Rivers & Lakes

Apache Lake

Visit this remote lake surrounded by sun-bleached canyon walls.

Located just a few miles downstream from Roosevelt Lake, Apache Lake seems a world away. The remote lake stretches 17 miles through a canyon with pale pink walls baked by the desert sun. Road improvements on Highway 88 north of Tortilla Flat make access to Apache Lake difficult for visitors traveling from Phoenix and points west. Circle around on Highways 87, 60 and 188 to get to this surprising oasis. The final stretch to the lake requires 11 miles on a dirt road that passes Roosevelt Dam and brings the Salt River into view. From this secluded lake surrounded by saguaro-studded banks, visitors may spot bighorn sheep on the craggy cliffs and coyotes scavenging for food on the canyon floor.

Water Activities

Motorized and people-powered watercrafts are allowed here with no-wake zones near developed areas and shoreline coves. Visitors can bring their own kayaks and stand-up paddleboards or rent watercrafts at the marina for a refreshing day on the water. The lake is large enough to offer waterskiing and Jet Skiing in the summer months, but most of that up-tempo activity happens on neighboring Roosevelt Lake. Visitors who commit to the bumpy road to Apache Lake are more content kayaking and canoeing to secret coves and camping at sites that draw smaller crowds.

Apache Lake Marina & Resort

Find a small marina and hotel rooms close to the shoreline for travelers seeking creature comforts in this rugged, remote area. Stay the night at the hotel or find a scenic spot at the lakeside campground that includes developed sites, RV sites and a few primitive tent sites. The on-site convenience store is open daily, and the full-service restaurant and bar are popular gathering spots on busy weekends.

Fishing

From sunup to sundown, anglers troll the waters of Apache Lake for trophy fish. Stalk largemouth and smallmouth bass along the rocky and reedy banks. Fly-fishers can try their hand at snagging rainbow trout, stocked during the cooler months. Paddle out to deeper water to nab walleye or fish from the banks for channel catfish. The staff at the marina know which local baits are most likely to land a big one.

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