WEST VALLEY LAKES & TRAILS

Bartlett Lake Marina has a boatable surface area of 2,815 acres – more than Canyon Lake and Saguaro Lake, combined. Fed by the pristine waters of the Verde River, Indians of this valley spoke descriptively in their legends of the river’s “sweet waters”.

Outdoor enthusiasts frequent Bartlett Lake for a variety of recreational opportunities, including shoreline camping in Arizona’s natural desert terrain. While in this part of the Tonto National Forest, visitors may see mule deer, bald eagles, javelina, coyotes, and many indigenous desert plants, including the majestic saguaro, mesquite trees and blooming ocotillo. Bartlett Lake is located only 48 miles from downtown Phoenix and 17 miles northeast of Carefree.

Saguaro Lake has more than 22 miles of shoreline, creating a great environment for boating, kayaking, sailing, skiing, jet skiing, fishing and camping. The Saguaro del Norte Recreation site is near the dam and includes Saguaro Lake Marina, which includes a restaurant and boat concessions.

Saguaro Lake Marina offers the perfect gateway to this desert oasis, with covered slips, dry storage, and a full-service fuel dock to accommodate your boating needs. Explore 22 miles of pristine shoreline, enjoy watersports, or simply relax and soak up the stunning scenery. Just minutes from Mesa and Phoenix, Saguaro Lake Marina has everything you need from our ship’s store, restaurant, and nearby beaches. Join us on the water and make unforgettable lakeside memories that last a lifetime! 

Roosevelt Lake Marina is a full-service marina located on the breath-taking Roosevelt Lake in Arizona. Named after the twenty-sixth President of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt, the lake features 21,500 acres of water and encompasses 128 miles of sandy shoreline and crystal-clear water.

Fishing boats, sailboats, houseboats and everything in between can be accommodated in our state of the art marina. Our staff has over 40 years of marina and boating experience which means you can relax and enjoy the lake, knowing your boat is in good hands.

Less than an hour’s drive from Phoenix lies the unspoiled beauty of Canyon Lake. Here, you’ll revel in a playground with more than 28 miles of cactus dotted shoreline. Waterski, jet ski, or wind sail with over 950 surface acres of sparkling waters to run. Explore wondrous rock formations, discover peaceful private coves and spot Big Horn sheep, deer and javelina roaming freely over the picturesque landscape. You’ll find new meaning in the spectacular Arizona sunsets that paint the canyon walls.

Tuck into a secluded cove and fish for bass and trout, or take a leisurely cruise and marvel at the scenery. Idyllic year-round weather makes Canyon Lake Marina a great destination for all watersports enthusiasts. Everything you’ll need for a pleasant stay at the lake is available on the marina premises.

Lake Pleasant is a water enthusiast's dream with wake boarding, boating and kayaking among some of the most popular activities.

Lake Pleasant Regional Park offers two boat launching ramps: a 4-lane and 10-lane ramp for launching your own boat or watercraft. Both ramps have restroom facilities, paved parking lots, and are functional to a water elevation of 1,600 feet.

The 10-lane parking area allows for 480 vehicles, 355 vehicles with trailers, and 124 cars. The 4-lane ramp is located at the north end of the lake and the parking area allows for 112 vehicles with boat trailers.

• Bring your own boat
• Boat rentals available - half-day or full-day
• Water skiing and wakeboarding

 Laid back, but with a vibrant energy, every visit to Lake Havasu City is a chance to embrace adventure, relaxation, and discovery. Home to the famed London Bridge, this is the only inland destination in the Southwest where you can stroll from the heart of downtown to the water. Lake Havasu is the city’s centerpiece, surrounded by picturesque beaches, lush public parks, and extensive hiking trails. With mornings that start on scenic desert trails to afternoons spent soaking up the sun, when the day winds down, the city transforms, offering the perfect blend of waterfront dining, craft brews, and live music. There’s something for everyone in Lake Havasu City. Go With It! 

Patagonia Lake was created in the late 1960s when Sonoita Creek was dammed. Since then, it has been a popular recreational site for both locals and tourists alike.

