Apache Lake Arizona
Last updated on .
Apache Lake Arizona is one of the most scenic desert lakes in the state, located along the historic Apache Trail northeast of Phoenix. Surrounded by rugged canyon walls, desert mountain scenery, and remote wilderness areas, Apache Lake is a popular, Phoenix area lake and destination for boating, fishing, kayaking, camping, wildlife viewing, and relaxing lakeside recreation in central Arizona.
Apache Lake sits 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 located between Canyon Lake and Roosevelt Lake, its sister-lakes on the Salt River.
Why Visit Apache Lake
Apache Lake offers a quieter and more remote experience than many Arizona lakes, making it popular with anglers, campers, photographers, kayakers, and outdoor enthusiasts looking for scenic desert beauty away from larger crowds. Visitors enjoy dramatic canyon scenery, excellent bass fishing, boating along secluded coves, and exploring one of Arizona’s most famous scenic drives along the Apache Trail.
Located about 65 miles northeast of Phoenix, Apache Lake is 17 miles long and a spectacular site for boating, fishing, water skiing, hiking, and camping. The lake's secluded coves and painted canyon walls are home to javelina, big horn sheep, deer, and a host of other desert wildlife.
Best Time To Go To Apache Lake
- Spring: Mild temperatures and colorful desert wildflowers make spring one of the best seasons for boating, fishing, and camping.
- Summer: Warm water temperatures are ideal for swimming, water skiing, and houseboat recreation, although afternoons can become extremely hot.
- Fall: Cooler weather and lighter boating traffic create excellent conditions for fishing and sightseeing.
- Winter: Winter offers peaceful scenery, cool temperatures, and good opportunities for wildlife viewing and quiet camping trips.
Things To Do At Apache Lake
- Scenic Boating: Cruise through steep canyon walls and secluded desert coves along the Apache Trail.
- Fishing: Fish for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie, catfish, and walleye.
- Camping: Stay at lakeside campgrounds surrounded by desert mountain scenery.
- Wildlife Viewing: Watch for bighorn sheep, javelina, deer, hawks, and other desert wildlife.
- Photography: Capture colorful canyon walls, dramatic sunsets, and scenic lake reflections.
- Kayaking & Canoeing: Explore quiet shoreline coves and calm desert waters.
Fishing At Apache Lake
Apache Lake is one of Arizona’s better bass fishing lakes and attracts anglers throughout the year. Fish from the shoreline or launch a bass boat to target largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie, catfish, sunfish, and walleye. Spring and fall are often considered the best fishing seasons as water temperatures become ideal for active fish patterns throughout the lake’s rocky shorelines, submerged structure, and coves.
Boating At Apache Lake Arizona
Apache Lake is a popular destination for power boating, pontoon boating, kayaking, canoeing, and water skiing. The lake’s long narrow shape and surrounding canyon walls create spectacular scenery for scenic cruising and exploring hidden shoreline coves. Boaters enjoy less congestion than some Phoenix-area lakes, making Apache Lake attractive for relaxing day trips and overnight camping adventures.
Apache Lake Arizona. © Alan StarkApache Lake Marina and Resort
Whether you're just spending the day at the lake or a weekend, the Apache Lake Marina and Resort offers comforts and amenities including a motel, gas station, coffee shop, a boat ramp, picnic supplies, dock and 12 trailer park units.
Camping At Apache Lake
The Burnt Corral Recreation site is located seven miles northeast of the Apache Lake Resort and Marina and provides 17 spaces for trailers which are less than 17 feet long. The site is open year-round and has boat launching facilities.
Wildlife Around Apache Lake
The rugged desert terrain surrounding Apache Lake provides habitat for a wide variety of Arizona wildlife. Visitors occasionally spot desert bighorn sheep, mule deer, javelina, coyotes, hawks, bald eagles, and numerous desert bird species throughout the canyon areas surrounding the lake.
Getting To Apache Lake
From Phoenix Area. Take the Apache Trail north from Apache Junction past Canyon Lake to Tortilla Flats on paved roads. Travel another 15 miles, much of which is unpaved through some cliff-edged hair pin turns to Apache Lake.
From Globe Arizona. Take Highway 88 from Globe about 35 miles to Roosevelt Lake Dam, then turn south on the Apache Trail which is also Highway 88. Apache Lake is about 5 miles from the dam.
FAQ
Where is Apache Lake Arizona located?
Apache Lake is located along the Apache Trail northeast of Phoenix between Canyon Lake and Roosevelt Lake.
Can you fish at Apache Lake?
Yes, Apache Lake is known for bass fishing along with crappie, catfish, and walleye fishing.
Is Apache Lake good for boating?
Apache Lake is popular for boating, kayaking, canoeing, water skiing, and scenic lake cruises.
Are there campgrounds at Apache Lake?
Yes, camping is available near Apache Lake including the Burnt Corral Recreation Site.
How far is Apache Lake from Phoenix?
Apache Lake is located approximately 65 miles northeast of Phoenix along the Apache Trail.
What wildlife can be seen around Apache Lake?
Visitors may see bighorn sheep, mule deer, javelina, coyotes, hawks, and other desert wildlife.
