Arizona might be known for its sweeping canyons and desert views, but the Copper State is also home to some gorgeous bodies of water. What are the most beautiful lakes in Arizona? We asked our readers this question, and they delivered incredible suggestions and photos. Here are 14 of best lakes in the state, according to our readers from the Only In Arizona Facebook page.
- Canyon Lake
Smiles1479/Wikipedia Our readers overwhelmingly suggested Canyon Lake as the most beautiful body of water in Arizona. Don’t be fooled by its small size! This hidden gem is home to 28 miles of gorgeous shoreline. It was created by the Mormon Flat Dam, and it’s only 45 minutes away from Phoenix! Canyon Lake, Arizona, USA
- Roosevelt Lake
Lauren Gambino/Wikimedia Commons It should come as no surprise that Roosevelt Lake made the list. With so many fun amenities, it’s a popular destination year-round! It’s nestled in the Tonto Basin, and it was created by the historic Theodore Roosevelt Dam. And at 22 miles long, it’s the largest lake located completely within the boundaries of the state! Theodore Roosevelt Lake, Arizona, USA
- Patagonia Lake
Deanna Busack via Only In Arizona Whether you’re lounging on the beach or casting a fishing line into the water, you’ll have a wonderful afternoon at Patagonia Lake. While you’re there, make sure to explore the breezy half-mile trail to Sonoita Creek. The views are astonishing! Patagonia Lake, Arizona, USA
- Watson Lake
Alan Levine/Flickr Watson Lake’s otherworldly beauty will make you feel a million miles away from it all. Hop into a kayak and row along the shimmering water. There’s no better way to experience Arizona’s jaw-dropping views. Watson Lake, Prescott, AZ 86301, USA
- Saguaro Lake
Julie Johnny Frye via Only In Arizona No matter the season, you’ll have a lively adventure at Saguaro Lake. Named after the majestic cacti that surround the water, this man-made lake is a wonderful place to watch the sunset. Saguaro Lake, Arizona 85264, USA
- Peña Blanca Lake
Paul Edward Hoffman via Only In Arizona Filling 50 acres of Peña Blanca Canyon, this tranquil lake is a popular weekend destination. It’s home to many different kinds of fish, including Largemouth Bass, Bluegill Sunfish, and Channel Catfish! Peña Blanca Lake, Arizona 85621, USA
- Willow Springs Lake
Richard N Horne/Wikipedia Willow Springs Lake is a famously cold lake that’s made of snow! That’s right – this 158-acre reservoir has no permanent inflow of water, so during the warm months, it’s filled with the snow melt runoff from the nearby mountains. Willow Springs Lake, Arizona 85931, USA
- Crown King Basin
Derek Jones via Only In Arizona Also known as the Horsethief Basin Recreation Area, this peaceful place is heaven for nature lovers. Hike to the top of the mountain and stare into the glimmering water. You could easily spend an entire weekend here! Make sure to visit the Crown King Area website before adventuring out there – you might need an all-terrain vehicle to reach the recreation sites in Horsethief Basin. Horsethief Basin Lake, Arizona 86343, USA
- Water Users Recreation site
Kelly Weir via Only In Arizona You’ll find this astounding place inside Tonto National Forest. Whether you come to fish, picnic, or hike, you’ll have an exciting outing. Water Users Recreation Site, Tonto Basin, AZ 85553, USA
- Lake Pleasant
Steven Ogle via Only In Arizona Lake Pleasant truly lives up to its name! You’ll find this little oasis between Maricopa and Yavapai counties, northwest of Phoenix. When the weather is warm, it’s a great place to swim! Lake Pleasant, Arizona, USA
- Lake Powell
Larry Blackwell via Only In Arizona Home to one of the best secret swimming holes in Arizona, Lake Powell is a must-visit. The water levels need to be just right in order to swim in it, so if you’re lucky enough to dip your toes into this crystal-clear oasis, you’re in for a treat. Lake Powell, AZ 86040, USA
- Alamo Lake
Deb Crowder via Only In Arizona Looking for a charming hidden gem in Arizona? Take a day trip to Alamo Lake State Park. This beautiful destination is 40 miles away from the small town of Wenden, but it’s absolutely worth the journey. Turn off your phone and unplug your mind. At Alamo Lake, you’ll be able to completely unwind and relax. Alamo Lake, AZ 85357, USA
- Woods Canyon Lake
Jenna Galle via Only In Arizona Woods Canyon Lake is home to some of the clearest water in Arizona. This little-known destination is about 30 miles away from Payson, and it’s a great place to enjoy a picnic with friends. If you’re in the mood to explore a bit more, embark on the easy 3.7-mile Woods Canyon Lake Trail! You’ll love these verdant views. Woods Canyon Lake, Arizona, USA
- Fool Hollow Lake
Linda Benziger via Only In Arizona You’d be a fool to ignore this beautiful lake in Arizona. Fool Hollow Lake is one of the best places for year-round camping, and the magnificent views will make you fall in love with Arizona all over again. Fool Hollow Lake, Show Low, AZ 85901, USA
What do you think of these beautiful lakes in Arizona? Do you agree with our readers? Join our Arizona Nature Lovers Facebook group to discover more astonishing photographs and share your own!
