San Carlos Lake

Enjoy fishing and outdoor recreation at this cool oasis on San Carlos Apache Tribal Lands.

The Gila and Mescal mountains frame this aquatic retreat in east-central Arizona. With more than 150 miles of shoreline, San Carlos Lake is one of the largest lakes in Arizona. Formed by the Coolidge Dam along the Gila River, deep blue waters surrounded by rocky, cactus-speckled mountains set the scene for remote outdoor adventures. This area in the San Carlos Apache Tribal Lands observes tribal regulations. Permits are required for all hiking, fishing and camping in the area.

Getting There

Off Highway 70 south of the towns of San Carlos and Peridot, Coolidge Dam Road loops around the lake. Stay on the roads and trails to not disrupt the habitat for bighorn sheep, antelope, elk and javelina. Past the dam, the road continues to Bylas but is not maintained. The road was once paved all the way around the lake, but nature has reclaimed much of the asphalt and the road is treacherous in many places. High clearance vehicles are recommended to make the entire loop through this scenic area and to get to the shoreline from access roads off Coolidge Dam Road.

Cast a Line

Anglers head 90 miles east of Phoenix to San Carlos Lake to land record-setting largemouth bass, black crappie, flathead catfish and rainbow and brown trout. A tackle shop on the shoreline sells all the gear needed to have a big day on the lake. Nearby Talkalai and Seneca lakes as well as remote area ponds and streams also have excellent fishing year-round on San Carlos Apache Tribal Lands.

Explore Surrounding Landscapes

This natural playground is close to other remote outdoor activities in Central Arizona. Start by getting a permit at the San Carlos Recreation and Wildlife Office before setting off on scenic hikes. Take a spring wildflower walk to Peridot Mesa or a more rugged backcountry trek to cool plunge pools in Crystal Canyon. During the summer, visitors also join guided whitewater rafting trips along the nearby Salt River. Or keep it simple and put in a kayak year-round to explore this vast expanse of water in a remote desert landscape.