Bear Canyon Lake

By Tony Subia

Last updated on May 4, 2026.

Bear Canyon Lake is a scenic mountain lake located along the Mogollon Rim in central Arizona, offering a peaceful setting surrounded by tall pine forests and cool mountain air. As part of the popular Rim Lakes area near Payson, this lake is known for its excellent trout fishing, non-motorized boating, and quiet, uncrowded atmosphere. Visitors enjoy easy shoreline access, picnic areas, and a relaxing environment ideal for fishing, kayaking, and enjoying the natural beauty of the White Mountains region.

Things To Do At Bear Canyon Lake

• Trout fishing from shore or small boats
• Kayaking, canoeing, and non-motorized boating
• Picnicking and relaxing along the shoreline
• Wildlife viewing and photography
• Exploring nearby Rim Lakes and forest roads

Mogollon Rim lakes all share a common beauty, and Bear Canyon Lake is no exception. It sits at an elevation of 7,600 feet. The scenic drive along Rim Road features several lookout points with awesome views. Bear Canyon Lake is somewhat remote with undeveloped and primitive camping options. However, that adds to its quiet charm.

Bear Canyon Lake and camping area are surrounded by aspen trees, tall pines and blue spruce that run right to the edges of the lake. This indeed is a place to relax and unwind in cool refreshing high-mountain country air, away from the stress of the big city. Although visitation can be moderately heavy during peak summer weekends, the entire area oozes of solitude and tranquility.

When you get there, park where you want and set up camp if you plan on camping. Getting to the lake from the parking area is about a quarter mile hike, so carrying a boat may be inconvenient. It may be wise to take a float tube or fish from shore. Bear Canyon Lake is at a high elevation, so summer high temperatures are often in the high 70s or low 80s.

Season. Opens in May. Access is limited from November to May due to heavy snow. Even in summer, nights can be chilly and temperatures gradually cool as autumn approaches.

Why Visit Bear Canyon Lake

Visitors are drawn to Bear Canyon Lake for its tranquil setting and reliable fishing opportunities. The lake is regularly stocked with trout, making it a favorite destination for anglers, while its smaller size and no-wake environment create a peaceful experience for kayakers and canoeists. Surrounded by forest and scenic views, Bear Canyon Lake is ideal for day trips, picnicking, and escaping the summer heat.

What To Expect At Bear Canyon Lake

About Bear Canyon Lake. It is a canyon-bound lake that is narrow but when full its maximum depth is about 50 feet. Water surface is about 60 acres.

Fishing at Bear Canyon Lake

Bear Canyon Lake is best known as a quiet trout fishing lake along the Mogollon Rim. The lake is regularly stocked with rainbow trout, and anglers often fish from shore, float tubes, kayaks, or small boats with electric motors. Because the lake sits below the parking area, visitors should be prepared to carry fishing gear down the trail to the water.

Best Fishing Spots at Bear Canyon Lake

• Shoreline Near Lake Access Points: Convenient areas for bank fishing after hiking down from the parking area.
• Deeper Canyon Water: Good for trout during warmer weather when fish move into cooler, deeper sections of the lake.
• Quiet Cove Areas: Useful for float tubes, kayaks, and patient anglers looking for less disturbed water.
• Rocky Shoreline Structure: Productive places to cast for trout where depth changes and cover are available.

Boating at Bear Canyon Lake

Boating at Bear Canyon Lake is limited to electric motors only, which helps preserve the quiet setting. Because the lake is about a quarter-mile hike from the parking area, lightweight kayaks, inflatable boats, and float tubes are usually easier to manage than heavier boats.

Camping and Amenities

Camping near Bear Canyon Lake is primitive and undeveloped. Visitors should bring drinking water, pack out trash, and be prepared for limited services. Vault toilets may be available seasonally, but there are no developed tables, hookups, or full campground facilities at the lake.

Best Times to Visit Bear Canyon Lake

• Spring: Access usually improves as snow melts, and trout fishing becomes more reliable once roads open.
• Summer: The most popular season for fishing, kayaking, camping, and escaping lower-elevation heat.
• Fall: Cooler temperatures, changing forest colors, and lighter crowds make this a scenic time to visit.
• Winter: Access is often limited by snow, and forest roads may be difficult or closed.

Map Location of Bear Canyon Lake

Directions On Getting To Bear Canyon Lake

From Payson. Take Highway 260 northeast. Near Mile Post 291, travel west on Forest Road 300 (Rim Road) for about 12 miles. FR 300 is paved for about 3 miles to the Woods Canyon Lake turnoff where it turns to gravel. Take Forest Road 89 north for about 2 miles, then turn right onto Forest Road 89A to one of the two lake access points.

Nearby Rim Lakes

• Woods Canyon Lake - 55 acres: A popular nearby lake with fishing, kayaking, camping, and easier developed access.
• Willow Springs Lake - 158 acres: A larger Rim Lake known for trout fishing, boating, camping, and family-friendly recreation.
• Knoll Lake - 75 acres: A scenic high-country lake with fishing, camping, and Mogollon Rim access.
• Chevelon Canyon Lake - 208 acres: A more remote lake for anglers seeking a quieter, less developed fishing experience.

Bear Canyon Lake FAQ

Where is Bear Canyon Lake Arizona?
Bear Canyon Lake is located along the Mogollon Rim near Payson, Arizona, in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests.

Is Bear Canyon Lake good for fishing?
Yes, Bear Canyon Lake is popular for trout fishing and is regularly stocked with rainbow trout.

Can you boat on Bear Canyon Lake?
Yes, boating is allowed, but boats are restricted to electric motors only.

Can you camp at Bear Canyon Lake?
Yes, primitive camping is available near Bear Canyon Lake, but facilities are limited and visitors should pack out trash.

How far is Bear Canyon Lake from the parking area?
The lake is about a quarter-mile hike from the parking area, so lightweight gear, float tubes, or shore fishing are often easiest.

More Information
Seasonal access, fire restrictions, fishing rules, and campground guidelines can change without notice.

Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest
Black Mesa Ranger District
2748 East AZ 260
Overgaard, Arizona 86933

Relevant Reading

Woods Canyon Lake
Willow Springs Lake
Knoll Lake

Arizona Lakes