Smiles1479/Wikipedia
Our readers overwhelmingly suggested Canyon Lake as the most beautiful body of water in Arizona. Don’t be fooled by its small size! This hidden gem is home to 28 miles of gorgeous shoreline. It was created by the Mormon Flat Dam, and it’s only 45 minutes away from Phoenix!
Canyon Lake, Arizona, USA
Lauren Gambino/Wikimedia Commons
It should come as no surprise that Roosevelt Lake made the list. With so many fun amenities, it’s a popular destination year-round! It’s nestled in the Tonto Basin, and it was created by the historic Theodore Roosevelt Dam. And at 22 miles long, it’s the largest lake located completely within the boundaries of the state!
Theodore Roosevelt Lake, Arizona, USA
Deanna Busack via Only In Arizona
Whether you’re lounging on the beach or casting a fishing line into the water, you’ll have a wonderful afternoon at Patagonia Lake. While you’re there, make sure to explore the breezy half-mile trail to Sonoita Creek. The views are astonishing!
Patagonia Lake, Arizona, USA
Alan Levine/Flickr
Watson Lake’s otherworldly beauty will make you feel a million miles away from it all. Hop into a kayak and row along the shimmering water. There’s no better way to experience Arizona’s jaw-dropping views.
Watson Lake, Prescott, AZ 86301, USA
Julie Johnny Frye via Only In Arizona
No matter the season, you’ll have a lively adventure at Saguaro Lake. Named after the majestic cacti that surround the water, this man-made lake is a wonderful place to watch the sunset.
Saguaro Lake, Arizona 85264, USA
Paul Edward Hoffman via Only In Arizona
Filling 50 acres of Peña Blanca Canyon, this tranquil lake is a popular weekend destination. It’s home to many different kinds of fish, including Largemouth Bass, Bluegill Sunfish, and Channel Catfish!
Peña Blanca Lake, Arizona 85621, USA
Richard N Horne/Wikipedia
Willow Springs Lake is a famously cold lake that’s made of snow! That’s right – this 158-acre reservoir has no permanent inflow of water, so during the warm months, it’s filled with the snow melt runoff from the nearby mountains.
Willow Springs Lake, Arizona 85931, USA
Derek Jones via Only In Arizona
Also known as the Horsethief Basin Recreation Area, this peaceful place is heaven for nature lovers. Hike to the top of the mountain and stare into the glimmering water. You could easily spend an entire weekend here! Make sure to visit the Crown King Area website before adventuring out there – you might need an all-terrain vehicle to reach the recreation sites in Horsethief Basin.
Horsethief Basin Lake, Arizona 86343, USA
Kelly Weir via Only In Arizona
You’ll find this astounding place inside Tonto National Forest. Whether you come to fish, picnic, or hike, you’ll have an exciting outing.
Water Users Recreation Site, Tonto Basin, AZ 85553, USA
Steven Ogle via Only In Arizona
Lake Pleasant truly lives up to its name! You’ll find this little oasis between Maricopa and Yavapai counties, northwest of Phoenix. When the weather is warm, it’s a great place to swim!
Lake Pleasant, Arizona, USA
Larry Blackwell via Only In Arizona
Home to one of the best secret swimming holes in Arizona, Lake Powell is a must-visit. The water levels need to be just right in order to swim in it, so if you’re lucky enough to dip your toes into this crystal-clear oasis, you’re in for a treat.
Lake Powell, AZ 86040, USA
Deb Crowder via Only In Arizona
Looking for a charming hidden gem in Arizona? Take a day trip to Alamo Lake State Park. This beautiful destination is 40 miles away from the small town of Wenden, but it’s absolutely worth the journey. Turn off your phone and unplug your mind. At Alamo Lake, you’ll be able to completely unwind and relax.
Alamo Lake, AZ 85357, USA
Jenna Galle via Only In Arizona
Woods Canyon Lake is home to some of the clearest water in Arizona. This little-known destination is about 30 miles away from Payson, and it’s a great place to enjoy a picnic with friends. If you’re in the mood to explore a bit more, embark on the easy 3.7-mile Woods Canyon Lake Trail! You’ll love these verdant views.
Woods Canyon Lake, Arizona, USA
Linda Benziger via Only In Arizona
You’d be a fool to ignore this beautiful lake in Arizona. Fool Hollow Lake is one of the best places for year-round camping, and the magnificent views will make you fall in love with Arizona all over again.
Fool Hollow Lake, Show Low, AZ 85901, USA
If you want to plan your next day trip, why not check out these state park cabins in Arizona?
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