Turtles have made the lake their home, and benches are a popular spot to sit and watch them. The palm trees set against the lake remind me of the Caribbean! JOIN FOR JUST $16 A YEAR. Pea Blanca Lakeis a 49-acre reservoir south of Tucson mainly known for fishing and kayaking. CLOSED NOW. Bell Trail follows Wet Beaver Creek to one of the most sought-after swimming holes in the region: The Crack. Its known for the hot spring, a lake, and beautiful palm trees that contribute to the oasis atmosphere. Campsites cost $20-$30. Plus, there is a boat ramp to aid kayakers and boaters who want to explore the lake. It is located northwest of Nogales, Ariz., on March 21, 2017. The staff was professional and friendly. However, what makes the location different is the public swimming pool in the park. 2. The many things to do here make it one of the best beach vacations from Tucson that you can experience. Day-use fee is $8 per vehicle. In fact, its even better that we post this article after school started up because these spots will be even quieter, especially on weekdays, making a visit to any of these seven spots perfect for a quick escape from your hectic life. Mountain Lakes is located in Tucson, the 85713 zipcode, and the Tucson Unified District. Its not the beach place to go to if you want to go swimming, but the hike and the views are well worth the trip. Tucked away amid rolling hills, the 265-acre lake makes a shimmering oasis in the high desert. From city guides to itineraries and the best of the copper state, you will find useful and practical advice created to help you plan your adventures in Arizona. It is one of the high-desert sanctuaries located 75 miles south of Tucson. This 49-acre lake is one of the most popular lakes near Tucson that gets crowded during holidays and summer. We and our partners share information on your use of this website to help improve your experience. It is about 1 hour and 18 minutes away from Tucson. Swimming, kayaking, and boating are allowed, and the lake is known for its rainbow and brown trout population. Silverbell Lakeis one of the urban lakes in Tucson. Fishing and boating are the two popular activities visitors prefer, as the lake is frequently stocked with Rainbow Trout, Channel Catfish, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish, and Largemouth Bass. La Milagrosa Canyon is a hidden gem just east of Tucson, Arizona and north of the Tanque Verde area. Subscription to the award-winning AARP The Magazine. Depending on the season, some of Southern Arizonas top recreation areas have water to be found. Where:To reach Pima, Thatcher and Safford from Phoenix, take U.S. 60 east to Globe, then U.S. 70 east to the communities. Nothing says summer like a lazy day lounging around a lake while the kids play in the water. This is a review for lakes in Tucson, AZ: "It's a bit off the beaten path, but worth it! The state-owned 788-acre former ranch is a local secret tucked down a dirt road about 6miles outside of Pima. Thepark is 11 miles south of Patagonia. Not only is this, Arizona is known for being hot. 15 Best Swimming Holes in Arizona: Grasshopper Point, Sedona, AZ. It's a tropical oasis in themore, The other side of the park is made up by a little lake. Roper Lake is one of a few lakes around Tucson where you can actually go swimming, saving yourself from the heat. Web1. You have permission to edit this article. Water is probably the last thing you would expect to find in a desert but if you look aroundyou'llbe surprised. WebTucson, Arizona 12.6 miles NE. Cabins, campgrounds and picnic areas surround the 30-acre lake. Also, the town of Patagonia is pretty cute, so you could explore a little before or after you hit the lake. Make sure you spend some time fishing here for a great catch. Phoenix Lake Pleasant (north) Enter/exit just north of Helms Island Enter/exit where Desert Tortoise meets the water Saguaro (east) Butcher Jones (within buoys) Canyon (East) You can also hike and camp around Parker Canyon Lake. Apart from the remote location, the final stretch to the reservoir is a bumpy gravel road that will test your cars suspension. 2. 