Canyon Lake
Canyon Lake is known for wonderful shorelines along the red rock cliffs. Boaters wanting scenery and seclusion should try the east end of the lake, where it winds through steep canyon walls. There are occasional sightings of Big Horn sheep throughout the desert canyons, as well as other wildlife. For a relaxing lake tour boat trips, contact the Dolly Steamboat Tour at (480) 827-9144 or by visiting their website. Other Marina and Campground services and facilities are also available at Canyon Lake Marina.
Canyon Lake offers several day-use recreation sites along the shorelines, and boat-access camping at The Point Recreation Site a few miles up channel. November through March Arizona Game and Fish Department stocks the lake monthly with rainbow trout. A floating fishing pier can be found at Boulder Recreation Site and is a popular destination for fishing. A 15 lb. state-record Largemouth Bass was taken from the shoreline of Canyon Lake, and in 1985 a world record Yellow Bass of 1 lb., 11 oz. was caught at Canyon Lake.
General Information
Year round
Group events like fishing tournaments require a permit. Contact a Tonto National Forest Office for more information.
America the Beautiful Passes are only accepted at the Picnicking Sites. For boating, a Tonto Daily Pass and Watercraft Sticker or Tonto Discovery Pass are required:
- Tonto Daily Pass (and Watercraft Sticker, if required). Available at Tonto National Forest Offices and retail vendors (please call for availability).
- Tonto Discovery Pass. Available at Tonto National Forest Offices.
- Tonto Fee Machine Pass. Please be prepared to pay with DEBIT or CREDIT card.
Campground fees at various sites around Canyon Lake might be separate from the Tonto Daily and Discovery pass. Please call the Mesa Ranger District for specific details or visit individual websites.
Restrictions
- Please observe buoys and water markers; the direction of travel on the lake is counter-clockwise.
- Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, Arizona Game and Fish Department and Forest Service personnel enforce Lake regulations.
- Pack-it-in, Pack-it-out!
- Glass containers are prohibited in the Canyon Lake Recreation Area.
- CAUTION: Lake-levels fluctuate daily based on irrigation demand and power generation.
See concessionaire websites for specific fee information on Marina, Campground, and Dolly Steamboat tours.
Address: 5140 E Ingram St, Mesa, AZ 85205
Phone: (480) 610-3300
Hours: Open Mon. - Fri. 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (closed noon to 12:30 p.m.) Passes, permits and products not sold after 4 p.m. Closed Saturday and Sunday (Closed on federal holidays)
Getting There
Elevation
1,660 feet
Directions
From Mesa, take U.S. 60 to the Idaho Exit #196. Go north on State Hwy. 88. The entire route is paved, but heavy traffic is common.
Parking
On most weekends and holidays April through October, Canyon Lake reaches its maximum boating capacity early in the day, and no additional boats are allowed in. Be prepared for delays in boat access during summer weekends. Plan ahead and arrive early!
Facility and Amenity Information
Picnic Tables
Picnic tables are available at this site.
