This Stunning Canyon Lake Is The Ultimate Destination For Any Outdoor Lover In Arizona

Arizona is a paradise for any traveler who loves adventure and the outdoors. The desert state is home to some of the most popular national parks in the United States. Saguaro National Park is home to largest cacti in America. Petrified Forest National Park is known for its fossils. The breathtaking Grand Canyon National Park is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and the most filmed national park in the country. The rugged landscapes of the Sonoran Desert cover a large chunk of the southern half of Arizona, but the northern part of the expansive state offers an entirely different outdoor experience.

Northern Arizona is known for epic mountain ranges and forests full of ponderosa pines, aspens, and other evergreens. Nestled within this scenic landscape you'll find Woods Canyon Lake Recreation Area in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. Surrounded by thick pines, it's the perfect place to immerse yourself in natural beauty and enjoy activities like hiking, camping, fishing, and boating.

The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests were established in 1908 as two separate national forests. They were combined in the 1970s for administrative purposes and encompasses 2 million acres of forests and a 200-foot cliff known as Mogollon Rim in the White Mountains. The White Mountains are the birthplace of many rivers and streams including the Black River and the Little Colorado River. The national forest contains over 30 different lakes and reservoirs. The national forest's name honors an early explorer of the land, Captain Lorenzo Sitgreaves, as well as the Indigenous Apache people who have called the area home for thousands of years.

Woods Canyon Lake was created in 1956 when a dam was built along Woods Canyon Creek. It's been a popular destination for outdoor recreation ever since. It is one of seven lakes in the Rim Lakes Recreation Area and one of the most popular amongst tourists. Even though the lake has artificial origins, it's become a haven for native plants and animals. Due to the high elevation of approximately 7,500 feet, the Woods Canyon Lake Recreation Area has a pleasant climate year round, making it an ideal place to escape the scorching summer heat of southern Arizona. It's only about two hours from Phoenix by car, but feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of the metropolitan area.

If you're traveling from out of state, the easiest way to reach Woods Canyon Lake Recreation Area is by flying into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport is another great choice, and is serviced by low-cost airlines like Allegiant and Sun Country. Once you arrive, you can rent a car for around $50 per day. Summer is an ideal time to visit if you hope to escape the heat of southern Arizona, but be prepared for afternoon thunderstorms from June through August. The region experiences four seasons and spring and autumn are both lovely. The area remains open from April through October if the weather permits. Roads into the national forest are often closed during the winter due to snowfall. 

Camping is an ideal way to get up close and personal with all of the natural beauty the region has to offer. There are a few maintained campgrounds in the area to choose from. Spillway Campground is nestled within ponderosa pines, oaks, and Douglas firs and offers tent and RV sites with prices starting at $34 per night. Amenities include picnic tables, water, and toilets. The popular lake loop hiking trail passes right by the campground. Aspen Campground is within walking distance to the lake and has 136 sites for tents and RVs. Woods Canyon Group Campground is right by the lake and accommodates groups of 120 people and 30 vehicles for $250 per night. To make reservations for both, visit recreation.gov.

Woods Canyon Lake Recreation Area is located close to other popular outdoor destinations like Petrified Forest National Park and Tonto National Forest. You can easily combine them for an epic scenic road trip through the southern state.