b"LAKES Apache LakeIt'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 youd be amazed at the number of boats you see in Phoenix and its surrounding suburbs. P hoenix is well known for its magnificentwater skiing, wakeboarding, wake surfing, hiking, desert landscape, but few people outside theand camping. Boat rentals are available and for thoseBartlett Lakearea know about the many scenic lakes withinlooking to enjoy the wilderness without roughing it, a short drive of the Valley. Its easier than you think toApache Lake has a motel and restaurant. The lake's spend your day swimming, fishing, kayaking, watersecluded coves and painted canyon walls are home skiing, or tubing nearby and still make it back in timeto javelina, bighorn sheep, deer, and a host of otherBass, Smallmouth Bass, Crappie, Sunfish, Carp, and for dinner.desert wildlife. Many species of fish can be found inChannel and Flathead Catfish. the lake, including Largemouth, Smallmouth, and602-316-3378, BartlettLake.comAPACHE LAKE Yellow bass, Crappie, Sunfish, Channel and Flathead Apache Lake sets alongside the Apache Trail, one ofCatfish, Walleye, and Carp. Apache Lake is neverCANYON LAKEthe most scenic drives in Arizona. Surrounded by theclosed due to capacity constraints.Canyon Lake is located 50 miles east of Phoenix in Superstition Wilderness and the Three Bar Wildlife928-923-6690, ApacheLake.com the Superstition Wilderness of Tonto National Forest. Area, Apache Lake is created by Horse Mesa Dam andCanyon Lake is one of four lakes created by dams is located between Canyon Lake and Roosevelt Lake,BARTLETT LAKE on the Salt River. Canyon Lake is the smallest of the its sister-lakes on the Salt River. Apache Lake is 17Bartlett Lake is noted for its spectacular views of thefour, but probably the most picturesque. Unusual rock miles long and a spectacular site for boating, fishing,surrounding desert mountains and saguaro-studdedformations and scenic red rock canyon walls combine foothills. Formed by Bartlett Dam and fed by thewith desert flora to create its southwestern natural Verde River, the pristine waters are very popularbeauty. Hidden coves that peek out around every turn among water recreation enthusiasts. It is 45 milesare great for fishing. Fish species include Rainbow Lake Pleasant from downtown Phoenix and it is the second- Trout, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Yellow largest lake in the Tonto National Forest. If youBass, Crappie, Sunfish, Channel Catfish, Walleye, dont have a boat or are looking for a different lakeand Carp. The lake waters are ideal for water-skiing, experience, Bartlett Lake offers aqua lodge rentalsjet-skiing, or just sightseeing. At an elevation of about and a party yacht that accommodates up to 201,600 feet, twenty-eight miles of shoreline, and 950 revelers as well as kayaks or wakeboards if thatssurface acres of shimmering waters, the lake does more your style. Shoreline camping is availablenot disappoint.The three recreation sites at the as well. When full, Bartlett Lake has over 2,800lake -Acacia Picnic Site, the Palo Verde Recreation acres of water surface, is about 12 miles long, andSite, and the Boulder Creek Recreation Site - are has an average depth of 100 feet with a maximumopen year-round at no charge. It has a designated depth of 174 feet. The lake has two contrastingswimming site and a pair of boating ramps. Stop at sides with gently sloping beaches on one side andthe marina for boat and water ski rentals. If you prefer mountains on the other. With its vast amounta quieter time on the water, sign up for a sightseeing of water surface and length, speed boats canor dinner cruise around the lake on the Dolly let loose. Fish species include LargemouthSteamboat. RV or tent camping spots are available.480-288-9233, CanyonLakeMarina.com24 July 2021"