restrooms on-site. Beaker Lake is named after Gustav and Julius Becker. The lake is the oldest man made lake in Arizona . Rumors have it that several outlaws are buried at the bottom of the lake.

Mexican Hay Lake

Mexican Hay Lake is located in Eastern Arizona . It is 15 miles southwest of Springerville by way of State Highway 260 heading west. Then take State Highway 261 south to the lake. The road to the lake is paved in both directions. The lake is 69 acres, at an elevation of 8,800 feet. Mexican Hay Lake is a small weedy lake, thus its name. The lake has been known to give up some 15-inch fish on occasion. Fishing is best in late summer and fall. It is a necessity to have a small boat, waders or a tube because the shoreline is full of brush.

Kaibab Lake

Kaibab Lake is a very popular outdoor site. The lake’s location makes it a perfect spot to use as a starting point for trips in the area. The Grand Canyon is only 60 miles away and Williams is just 4 miles from Kaibab Lake.

Visitors will find 70 campsites with fire rings and picnic tables. Two campsites are handicapped accessible. There is a 14-day stay limit. A fee is charged per night. Tents, trailers and small motor homes are welcome. There are pit toilets, garbage bins, a free dump station and water available at the campground. However, fresh water is not available during the winter. There are no utility hook ups.

Kaibab Lake Campground offers its visitors a unique look at nature. The campground hosts offer evening interpretive programs at the campground amphitheater. Boating and fishing are just some of the favorite activities at Kaibab Lake. A barrier-free pier is ideal for fishing. The lake is stocked with rainbow trout, brown trout, brook trout and channel catfish. A fishing license is required for those over 14 years of age. The cinder boat launch is available for boaters. The lake is limited to single electric motors or single gasoline engines of 8 horsepower or less. There is no swimming in the lake.

You can get to Kaibab Lake from Williams by taking the 165 exit off of Interstate 40. Then take State Highway 64 north for approximately two miles. Here you will see the entrance for the campground on the west side of the road. Follow the paved road to Kaibab Lake. If you are coming from Phoenix or Tucson, take Interstate 17 north out of town to Flagstaff. Then take Interstate 40 west out of Flagstaff to Williams. You will then take the 165 exit off of Interstate 40. Then take State Highway 64 north for approximately two miles. Here you will see the entrance for the campground on the west side of the road. Follow the paved road to Kaibab Lake.

Dogtown Lake

Dogtown Lake received its unique name, due to the expansive prairie dog town that once covered the open areas near the lake. Today, visitors will discover fewer prairie dogs than people at the lake. Dogtown Lake is a calm restful spot to visit. The lake is medium sized with trees rimming its edge. Dogtown Lake is many activities to offer its visitors. There are 51 campsites available. Dogtown Lake Campground is open May 15 through October 31. The campsites have picnic tables and fire rings. There is a group site at Dogtown Lake. Pit toilets, a dump station and water faucets are located in the camping area.

There are no utility hook ups. There is a 14-day stay limit. An $8.00 fee is charged per night, up to nine people. Group sites are $120.00 per night, up to 50 people. Tents, trailers and small motor homes are welcome. However, services are limited during the winter months. Campers will enjoy the nature trail winding around the area. Pets are permitted as long as they are restrained. The lake has a small boat launch. Powerboats are limited to single electric motors of one horsepower or less. The lake is stocked with trout, crappies and channel catfish. A fishing license is required for anyone over the age of 14. There is no swimming in the lake.

The Dogtown Lake Trail gives visitors a pleasant path for a stroll around the lake. The trail also serves another purpose, to prevent damage to the lakeshore. The trail covers two miles and will take you less than an hour to travel. The Dogtown Lake Trail begins just west of the picnic area at the lake. The best time to make your visit is during the early spring or early winter. You can get to Dogtown Lake from Williams by heading south on Fourth Street for approximately 3 and a half miles. Once you are at County Road 140 turn left and continue on for three miles. When you get to County Road 132 turn left and follow the road to Dogwood Lake. If you are coming from Phoenix or Tucson take Interstate 17 north out of town up to Flagstaff.

Once you are in Flagstaff, take Interstate 40 west out of town to Williams. When you are in Williams take Fourth Street south for three and a half miles. Then take a left onto County Road 140 and continue for three miles. When you get to County Road 132 turn left and follow the road to Dogwood Lake. The roads to the lake are a combination of pavement and gravel. Some of these roads can be difficult to pass on during the winter. You will need to check conditions.

If you would like more information on this lake, you may call 520-635-4061.

Cataract Lake

Cataract Lake offers water lovers a little bit of everything. It has camping, picnicking, hiking, fishing and boating.