Despite the summer crowds, the lake remains relatively peaceful, as around two-thirds of the lake is designated as no-wake zones. Those who enjoy exploring at a languid pace will definitely relish the experience.

In fact, personal watercraft such as jet skis are not allowed on the lake, and water skiing is not allowed on weekends and holidays during the peak season.

A variety of fish are available for anglers, such as rainbow trout, channel catfish, largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and sunfish.

Birdwatchers come here to see more than 300 species of birds, including the full-time residents of the lake as well as migratory birds. Canyon towhee, Inca dove, vermilion flycatcher, black vulture, and hummingbirds have been sighted in this area.

Woods Canyon Lake was formed in 1956 when the Chevelon Creek was impounded by an earthen dam.

With a surface area of 55 acres, Woods Canyon Lake is one of the smallest of the Rim Lakes but is also the most accessible and popular lake in the area.

Woods Canyon Lake is surrounded by a dense forest of Ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, oak, and aspen, and sits at an elevation of 7,000 feet.

Given the magnificent view of the land beneath the rim, hiking around the lake is a popular activity. Look out for the bald eagles, hawks, and osprey that frequently fly around, as well as for wildlife like deer, elk, and sometimes bears.

The lake is also known to be one of the clearest lakes in Arizona, and it remains clear by disallowing swimming and fuel-powered boats. Only non-motorized and electric-powered boats are allowed in this lake.

Anglers generally enjoy fishing here, as the lake is regularly stocked with rainbow trout and tiger trout, and a small population of self-sustaining brown trout, as well as bluegill, can also be found here.

As a popular getaway, you might encounter crowds here especially during the summer. However, the scene remains quite tranquil and rarely gets too boisterous.

Campgrounds and RV parks can be found all along the shoreline, but nearby Payson offers more options for staying overnight.

Another of the few natural lakes in Arizona, Ashurst Lake is on the Anderson Mesa, north of Mormon Lake.

In stark contrast to Mormon Lake, the water level in Ashurst Lake doesn’t fluctuate very much, even during long dry spells. This is because it’s being fed by more active, reliable springs that rarely run dry.

Fishing is a popular activity here, with rainbow trout, brook trout, northern pike, bluegill, and channel catfish all available to catch. In fact, this lake often has excessive northern pike, which is the trout’s predator, so tourists are encouraged to catch and remove the large pikes to protect the trout.

Note though that only boats with 10 horsepower and below are allowed on the lake.

Hiking and biking in the trails surrounding Ashurst Lake are also popular activities. You might spot bald eagles, ospreys, hawks, and white-faced ibises flying overhead. You might also encounter wild turkeys, elk, antelope, deer, and sometimes even a black bear.

 Sometimes it’s a huge lake, and other times it’s more like a marsh.

Mormon Lake is the largest natural lake in Arizona, but its depth fluctuates wildly with the seasons that its depth goes from 10 feet to 0 feet during dry spells.

When it’s full, though, boating is a popular activity here, although only non-motorized boats are allowed. Kayaking, canoeing, and windsurfing are especially enjoyable with views of pine trees and the San Francisco Peaks in the background.

Anglers can enjoy fishing for trout, northern pike, and catfish, while birdwatchers can expect bald eagles, ospreys, and various migratory birds to fly through the forests.

Hiking in the area is another favorite activity; watch out for elk, deer, or maybe even a black bear.

A short drive away from Woods Canyon Lake is Willow Springs Lake.

What’s unique about this lake is that it’s one of the highest altitude lakes in Arizona and it has no permanent inflow of water aside from snow melts, and thus it’s said that the lake is entirely made of snow.

Similar to Woods Canyon Lake, Willow Springs Lake is surrounded by Ponderosa pine, oak, and Douglas fir trees, making hiking around the lake under the pine forest canopy a popular activity.

Also like Woods Canyon Lake, this lake is stocked with rainbow and brown trout in the fall months. 

Anglers can also catch largemouth and smallmouth bass, as well as bluegill and sunfish.

The surface is frozen solid during the winter months, and ice fishing is another popular activity for visitors here.

