Canyon Lake
A canyon reservoir on the Apache Trail, with red-brown cliffs cradling emerald water. You can take a replica paddle steamer across the lake.
Canyon Lake is a reservoir on the Salt River, and you can see it as you drive into the winding mountain roads of the Apache Trail (Highway 88). A cruise on the steamboat Dolly takes about 1.5 hours, with commentary on geology and wildlife. If you're lucky, you may spot bighorn sheep and bald eagles. You can also rent boats or paddleboards, or have a picnic on the lakeshore beach. The cruise costs about USD 30. It is about 1 hour's drive from the city, and a few kilometres further on is the town of Tortilla Flat. The eastern section of the Apache Trail has been closed for a long time due to a landslide, so check road conditions before setting out.
Opening hours
Boats usually 10:00–15:00, multiple departures
Nearby sights
- Tortilla Flat
- Lost Dutchman State Park
- Saguaro Lake
- Goldfield Ghost Town
- Boyce Thompson Arboretum
- Taliesin West
- Butterfly Wonderland
- OdySea Aquarium