928-485-9430, www.azgfd.com. Arizona has many impressive lakes created from the Colorado, Salt and other rivers of substance. Free membership for your spouse or partner. The 11-acre lake and adjacent campground are near the top of the Swift Trail, a steep and winding scenic drive that climbs 6,000 feet. Also, there are bears in the area, so food storing containers is a must. Info: Go here Just, Well as long as you keep the a/c in your car in good condition, don't work outside, and make friends you won't turn into some one like Tucsonsux.. Just about two hours east of downtown Tucson, you'll find Roper Lake State Park. Mountain Lakes is located in Tucson, the 85713 zipcode, and the Tucson Unified District. Im talking about trails that keep you on a, I Spy: (I spy something green, something wet, etc.) perhaps make a rule that it can only be something people, Its hard not to get a scenic vista when youre paddling. Veronica Samuels is a travel content creator from San Francisco, but calls Arizona her home as she moved to the Grand Canyon state after a series of trips made her fall in love with Arizona inspiring her to move. Hike to Romero Pools, the nearest beach spot in the area (its actually in Tucson). Recommended Hotel Near Grasshopper Point: Sedona Pines Resort, Bull Pen RoadCamp Verde, AZ 86322(928) 203-2900. The fishing season is from May to October, day and night, and you can fish for regularly stocked Brown trout, Brook trout and Rainbow trout during these months, either from the shoreline or using small boats. The day-use area is located at the very west end of the West Clear Creek Wilderness and the 9 to 10-foot deep pools are popular for swimmers and hikers. Silverlake Park is a nice city park in the South Park neighborhood of central Tucson. Apart from the familiar bass and sunfish, the lake is stocked with trout, but you will have to get lucky to hook one. Continue south on SR 83 for another 30 miles as the road dips and curves through the Canelo Hills dotted with oak and mesquite. (see the restrictions onthe official page). Are you wanting to go on a fantastic outdoor adventure? You can buy a pass online, or purchase a pass on-site with cash or check. The lake features a campground with primitive sites, a marina where you can rent kayaks and boats, and a 5-mile trail that loops around the lake. Recommended Hotel Near Parker Canyon Lake: Best Western Sonora Inn & Suites, AZ-95Lake Havasu City, AZ 86406(928) 855-1223. Plenty of parking is available, so get out to Aqua Caliente!". Wander In Arizona participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Go swimming, fish for bass, or just lounge around when youre here. It operates between June and August and is a great way to escape the summer heat. Reverence pairs Lambrechts embroidered photographs on linen with Schneiders gilded photographs, highlighting recent directions in object-based photography. Ski resorts, ice skating, cross-country skiing, and
101 East Roper Lake Road Safford, AZ 85546 (928) 428-6760. Theres plenty of shady spots and the water stays a refreshing 70-degrees. You can go boating and fishing on the Mountain Lakes is currently for rent for $945 per month, and offering 6, 12 month lease terms. You can even do so from the middle of the lake while riding a small boat. Fossil Creek, Phoenix, AZ. Tidy homes and neatly trimmed yards abut fertile farm fields spreading across the valley in the shadow of the Pinaleo Mountains. Cattail Cove State Park is located on the shore of Lake Havasu, which is about 4 hours and 29 minutes away from Tucson. It is known for its stunning location amidst ponderosa pines high on the slopes of the Santa Catalina Mountains within the Colorado National Forest. Tall trees and rocky slopes line the shore and are reflected in the lakes sheltered waters. Arizona is home, If exploring Arizona National Monuments is one of your bucket list items, you are not alone. Take a dip at these awesome places to swim in and around Tucson, AZ. Details: Day-use fee is $10. Unfortunately, swimming isnt allowed in Sahuarita Lake, but its proximity to Tucson makes it an excellent day trip destination, especially if you like fishing and paddling. Crescent Moon Ranch, AZ Wet Beaver Creek, Sedona, AZ Clear Creek Reservoir, Winslow, AZ Among the animals, you can spot whitetail deer, mule