What you need to know.LAKE OVERVIEW
Travel
Hard
60 miles from Downtown Phoenix. Narrow, cliff-side dirt roads.
Parking
Medium
Street parking and small parking lots scattered along the shoreline.
Costs
Inexpensive
As part of the Tonto National Forest, you must get a pass ($8) in advance.
Popularity
Medium
Difficulty of access via dirt roads tends to curb over-crowding.
Open Hours
Year-Round
Open year round. But must purchase pass from a Tonto Pass retailer.
Water Sports
Views, views, views.
Waterskiing, jetskiing, sailing, and everything in-between.
Camping
Options Galore
Take your choice from shoreline campgrounds, or secluded desert ones.
Additional Activities
For Nature Lovers
Just off the Apache Trail, Canyon Lakes has incredible views and history.
Ready to go waterskiing at Canyon Lake?
The following vendor offers the boat and gear rentals you need to get on the water.
Waterski Meetups
Find like-minded people and groups around Arizona.