Canyon Lake

The smallest of the Salt River Projects lakes, Canyon Lake is just 10 miles long but offers 28 miles of shoreline.
Being wet is popular here. Water skiing, boating, swimming and fishing are how most folks spend their days when visiting. Along with a designated swimming area, there is also a pair of boating ramps. Motorboat and row boat rentals are available. On weekends and holidays from April through October, the lake usually reaches capacity in the morning. Lucky fisherman can hook walleye, largemouth bass, yellow bass, rainbow trout, bluegill, channel catfish and crappie.

Practical Info

Tortilla Campground is just a couple miles away from Canyon Lake. Open October through April, it has 77 spaces. Water and sewer hook-ups are also available. Canyon Lake is 45 miles east of Phoenix. The only way to get there is using the Apache Trail (Highway 88) from Apache Junction. The 15 miles to the lake are fully paved. There are many sharp turns, but the stretch includes colorful desert scenery.