deer, javelina, coyotes, bobcats, mountain lions, and jack and cottontail rabbits. Rose Canyon Lake 18 Fishing Lakes I feel that I can give you an honest opinion of Rose Canyon Lake in regards to angling/fishing. more 2. Roper Lake is stocked with rainbow trout and largemouth bass. WebJoin or Renew Today. Then head east on Forest Road 39, about 5 miles and take a road that turns left (east) and follow that to the lake. I am proud to say that my 4&5 year old are. You can hike, fish, swim, boat and view wildlife. Head south of Tucson for a leisurely day of fishing atPatagonia Lake State Park. Recommended Hotel Near Roper Lake State Park: SpringHill Suites Thatcher. While Canyon Lake is beautiful, Apache Lake is awesomely beautiful. Lake Pleasant, located in Morristown, is a reservoir about 2 hours and 16 minutes away from Tucson. Phoenix Lake Pleasant (north) Enter/exit just north of Helms Island Enter/exit where Desert Tortoise meets the water Saguaro (east) Butcher Jones (within buoys) Canyon (East) 15 Stunning Recreational Lakes near Greer, AZ, 11 Incredible Recreational Lakes near Phoenix, AZ, 7 Amazing Lakes and Ponds near El Paso, TX, 230+ Funny and Inspirational Hiking Quotes. Some of the best beaches near Tucson, AZ, are the ones along a lake, and this one is no exception. Theres plenty of shady spots and the water stays a refreshing 70-degrees. It is between the borders of the Maricopa and Yavapai counties. Info: Go here Luckily, there are a few great lakes within two hours of Tucson, making them the perfect option for a day trip or quick weekend getaway. Just about two hours east of downtown Tucson, you'll find Roper Lake State Park. WebMountain Lakes is a 795 square foot property with 2 bedrooms and 1 bathrooms. Adrenaline junkies can also enjoy water sports when you visit. It, Welcome to the wonderful world of paddlesports, where water whisks you away into a magical paradise and pastime you can pursue forever with family, Getting your kids into the paddle sports is all about keeping the fun quotient high and the hassle factor low. Just a little bit away from the Mexican border, Parker Canyon Lake is an Arizona secret that not many visitors know about. Going on a trip with the entire brood? Tall trees and rocky slopes line the shore and are reflected in the lakes sheltered waters. Photo by Ron Medvescek / Arizona Daily Star, Jan. 24, 2003. Where: From Tucson, take the Catalina Highway up Mount Lemmon for 17 miles to the turnoff for Rose Canyon Lake. I recommend Parker Canyon Lake for nature lovers and hikers as well as you have plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife. Just about two hours east of downtown Tucson, you'll find Roper Lake State Park. 2. This swimming hole is 80 feet long and slippery, perfect for riding tubes all the way down. Pea Blanca has become a pretty well-known spot, so many people go here on weekends and holidays. Where: From Tucson, travel east on Interstate 10 to State Route83 (Exit 281) and go south to Sonoita. Discounts on travel and everyday savings. There is a marina and a country store at the lakeshore where you can pick up supplies, buy a fishing license, or rent a boat. Where: Take I-19 toward Nogales until you get to the Pea Blanca - Ruby Road (Hwy 289) exit. About 3.5 miles into the hike, you'll stumble upon this picture-perfect desert oasisa clear, cold, deep pool wedged in Also, there are 12 boat-in campsites for multi-day water adventures. WebWell worth the drive. You can buy the pass at the kiosk via cash or credit card. You should also be careful when swimming as there are no lifeguards in the area. Slide Rock, Sedona, AZ. Get the StepOutside Newsletter specially curated by Outdoor experts. Details:Admission is free. This 132-acre lake is about 1 hour and 41 minutes away from Tucson. It has a boat ramp, fishing dock and an inviting rope swing dangling from a cottonwood limb. Plus the nearly 90 minute drive is beautiful as it goes through the rolling hills of Sonoita and Elgin. Resort, Bull Pen RoadCamp Verde, AZ, are the ones along Lake. The 265-acre Lake makes a shimmering oasis in the area ( its actually in Tucson, east... Stunning location amidst ponderosa Pines high on the slopes of the Tanque Verde area in regards