Enjoy The Natural Beauty And Outdoor Activities At Arizona's Popular Canyon Lake

Although Arizona is home to one of the largest natural attractions in North America, Grand Canyon National Park, not all of the state's top tier outdoor recreation areas are grandiose in size. In fact, the saying "good things come in small packages," is very apropos when describing Arizona's Woods Canyon Lake. Although it covers a mere 55 surface acres, the popular Woods Canyon Lake in northern Arizona offers stunning views and a wide array of outdoor activities.

While many visitors to the Grand Canyon State likely envision deep, clear reservoirs in a desert landscape, such as well-known Arizona lakes Powell and Havasu, Woods Canyon Lake is much more similar to nearby Blue Ridge Reservoir. Like Blue Ridge, Woods Canyon is surrounded by cliffs and shorelines covered in towering pines, along with oak and aspen trees. Much like its neighbor to the north, Woods Canyon Lake offers a much larger outdoor experience than its relatively small size might suggest.

Located just a two-hour drive from Phoenix, Woods Canyon Lake Recreation Area is situated atop the 200-mile long cliff known as the Mogollon Rim. The Rim itself varies in height along its length, with Woods Canyon sitting on one of the highest points at more than 7,000 feet above sea level. 

Woods Canyon Lake and the accompanying recreation area is also part of the Apache Sitgreaves National Forest. According to the U.S. Forest Service, Woods Canyon Lake is one of seven lakes that make up the Rim Lakes Recreation Area and is one of the most commonly used lakes in that chain. Boats are permitted on the lake, but only electric motors or paddles are allowed for propulsion.

The Woods Canyon Lake Recreation Area itself features a small store that operates from April through October, as well as a marina, boat rentals, boat ramp, picnic area, hiking and biking trails, and multiple campgrounds. However, the park is seasonal, as roads into the park close during the winter due to snow and reopen in the spring. Most often, the roads reopen during the middle of April, but it is important to check before planning a trip. 

When it comes to what to see and do at Woods Canyon Lake, there are no shortage of options both on land and in the water. Anglers can fish both the stream and the lake, which is regularly stocked with rainbow trout. Paddlesports such as kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boarding are also popular activities on the lake. While rentals are available, many visitors prefer to bring inflatable kayaks, like the Intex Excursion Pro, or inflatable paddle boards, such as the ROC Inflatable SUP, which can be easily stowed and packed.

There are a number of hiking trails surrounding the lake area as well. The Rim Lakes Vista Trail is a popular hike because of the incredible views it affords of the Mogollon Rim. The Woods Canyon Lake Loop is highly rated on All Trails. This 3.5-mile trail offers great views of the lake from several vantage points. Various paved roadways throughout the Woods Canyon Lake Recreation Area are ideal for biking, as well.

Visitors can expect to see a good deal of wildlife can be seen while adventuring in the Woods Canyon Lake Recreation Area, including various species of birds, squirrels, deer, and elk. Bears are often common, especially in the campgrounds. So, if you do intend to overnight, be sure to avoid mistakes that attract bears to campsites.