Prior to modern man�s coming into Arizona, almost all of the rain that came to Arizona, eventually flowed into the Colorado River and then into the area of Mexico, known as, �The Sea of Cortez.� Now, the only perennial river in Arizona that still flows from its natural source to its mouth is �The Verde River.� The Verde River forms its waters from snowmelt in the mountains, as well as from our seasonal summer monsoons, beginning at an elevation of about 4,400 feet near Sullivan Lake, where the Big Chino Wash and the Williamson Valley Wash merge south of the city of Paulden in the Big Chino Valley of Yavapai County. The Verde River then flows south by southeast for about 170 miles to its confluence with the Salt River, located about three miles east of Granite Reef Dam, just northeast of Scottsdale, and Phoenix. Bartlett Dam was built below Horseshoe Dam in 1939. It was built by the Salt River Project (SRP). Bartlett Dam is about 800 feet long, and about 305 feet high and was built between 1936 and 1939. The dam forms Bartlett Lake as it slows the passage of the Verde River waters. It was named after Bill Bartlett, a government surveyor. This multiple - arch dam is lacking in hydroelectric generating capabilities, unlike the dams located on the nearby Salt River. A Google Earth Map search marks the center of the Bartlett Dam at 33o 49' 05.56" N 111o 37' 53.93" W. During World War II, the Phelps-Dodge Corporation built Horseshoe Dam which was completed in 1945. Horseshoe Dam forms Horseshoe Lake. Both dams are owned and operated today by the SRP. As the Verde River flows for about 19 miles between Horseshoe Dam and Bartlett Reservoir the area is heavily vegetated with reeds, bulrushes, cottonwood, willow trees, and desert scrub. This, riparian area still offers an enjoyable and scenic trip through an area filled with wildlife, including many species of fish, riparian vegetation indigenous to the Sonoran desert and best of all very little to no signs of civilization or commercial development. The only approach by road is from the west, by driving through the communities of Cave Creek and Carefree. Being quite far from the larger cities, Horseshoe Lake and Bartlett Lake receive fewer visitors, and they have less litter than other lakes with easier access. Once you leave Cave Creek and Carefree it is about 22 more miles to Bartlett Lake. About nine miles before you arrive at Bartlett Lake there is a junction in the road leading north to the more remote Horseshoe Lake. At Horseshoe Lake, there are two public camping areas along the Verde River below Horseshoe Dam at Horseshoe Campground, which is adjacent to Fisherman's Point and Mesquite Campground just south of Fisherman's Point. There are two additional public campgrounds available near the top of Bartlett Reservoir at Bartlett Flats and SB Cove. The area around Bartlett Lake has abundant wildlife. Visitors to the area may see mule deer, bald eagles, javelina, coyotes, snakes, lizards, chuckwalla, and many desert plants, including the saguaro, mesquite, and ocotillo. After passing a self-pay fee station the road forks, and the two branches follow the shoreline both north and south, passing various sites for picnics, boat launching and camping. For day use, there is Rattlesnake Cove which has shaded tables, fire rings, and showers; above a wide, clean, sandy beach. Taking a short walk in either direction along the lakes edge you will see quiet, private coves with nice rock formations including many dykes and saguaro next to the water. Further north is the main camping area of Bartlett Flats; where the road splits into a number of sites located on beaches close to the water We have included photos of the very rare "white" California Gold Poppies on this page since Bartlett Lake is the only place in Arizona where they are found in abundance. No - one knows why? They are easilly found about 1/4 mile north of the turn off to Rattlesnake Cove. Of course, it would need to be during their short blooming season in March.

If you are planning to visit Bartlett Lake you may need to purchase some outdoor gear, boating equipment, or fishing gear. We have some links to Priceline.com on this page since they are a good online source for hotels in this area. As you know, inflatable boats, inflatable kayaks and canoes are ideal for the many of the smaller lakes, streams, and rivers found in Arizona. In some cases they are even required. We have links to SeaEagle.com on this page since they are the world's premiere source for Inflatable Boats, Inflatable Kayaks and Canoes - Starting at just $299. We also have some links to Altrec.com on this page since they are a good online source for any outdoor gear and clothing that you may need. We of course, appreciate your use of the advertising on our pages, since it helps us to keep our pages active.

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