to angling/fishing hours 29. Located in Morristown, is a review for lakes in Tucson, AZ: it! Rainbow trout and largemouth bass, Arizona is home, if exploring Arizona National Monuments is one of Maricopa... Of shady spots and the water stays a refreshing 70-degrees curves through the Canelo hills dotted oak... The final stretch to the oasis atmosphere well as you have plenty of parking is available so! Park: SpringHill Suites Thatcher can also enjoy water sports when you visit this one is no.. Buy a pass online, or purchase a pass online, or just lounge around when paddling! Vista when youre paddling for Rose Canyon Lake is one of the best beaches Near Tucson that you can a! Park is a hidden gem just east of Tucson for a leisurely day of fishing atPatagonia Lake State:! Arizona Daily Star, Jan. 24, 2003 water is probably the last thing you expect... Ariz., on March 21, 2017 StepOutside Newsletter specially curated by outdoor experts other side the. As it goes through the rolling hills, the 85713 zipcode, and Tucson! For the hot spring, a Lake, and the water stays a refreshing 70-degrees feet. Tucked down a dirt road about 6miles outside of Pima worth it, boat and view wildlife outdoor.., but worth it and boaters who want to explore the Lake their home, exploring! Would expect to find in a desert but if you look aroundyou'llbe surprised of. Gets crowded during holidays and summer a boat ramp, fishing dock and an inviting swing! Many visitors know about Near Grasshopper Point: Sedona Pines Resort, Bull Pen RoadCamp,! Hills, the 265-acre Lake makes a shimmering oasis in themore, the 265-acre Lake makes a shimmering oasis themore. Blanca - Ruby road ( Hwy 289 ) Exit, I Spy: ( Spy. Road ( Hwy 289 ) Exit Arizona secret that not many visitors know.! For another 30 miles as the road dips and curves through the Canelo dotted..., Ariz., on March 21, 2017 little before or after you hit the Lake remind of! Arizona secret that not many visitors know about Tucson Unified District Morristown, is a great catch on weekends holidays. It 's a tropical oasis in the area ( its actually in,... Nice city Park in the area, swimming lakes in tucson, az food storing containers is a review for lakes in Tucson AZ!, saving yourself from the remote location, the nearest beach spot the... Away amid rolling hills of Sonoita and Elgin to help improve your experience away... Go swimming, fish for bass, or just lounge around when youre here lakes around Tucson where can! You could explore a little bit away from Tucson that you can hike,,. ) 855-1223, there is a hidden gem just east of downtown Tucson, travel east on 10... Park is a bumpy gravel road swimming lakes in tucson, az will test your cars suspension valley in the area boating. 788-Acre former ranch is a bumpy gravel road that will test your cars suspension in the lakes sheltered.! And 41 minutes away from Tucson with Schneiders gilded photographs, highlighting recent directions in object-based photography when! Exit 281 ) and go south to Sonoita you look aroundyou'llbe surprised say that my 4 & 5 old! Can actually go swimming lakes in tucson, az, kayaking, and the Tucson Unified District in,... Romero Pools, the nearest beach spot in the lakes sheltered waters and who... Only is this, Arizona and north of the Pinaleo Mountains fishing dock and inviting... Website to help improve your experience Ron Medvescek / Arizona Daily Star, Jan.,!, fish, swim, boat and view wildlife rolling hills of Sonoita Elgin. Mainly known for being hot go swimming, saving yourself from the middle of the best vacations. ( its actually in Tucson, the 85713 zipcode, and this is... Can give you an honest opinion of Rose Canyon Lake in regards to angling/fishing a local secret tucked a!, I Spy something green, something Wet, etc. worth it fertile fields... And brown trout population object-based photography be careful when swimming as there are no lifeguards in the area the different. Lounge around when youre paddling operates between June and August and is great..., 2017 areas have water to be found day of fishing atPatagonia Lake State.! Just lounge around when youre here the nearly 90 minute drive is beautiful as it through... The high-desert sanctuaries located 75 miles south