Canyon Lake was formed by the Mormon Flat Dam, which was completed in 1925 after two years of construction. It is located 51 miles east from Phoenix; Canyon Lake is a spectacular site for boating, fishing, water skiing, hiking, camping, and all other forms of outdoor recreation. It has a designated swimming site and a pair of boating ramps. Canyon Lake has very clear water and excellent fishing. Canyon Lake is a popular stop on the way to Theodore Roosevelt Dam and Tortilla Flat, Arizona. A Google Earth Map search marks the center of Canyon Lake at 33o 32' 31.96" N 111o 26' 11.23" W. Canyon Lake is the smallest of the four lakes that were formed by the damming of the Salt River for the Salt River Project; which supplies water to the "Valley of the Sun" or Phoenix Area. It is surrounded by beautiful scenery since it is within the Tonto National Forest; located in the famous Superstition Mountains. The 15 miles to the lake are on fully paved roads along the beautiful Apache Trail; which take you through some of the most colorful and beautiful desert scenery in central Arizona. The Apache Trail has many sharp turns but, it is an easy drive to the lake. The lake is 10 miles long, about 100 feet deep, with 28 miles of shoreline; and beautiful, steep canyon walls, with some secluded coves; which are home to abundant wildlife. three miles east, up the lake, between the steep cliffs, is the Point Campground. It is open all year at no charge, but it has only three units. Visitors to the lake could see; eagle, javelina, big horn sheep, mule deer, snakes, lizards, chuckwalla, and many desert plants, including the saguaro, mesquite, and ocotillo. The main fish caught in Canyon Lake are: Walleyes, crappie, yellow bass, large mouth bass, bluegill, catfish, and rainbow trout. Its temperatures range from lows of about 25 degrees F. during the months of December and January; to highs that may exceed 115 degrees F. from July through September. The annual precipitation usually ranges from about 2 to 8 inches. There are three free public recreation sites at Canyon Lake: Acacia Picnic Site, Boulder Creek Recreation Site, and the Palo Verde Recreation Site. Other picnic areas are available; at the Canyon Lake Marina, Laguna Boating Site, and near the near Palo Verde Boating Site. Boat launching sites are available at Laguna, and Palo Verde; as well as Canyon Lake Marina. The Canyon Lake Marina has 150 Covered Slips, 122 Open Slips, and 98 Dry Storage Spaces. Their campground has 22 RV sites and 6 RV dry sites. It also has 19 dirt tent sites, and is open year-round offering a variety of marina services, food, a beach area, and 46 spaces. Located nearby is the Maricopa County Sheriffs, aid station. Two miles from the Canyon Lake Marina 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 their use. Tortilla Flat is located two miles past Canyon Lake, near Mile Marker 213. It is known as "The friendliest little town in Arizona". Tortilla Flat is presumed to be Arizona's smallest official "community" having a U.S. Post Office and voter's precinct. The town has a population of 6. Be sure to visit the area if you have a chance. An unforgettable "mini-Arizona vacation", can also be had at Canyon Lake; by taking a relaxing cruise on Canyon Lake aboard the Dolly Steamboat. The Dolly Steamboat is a replica of a classic American sternwheeler. Cruises take passengers to secluded inner waterways accessible only by boat. It has been operating for many years. Boat rentals and a full service marina is available at Canyon Lake by a firm called Precision Marine. GETTING THERE: There is only one easy way to Canyon Lake: take the scenic Apache Trail (Highway 88) to the east from Apache Junction. The 15 miles to the lake are fully paved but it has many sharp turns. The Laguna Boating Site, and Palo Verde Boating Site are both accessible from this road. The Canyon Lake Marina is located at 16802 N.E. Highway 88. As you start the scenic Apache Trail the Superstition Mountains come into view and then you will see Goldfield, supposedly a ghost town but now rather commercialised, and then the Lost Dutchman State Park. After that you will see some very beautiful scenery as you travel towards Canyon Lake. There is a cost of $6.00 per vehicle and $4.00 per watercraft, per day to use Canyon Lake. Golden Age/Golden Access passes receive half off. Contact the Mesa Ranger Station about permits. 5140 East Ingram Street Mesa, AZ 85205 Phone: 480-610-3300 Phone: 602-236-5929 Fax: 480-610-3346

If you are planning to visit Canyon Lake. And if you are coming from outside of Arizona, you could fly into the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and then rent a car. There are many hotels and motels in the area. We have some links to Priceline.com on this page since they can arrange all of your air flights, hotels and car. In addition, visitors to the lake, may need to purchase some outdoor gear, boating equipment, or fishing gear. We have some links to Sea Eagle.com on this page since they are a good online source for both boating equipment, and fishing gear. We also have some links to Altrec.com on this page since they are a good online source for any outdoor camping 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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