The campground is open May 15 through October 31. There are 18 campsites that include picnic tables, garbage bins and fire rings. Drinking water is available, but not during the winter months. Pit toilets are located nearby. No dump stations or utility hook ups are available at Cataract Lake. There is a 14-day stay limit. A fee of $8.00 is charged per vehicle per night, up to 9 people per site. Tents, trailers and small motor homes are welcome.

If boating is your interest, there is a cement boat launch ramp. The lake requires only boats with single electric motors or single gasoline engines of 8 horsepower or less.

Cataract Lake is stocked with rainbow trout, brown trout and channel catfish. A fishing license is required for everyone over the age of 14. There is no swimming in the lake.

Cataract Lake is just east of Ashfork near the town of Williams. The lake is four miles west of Williams. You can get to the lake from Williams by exiting north on Interstate 40 at exit 161 and head east on Golf Course Drive or Country Club Drive. If you are coming from Phoenix or Tucson take Interstate 17 north out of town up to Flagstaff. Once you are in Flagstaff, take Interstate 40 west out of town to Williams. Then take exit 161 north and head east on Golf Course Drive to the lake.

If you would like more information on this lake, you may call 520-635-4061.

White Horse Lake

White Horse Lake is a man made lake, built in 1935. The lake has many things to offer those who love the outdoors. White Horse Lake is open May 15 through October 31. The lake has solar powered composting toilets, paved roads and camp pads. There are no dumping stations available. The water is limited during the winter months. Pets are permitted, as long as they are restrained.
White Horse Lake is an extremely popular fishing lake. The lake requires only boats that have single electric motors or 1 horsepower or less. The lake is stocked with rainbow trout, brown trout and channel catfish. A fishing license is required for those over the age of 14. There is no swimming in the lake.
You can get to White Horse Lake from Ashfork by heading east out of town to Williams. Then take Fourth Street south and traveling approximately nine miles. Then take a left down County Road 110 and travel for six miles. Then take another left onto County Road 109 and head three miles to the campground entrance. If you are coming from Phoenix or Tucson, take Interstate 17 north out of town to Flagstaff. Then take Interstate 40 west out of Flagstaff to Williams. Take exit 161 and head south into the town of Williams. After passing half way through town, you will come to Fourth Street. Turn right and head south on Fourth Street, traveling approximately nine miles. Then take a left down County Road 110 and travel for six miles. Then take another left onto County Road 109 and head three miles to the campground entrance.
If you would like more information on this lake, you may call 520-635-4061.

Canyon Lake

Canyon Lake, located 51 miles east of Phoenix, is a popular spot for swimming and boating. There are three recreation sites at the lake available at no charge. They are the Acacia Picnic Site, the Palo Verde Recreation Site and the Boulder Creek Recreation Site. Acacia, with 40 spaces, Palo Verde, with eight spaces, and Boulder Creek, with eight spaces, are open year around. Canyon Lake is the smallest of SRP’s lakes. It has a designated swimming site and a pair of boating ramps. The Canyon Lake Resort offers a variety of marina services, food and a beach area. Located nearby is a Maricopa County Sheriff’s aid station. Across the highway from the resort is a hiking trail that borders La Barge Creek and a small finger channel of the lake. La Barge Creek originates in the Superstition Mountains to the east. Two miles from the resort is the Tortilla Campground with 77 spaces. Open October through April, the campground offers individual units with water and sewer hook-ups. A fee is charged for use.

Across the highway from the campground is Tortilla Flat, which includes a coffee shop, store and post office. For fishermen, Canyon Lake offers walleye, largemouth bass, yellow bass, rainbow trout, bluegill, channel catfish and crappie. Seclusion-seeking boaters can travel three miles up the lake, between steep cliffs, to The Point Campground. It is open all year at no charge, but has only three units. There’s only one way to Canyon Lake - the scenic Apache Trail (Highway 88) from Apache Junction.

the 15 miles to the lake are fully paved and wind through some of the most colorful desert scenery in central Arizona . Drive with care - there are many sharp turns. The route used to be a construction road during the building of Roosevelt Dam

Bartlett Lake

Bartlett Lake is the closest lake to the Phoenix area on the Verde River. It is 22 miles east of Carefree. To get to Bartlett Lake from Carefree, Arizona , take State road 223 east 22 miles. Upper Bartlett Lake, Rattlesnake and South Cove recreation sites provide areas for camping with trailers, picnicking, fishing and boating and are open year-round. Trailers longer than 16 feet are not recommended. The Jojoba Boating Site provides a paved launching ramp, except during low water levels. A new marina facility, which will provide a variety of services, is being constructed at this reservoir.

Fishing at Bartlett can produce largemouth and small mouth bass, bluegill, catfish and crappie. The road to Bartlett is paved.

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