It’s been said that the metro Phoenix area has more boats per capita than any other major U.S. city. We can’t verify that statistic, but you’d be amazed at the number of boats you see in Phoenix and its surrounding suburbs.
Phoenix is well known for its magnificent desert landscape, but few people outside the area know about the many scenic lakes within a short drive of the Valley. It’s easier than you think to spend your day swimming, fishing, kayaking, water skiing, or tubing nearby and still make it back in time for dinner.
APACHE LAKE
Apache Lake sets alongside the Apache Trail, one of the most scenic drives in Arizona. Surrounded by the Superstition Wilderness and the Three Bar Wildlife Area, Apache Lake is created by Horse Mesa Dam and is located between Canyon Lake and Roosevelt Lake, its sister-lakes on the Salt River. Apache Lake is 17 miles long and a spectacular site for boating, fishing, water skiing, wakeboarding, wake surfing, hiking, and camping. Boat rentals are available and for those looking to enjoy the wilderness without roughing it, Apache Lake has a motel and restaurant. The lake’s secluded coves and painted canyon walls are home to javelina, bighorn sheep, deer, and a host of other desert wildlife. Many species of fish can be found in the lake, including Largemouth, Smallmouth, and Yellow bass, Crappie, Sunfish, Channel and Flathead Catfish, Walleye, and Carp. Apache Lake is never closed due to capacity constraints.
BARTLETT LAKE
Bartlett Lake is noted for its spectacular views of the surrounding desert mountains and saguaro-studded foothills. Formed by Bartlett Dam and fed by the Verde River, the pristine waters are very popular among water recreation enthusiasts. It is 45 miles from downtown Phoenix and it is the second largest lake in the Tonto National Forest. If you don’t have a boat or are looking for a different lake experience, Bartlett Lake offers aqua lodge rentals and a party yacht that accommodates up to 20 revelers as well as kayaks or wakeboards if that’s more your style. Shoreline camping is available as well. When full, Bartlett Lake has over 2,800 acres of water surface, is about 12 miles long, and has an average depth of 100 feet with a maximum depth of 174 feet. The lake has two contrasting sides with gently sloping beaches on one side and mountains on the other. With its vast amount of water surface and length, speed boats can let loose. Fish species include Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Crappie, Sunfish, Carp, and Channel and Flathead Catfish.