 Laid back, but with a vibrant energy, every visit to Lake Havasu City is a chance to embrace adventure, relaxation, and discovery. Home to the famed London Bridge, this is the only inland destination in the Southwest where you can stroll from the heart of downtown to the water. Lake Havasu is the city’s centerpiece, surrounded by picturesque beaches, lush public parks, and extensive hiking trails. With mornings that start on scenic desert trails to afternoons spent soaking up the sun, when the day winds down, the city transforms, offering the perfect blend of waterfront dining, craft brews, and live music. There’s something for everyone in Lake Havasu City. Go With It! 

Get to know this 3.9-mile out-and-back trail near Sedona, Arizona. Generally considered a moderately challenging route. This is a very popular area for hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are September through June. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. 

 An amazing natural wonder, Devil's Bridge, is located near Sedona in Arizona's beautiful Red Rock country. This trail takes you to a giant, natural sandstone arch – a great reward after a fun hike.  

Getting to the main trailhead can be part of the adventure. The dirt road to it (Forest Road 152) is often bumpy, so a truck or SUV with high clearance is best for this road. But don't worry if your car sits lower to the ground! Many people park at the paved Dry Creek Vista lot or the Mescal Trailhead. From there, it's a longer, pretty walk through pine and juniper trees to reach the main trail.  

The first part of the Devil's Bridge trail is wide and was an old jeep road, so it’s a fairly easy walk to start. You’ll go through dry washes where you can see desert plants. Look for juniper trees, pointy agave plants, and prickly pear cactus. Listen for desert birds; you might even spot a quick lizard darting by!  

The hike gets really exciting as you get close to Devil's Bridge. The trail changes, and you’ll need to climb up some natural rock stairs. It’s like a fun scramble, and using your hands can help. The views from here are wonderful! Soon, you'll reach the amazing Devil's Bridge. This huge arch was slowly made by wind and rain wearing away the red sandstone over many, many years. If you feel brave, you can walk right out on top of it! It’s a very popular place for photos, so try to go early in the day to miss some of the crowds. Don’t forget to bring water with you and wear good hiking shoes. Also, while dogs are allowed on the trail, many hikers say the steep rock stairs at the end can be tough for some dogs.

Explore this 3.6-mile out-and-back trail near Waddell, Arizona. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1 h 16 min to complete. 

This is a very popular area for hiking, running, and walking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.  This wonderful trail is a favorite among runners and mountain bikers. Due to limited shade along the route, it's crucial to wear sun protection and carry an ample water supply.   

You'll be treated to stunning views of the valley and are likely to encounter diverse wildlife such as rabbits, squirrels, chuckwallas, woodpeckers, and other lizards. The trail is a mix of rocky sections and packed dirt with some gradual ascents and descents. Parking and restroom facilities are available near the trailhead. 

Head out on this 12.9-mile loop trail near Waddell, Arizona. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 5 h 54 min to complete. This trail is great for hiking, running, and walking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are November through April. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.  

The Goat Camp Trail to Mesquite Canyon Trail Loop weaves in and out of desert foliage, including striking cholla cacti. As you make your way along the loop, you'll encounter an uphill climb on rocky sections. You'll cross a dry creek bed. The trail also provides a great vantage point for spotting Barry Goldwater Peak. Look for local wildlife, including mule deer, birds, and rattlesnakes. 

 Try this 1.9-mile out-and-back trail near Waddell, Arizona. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 47 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking and walking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are November through April. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.  The Waterfall Trail is one of the most popular trails in the White Tanks. It is a well-maintained path that leads to a stunning waterfall, with many petroglyphs to admire along the way. It's important to keep in mind that the waterfall only flows after recent rainfall.  

Accessibility: According to the park website, the first 0.5 miles is a wheelchair-accessible, barrier-free trail. Visitors using wheelchairs, mobility equipment, or strollers may need all-terrain tires or adaptive/motorized equipment for the surface type and grade. There is 1 designated accessible parking space in the paved parking lot. The trail surface is paved concrete or a natural surface (dirt, rocks), typically at least 5 feet wide. This trail is estimated to be mostly gentle (5% or less), with some steeper sections that may require assistance or need to be avoided. There are stairs cut into the rock at the trail's west end to get to the plunge pool viewpoint.  