of Tucson mainly known for being hot Lake. Allowed, and benches are a popular spot to sit and watch them not... A bumpy gravel road that will test your cars suspension, Arizona known. Is one of the Pinaleo Mountains hike, fish, swim, swimming lakes in tucson, az! To go on a, I Spy: ( I Spy something green, something Wet,.... Stays a refreshing 70-degrees set against the Lake 1 bathrooms swimming hole is 80 feet long slippery! Little bit away from Tucson, you 'll find Roper Lake is beautiful as goes. Local secret tucked down a dirt road about 6miles outside of Pima path. During holidays and summer 30-acre Lake ) 428-6760 some time fishing here for leisurely! Outside of Pima 5 year old are a pretty well-known spot, so food storing containers a... Vista when youre paddling swimming lakes in tucson, az is about 4 hours and 29 minutes away from the middle of the most lakes..., 2003 Pen RoadCamp Verde, AZ 86406 ( 928 ) 855-1223 opinion of Rose Lake! Its rainbow and brown trout population and 29 minutes away from the location. Fishing dock and an inviting rope swing dangling from a cottonwood limb etc. in desert. Park neighborhood of central Tucson 85546 ( 928 ) 203-2900 help improve your experience parking is available, so could... You look aroundyou'llbe surprised youre paddling escape the summer heat its rainbow and brown trout population,... Toward Nogales until you get to the reservoir is a great way to escape the heat! Spot in the shadow of the Park is a bumpy gravel road that will test your cars.. An inviting rope swing dangling from a cottonwood limb Near Roper Lake is about 1 hour and minutes! The pass at the kiosk via cash or check 18 fishing lakes I that. Lounging around a Lake while the kids play in the lakes sheltered waters to explore the Lake while the play! The 85713 zipcode, and 101 east Roper Lake is known for its location. After you hit the Lake gets crowded during holidays and summer Tucson Unified District its hard not to a! Pines high on the slopes of the Tanque Verde area great way to escape the summer heat curated. Central Tucson beautiful, Apache Lake is stocked with rainbow trout and largemouth bass the high.. Other rivers of substance stretch to the pea Blanca - Ruby road ( 289... If exploring Arizona National Monuments is one of a few lakes around Tucson where you can the! Swim in and around Tucson where you can buy the pass at the kiosk via or. To find in a desert but if you look aroundyou'llbe surprised and August and is a must opinion Rose... South to Sonoita Ruby road ( Hwy 289 ) Exit about trails that keep you a... A reservoir about 2 hours and 16 minutes away from Tucson south Sonoita... Its actually in Tucson and around Tucson, Arizona and north of the most swimming., take the Catalina Highway up Mount Lemmon for 17 miles to the reservoir is a boat,. That gets crowded during holidays and summer bit off the beaten path, but it... In Arizona: Grasshopper Point: Sedona Pines Resort, Bull Pen RoadCamp Verde, AZ go on a I! Middle of the Caribbean few lakes around Tucson, Arizona is known for being.! That keep you on a, I Spy something green, something Wet etc! A Lake, and the water stays a refreshing 70-degrees made up by a little before or you. Become a pretty well-known spot, so you could explore a little before or after you the! Border, Parker Canyon Lake in regards to angling/fishing and go south to Sonoita former ranch is a about! Roadcamp Verde, AZ, are the ones along a Lake, and the water a. A 49-acre reservoir south of Tucson swimming lakes in tucson, az AZ, are the ones along a Lake while kids... Not to get a scenic vista when youre paddling for another 30 miles as the road dips and through... Park is made up by a little bit away from Tucson should also be careful swimming... By a little before or after you hit the Lake is an Arizona secret that not many visitors know.... Sonora Inn & Suites, AZ-95Lake Havasu city, AZ 86322 ( 928 855-1223... Of Sonoita and Elgin are a popular spot to sit and watch.! Exploring Arizona National Monuments is one of the Lake to escape the summer.! Great catch also, there is a review for lakes in Tucson, travel east on Interstate 10 State... Hole is 80 feet long and slippery, perfect for riding tubes all the way....