Photography by Mare Czinar, Diana Elizabeth, Eric Cassée Willow Springs Lake

From posh pools to shimmering streams to aquamarine mountain lakes, we present 71 of Arizona’s loveliest liquid assets – places prime for paddling, plashing, fishing, boating, tubing, watching wildlife and panning for gold this summer.










FLAGSTAFF & WILLIAMS
MOGOLLON RIM & VERDE VALLEY
PRESCOTT & VERDE VALLEY
WHITE MOUNTAINS
TUCSON-SOUTHEASTERN ARIZONA
THE VALLEY'S OASES

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FLAGSTAFF & WILLIAMS

Bag a Bass at Kaibab Lake
Plunging to an average depth of 37 feet, Kaibab is the deepest, coolest lake in the Williams area, and consequently flush with fish. During summer, the reservoir is regularly stocked with trout that add to the sunfish, catfish and largemouth bass population. The lake’s renovated, family-friendly campground features new campsites, an improved access road, ranger-facilitated nature programs and expanded day-use parking for anglers.
Elevation: 6,800 feet
Distance from Phoenix: 175 miles
Directions: From Williams, go 2 miles east on I-40, take exit 165 and go 1 mile north on SR 64 to the campground.
Reservations: recreation.gov, 928-699-1239
Info: Kaibab National Forest, 928-635-5600, fs.usda.gov/recarea/kaibab/recreation/fishing/recarea/?recid=11659&actid=42

Dogtown Lake

Shoreline Fish at Dogtown lake
Lapping at the base of massive Bill Williams Mountain, this 50-acre lake in Kaibab National Forest is renowned for its premium fishing, forest-fringed scenery and hiking opportunities. Although canoes and small electric motor boats are allowed, many anglers prefer tramping the shoreline trails to toss lines for trout and crappies. The large, adjacent campground has more than 50 sites with water and restrooms, and is the launch point for two hiking trails: Davenport Hill Trail, which scales 700 feet over 2.5 miles to a wooded summit with train-spotting vantage points (suited for experienced trekkers), and Ponderosa Nature Trail, an easy 1-mile educational walk.
Elevation: 7,070 feet
Distance from Phoenix: 182 miles
Directions: From Williams, go 3.5 miles south on Fourth St. (FR 173-Perkinsville Rd.) to FR 140, turn left and continue 3 miles to FR 132, turn left and follow the signs to the lake.
Reservations: recreation.gov
Info: Kaibab National Forest, 928-635-5600, fs.usda.gov/recarea/kaibab/recreation/fishing/recarea/?recid=11656&actid=42

Scout Sycamore Canyon from White horse Lake
Last winter’s unseasonable dryness led to low water levels and high temps – which likely means the fish won’t be jumping into your boat this summer. But there are plenty of non-angling angles to explore at this bustling, 94-site camping destination. A maze of forest roads open to ATVs and mountain bikes squiggles through pines and rugged rock formations. A not-to-be-missed short trail leads from the campground to breathtaking views of Sycamore Canyon, and nearby Overland Road – a historic mule train route – offers exploratory hiking. Bring binoculars to spot wild turkeys, elk and raptors.
Elevation: 6,650 feet
Distance from Phoenix: 195 miles
Directions: From Williams, go 9 miles south on Fourth St. (FR 173-Perkinsville Rd.) to FR 110. Turn left and go 7.5 miles to FR 109, make a left and continue 3 miles to the campground.
Reservations: recreation.gov
Info: Kaibab National Forest, 928-635-5600, fs.usda.gov/recarea/kaibab/recreation/fishing/recarea/?recid=11664&actid=42

Upper Lake Mary

Water-ski Upper Lake Mary
One of the few lakes in Northern Arizona where there’s no limit on boat motor size, this 5-mile-long waterway is popular for water-skiing, kayaking, canoeing and trolling for bass, perch, walleye, crappie and northern pike. Numerous roadside entry points and a developed day-use area offer both barrier-free and rougher carry-in access. Hip-wading anglers favor the less crowded southern coves, while speed boaters beeline to the “Narrows” launch and trailer parking lot on the northeast shore. Whatever activity you choose, keep an eye out for elk, mule deer and bald eagles. Camping is available at the adjacent Lakeview Campsite on a first-come- first-served basis.
Elevation: 6,860 feet
Distance from Phoenix: 159 miles
Directions: From Flagstaff, go 13 miles south on Lake Mary Road. Numerous access points serve the lake.
Info: Coconino National Forest, 928-526-0866, fs.usda.gov/recarea/coconino/recreation/fishing/recarea/?recid=55020&actid=42

Mormon Lake

Spy Elk at Mormon Lake
Like Jekyll and Hyde, this reservoir has a dual personality: Sometimes it’s Mormon Lake; sometimes it’s Mormon Marsh. Either way, it’s a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts of every stripe. Following last winter’s paucity of precipitation, expect to meet Mr. Marsh – but he has his selling points: Swampy, everglades-esque conditions attract wind-surfers, and wildlife is easier to spot browsing near the residual rivulets and pools. Fauna fanatics can stroll up the easy Ledges Trail No. 138, which begins near site 25 in Dairy Springs campground and leads to unobstructed views of wetlands frequented by elk, deer, bears and bald eagles. More ambitious hikers can pick up passage No. 30 of the Arizona Trail at various points west of the lake. Bed down in a cabin at Mormon Lake Lodge, or at one of two forest service campgrounds for tents and RVs.
Elevation: 7,290 feet
Distance from Phoenix: 175 miles
Directions: From Flagstaff, go 25 miles south on Lake Mary Road.
Info: Coconino National Forest, 928-526-0866, fs.usda.gov/recarea/coconino/recreation/wateractivities/recarea/?recid=55014&actid=85

Kick Back at Kinnikinick Lake
It lacks development and requires juddering down a rutted road to reach it, but Kinnikinick rewards solitude seekers with lakeside serenity on the juniper-studded grasslands of Anderson Mesa. Anglers would be wise to board their boats and head to the deepest, coldest waters of this spring-fed, 126-acre lake where brook, brown and rainbow trout amass in summer. Adjacent Kinnikinick Lake campground offers 18 sites with a restroom and water. 
Elevation: 7,000 feet
Distance from Phoenix: 180 miles
Directions: From Flagstaff, go 24.5 miles south on Lake Mary Road to FR 125, turn left and continue 4.7 miles to FR 82, turn right and go 5.5 miles to the campground.
Info: Coconino National Forest, 928-526-0866, fs.usda.gov/recarea/coconino/recreation/camping-cabins/recarea/?recid=55000&actid=29

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