You have 1 trip in progress.   See all
Trip Planner:   USA  /  Arizona  /  Tortilla Flat  /  Canyon Lake

Canyon Lake, Tortilla Flat

4.6
#59 of 183 in Nature in Arizona
Water Body · Nature / Park
Create an itinerary including Canyon Lake
Canyon Lake is one of four reservoirs that were formed by the damming of the Salt River in the U.S. state of Arizona as part of the Salt River Project. It was formed by the Mormon Flat Dam, which was completed in 1925 after two years of construction. Canyon Lake, with a surface area of 950 acres (380 ha), is the third and smallest of the four lakes created along the river. Two others, Apache Lake and Roosevelt Lake, are upstream. The fourth, Saguaro Lake, is downstream.

Canyon Lake lies approximately 15 miles (24 km) up the Apache Trail from Apache Junction, Arizona and 51 miles (82 km) east of Phoenix. It is within the Superstition Wilderness of Tonto National Forest and is a popular recreation area for the Phoenix metropolitan area. Recreation amenities include hiking trails, camping, and boating, all managed by the United States Forest Service. Canyon Lake is a popular stop along the Apache Trail (Arizona State Route 88) from Apache Junction, Arizona, passing Tortilla Flat, Arizona, before reaching Apache Lake and Roosevelt Lake behind Theodore Roosevelt Dam.

2022 fish kill has been caused by golden algae.
Canyon Lake is just one of the many highlights you can arrange to see using our , international travel planner Edition.
Source
Create a full itinerary - for free!

Canyon Lake reviews

Rate this attraction
TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
302 reviews
Google
4.7
TripAdvisor
  • Cute little tourist stop. Have lunch, a beverage and an ice cream cone. Check out the Dolly Steamboat! When we stopped there was a great band playing in the outside beer garden. Watch the curves on... 
    Cute little tourist stop. Have lunch, a beverage and an ice cream cone. Check out the Dolly Steamboat! When we stopped there was a great band playing in the outside beer garden. Watch the curves on...  more »
  • Beautiful lake, cool waters, not to busy during the week, and plenty of areas to explore, especially if you're on a kayak. The fun drive to the lake is an added bonus. The ducks like to socialize if.....  more
    Beautiful lake, cool waters, not to busy during the week, and plenty of areas to explore, especially if you're on a kayak. The fun drive to the lake is an added bonus. The ducks like to socialize if.....  more »
Google
  • Beautiful spot. You will need recreational pass to use the parking space at the lake. Pass can be bought from nearby store. It’s a good location for water activities or family outing. I wish I owned a small boat to chill here 😂. Drive to the lake is also nice. There are few cool spots/view point to enjoy the sunset.
  • Beautiful lake to kayak on. Get there early on a weekend, parking fills up fast. So many great views and lots of great areas to kayak through. Went into a wonderful channel after the first bridge, it was beautiful, calm and peaceful. I definitely recommend going in the morning when it's less busy. Will definitely be back!

Plan your trip to Tortilla Flat

  • Get a personalized trip
    A full day by day itinerary based on your preferences
  • Customize it
    Refine your trip. We'll find the
    best routes and schedules
  • Manage it
    Everything in one place. Everyone on the same page.