Cool off in these 10 Arizona lakes, streams, rivers
When it's been this hot for this long, the one thing you need is water. Not the stuff that comes in bottles or out of the tap. Nor the water that's been slowly heating in concrete and plaster enclosures since May.
You need an expanse of naturally occurring water, the kind that runs freely or accumulates in quantities so vast it can support all sorts of users.
These out-of-town destinations have the water necessary to cool off, so you can celebrate your temporary independence from summer.
Colorado River, western Arizona
The stretch from Bullhead City to Lake Havasu City is known for its languid flow and is perfect for all manner of watercraft, from motorboats to inner tubes. The slow, steady release of water from dams upstream keep the water the perfect temperature: cool. Dozens of businesses along the river, as well as near Lake Havasu, will be happy to rent you any craft that will make you happy.
Details:bullheadareachamber.com, parkeraz.org, www.golakehavasu.com.
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Grasshopper Point, Sedona
Imagine a quiet, gentle swimming hole in Oak Creek Canyon that has not suffered from well-publicized issues of questionable water quality. (Looking at you, Slide Rock.) Grasshopper Point offers accessible trails, picnic areas and lovely clifftop views. Just don't jump off a cliff, even if your friend does.
Details: $8 day-use fee. walk-ins or bicycle $2 per person. www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/coconino/recreation/recarea/?recid=55314.
Granite Dells, Prescott
Perhaps you prefer your water with a view. It's hard to beat the rocky sentinels standing guard along Watson Lake. The Granite Dells, worn smooth by the elements, provide a scenic backdrop as you kayak or canoe along the placid surface of the lake. And when the light is right and the surface is glassy, photos of the reflection will light up your Instagram and Facebook feeds.
Details: $3 parking fee, cityofprescott.net/services/parks/parks/index.php?id=24. Rentals of non-motorized watercraft available.
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Canyon Lake, Apache Trail
The most scenic of the Salt River-fed lakes, Canyon abounds with the steep walls and cliffs its name suggests. The beauty more than makes up for its comparatively small size. Rent anything from a speedboat to a kayak to enjoy 950 surface acres of watery goodness. When ready for a break, pick a spot along the 28 miles of shoreline and enjoy picnic, or stop at the Lakeside Restaurant and Cantina for a casual meal.
Details:www.canyonlakemarina.com.
Lynx Lake, Prescott
If you're looking for a cool, calm and relaxing day, this small body of water offers some of the best fishing in the area. Nestled amid ponderosa pines and claiming temperatures 10 to 15 degrees below those in the desert, Lynx Lake holds rainbow trout, largemouth bass, crappie and more. Even better, its waters are limited to electronic- or people-powered watercraft, perfect for fishing or napping. The only thing separating the two is luck.
Details: $5 day-use fee. Campsites start at $18 per night. www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/prescott/recreation/recarea/?recid=75178.
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Woods Canyon Lake, Mogollon Rim
If Lynx Lake had a sister, it would be Woods Canyon Lake, as the two share recreational DNA. With campsites as plentiful as the fishing, Woods Canyon offers a peaceful getaway atop the Mogollon Rim (and is one of seven lakes in the area). The lake is stocked with rainbow trout, with a local population of brown trout mixed in. During monsoon season, afternoon storms are fairly common.
Details: $5-$7 day-use fees. Campsites start at $16. www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/asnf/recreation/recarea/?recid=44749&actid=33.
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Aker Lake, Hannagan Meadow
Want to get away? Really get away, with the chance of being the only person (or group) within miles? Aker Lake, whose official motto could be, "We can't be the only ones here, can we?" is among Arizona's best-kept secrets when it comes to stocked lakes. The serene getaway, about 3 miles south of Hannagan Meadow (and 25 miles south of Alpine) in eastern Arizona, contains Apache trout and graylings. If you hook it, put it back, as it's catch-and-release only.
Details:www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/asnf/recarea/?recid=44955.
Christopher Creek, Payson
Sometimes all you need to cool off is to dip your toes into a stream while listening to the sound of running water. Standing amid a thick stand of trees also helps. Christopher Creek provides the perfect ambiance for that cool, outdoor feeling. You can angle for trout along the spring-fed stream, though sometimes it's best to sit against a tree, open a book and listen to nature.
Details: $6 day-use fee. Campsites start at $16 per night. www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/tonto/null/recarea/?recid=35563&actid=31.
Greer lakes
Sometimes one body of water won't do. How about three? Mix and match among what's known as the Greer lakes — Bunch, Tunnel and River reservoirs, comprising a trifecta of fishing and relaxation tucked into a pastoral corner of the White Mountains. Thick stands of pine offer the perfect backdrop. Campers will want to seek River Reservoir, the only one of the three with a campground nearby. The lakes are about a mile north of Greer.
Details:greerarizona.com/todo/fish.
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Rose Canyon Lake, Mount Lemmon
The tiny lake nestled on the side of Mount Lemmon north of Tucson provides a perfect summer getaway. Visitors are as apt to fish (rainbow trout is the specialty) as they are to sit along the shore and admire the view. At just 7 acres, Rose Canyon Lake sits like a jewel amid trees and rocky cliffs.
Details: $10 day-use fee. Walk-in, bicycle $1 per person. www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/coronado/recreation/recarea/?recid=25600&actid=42.