Get to know this 6.1-mile out-and-back trail near Waddell, Arizona. Generally considered a moderately challenging route. This is a very popular area for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are November through April. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.  

Explore the beauty of White Tank Mountain Regional Park by traversing a combination of the well-marked Waddell Trail and Ford Canyon Trail. The first couple of miles are relatively flat, easygoing and suitable for mountain biking and horse riding.   

Once you reach the sign indicating hazardous conditions ahead, the climb into the canyon begins. From this point onwards, hikers will need to scramble across big boulders, and bikes and horses are advised to turn back. The area's scenery is beautiful, and visitors will be treated to amazing views of the city and surrounding area most of the way.

 Enjoy this 8.3-mile loop trail near Waddell, Arizona. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 4 h 0 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. 

 This hike offers a diverse range of terrain, and there are opportunities to observe wildlife and wildflowers. However, it can become dangerously hot in this area for most of the year, so it is important to plan your hike during cooler hours. Much of the trail is exposed to direct sunlight, so be sure to bring water and wear sturdy shoes. If you opt to hike clockwise, the more challenging parts of the hike will be at the beginning. 

Discover this 3.4-mile loop trail near Waddell, Arizona. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1 h 17 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking and walking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.  This beautiful hike explores part of the expansive White Tank Mountain Regional Park. 

The trail begins from the Waterfall Canyon Trailhead parking lot on North Waterfall Canyon Road. From here, you'll traverse along a paved path through rugged desert terrain to the waterfall site. Water rarely falls, but there are some lovely natural pools to admire. After this, you'll continue onto the Black Rock Long Loop, which is unpaved and less popular. Enjoy the beautiful views of the valley, and watch for wildlife such as birds and lizards. There are information signs along both sections of this well-marked route.

Check out this 14.9-mile loop trail near Waddell, Arizona. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 7 h 26 min to complete. This trail is great for hiking and running, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are November through April. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.  

This is the highest peak in White Tanks with a 360 view over the entire region. Superb views at the top. You can easily run 10 miles all by yourself. Difficult to find the trail sometimes, so use this app if you're in doubt. Follow Mesquite Trail until you hit the wash that brings you towards the top. You will see the big radio top, and Barry Goldwater peak is to the right of it, seen from the wash. Both peaks have radio antennas, but Barry has fewer of them. After about 15-20 mins in the wash you will hit a dirt road that brings you to the top. The last part up gains about 1000 feet of elevation.  

 Check out this 1.8-mile out-and-back trail near Waddell, Arizona. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 36 min to complete. This is a popular trail for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The best times to visit this trail are October through May. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. 

Explore this 0.3-mile out-and-back trail near Waddell, Arizona. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 6 min to complete. This trail is great for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are October through May. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.  

This is a short walk from the horse staging area to an old cattle watering hole. It also features a windmill.  

Accessibility: There do not appear to be any designated accessible spaces in the gravel parking lot off of Wildlife Way at the west end of the trail. The trail surface is a natural surface (dirt, rocks). It is typically at least 5 feet wide. The whole trail is estimated to be in the gentle (3% or less) grade category. This trail will likely be navigable for most wheelchairs/mobility equipment or stroller users.  

Try this 6.4-mile loop trail near Waddell, Arizona. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 14 min to complete. This is a popular trail for birding, hiking, and horseback riding, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. 

The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.  Enjoy this popular Mountain bike trail in White Tank Mountain Regional Park.   

The Technical segment is a portion of the Sonoran Competitive Loop. This section is for experts only. Caution: This track is for high speeds, challenging one's skills, and racing.   

This trail can be shared with hikers, although you must keep your head on a swivel to keep an eye out for passing bikers!

Explore this 8.8-mile out-and-back trail near Waddell, Arizona. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 2 h 59 min to complete. This trail is great for hiking, mountain biking, and running, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are October through May. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.