5 Amazing Water Trails You Need To Try Right Now! Its a 260-acre lake in a well-developed state park that offers tons of water activities and hiking trails. A concessionaire-operated campground has a store, vault toilets, picnic sheltersand campsites with picnic tables and fire rings. 928-428-4150, www.fs.usda.gov/coronado. BEST LAKES NEAR TUCSON AZ PATAGONIA LAKE STATE PARK ROPER LAKE STATE PARK PENA BLANCA LAKE ROSE CANYON LAKE PARKER CANYON LAKE RIGGS FLAT LAKE ARIVACA LAKE URBAN LAKES NEAR TUCSON AZ KENNEDY LAKE SILVER BELL LAKE SAHUARITA LAKE LAKESIDE LAKE MAP OF THE LAKES NEAR TUCSON AZ BEST LAKES Still, the area offers plenty of shade, picnic tables, and playgrounds. You wont feel cramped and crowded with how much space you could use. Parker Canyon Lake is found in the Coronado National Forest. Web3700 S. Mission Rd. Where: From Tucson, take the Catalina Highway up Mount Lemmon for 17 miles to the turnoff for Rose Canyon Lake. You can reach three different trails from Grasshopper Point, namely, Allens Bend, Casner Canyon Trail, and Huckaby Trail. Still, if you fancy a paddle about or want to test your luck fishing, this is one of a few options in the eastern part of Tucson. But simply coming here for BBQs with family and friends is amazing enough. The waters in the hot spring, created by park rangers, consist of a rock-lined pool filled with natural spring water, reaching 98.6F. Since the lake is classified as fragile, no swimming, boating and other water activities are allowed. A little unexpected H20 is always a delight. Phoenix Lake Pleasant (north) Enter/exit just north of Helms Island Enter/exit where Desert Tortoise meets the water Saguaro (east) Butcher Jones (within buoys) Canyon (East) Another disadvantage at Silverbell is that swimming isnt allowed. You might also find the crowd here to be smaller, which is a definite plus! Where: From Pima, turn west on Main Street and follow it to Cluff Ranch Road. You have the option of fishing from the pier and or on boats. They're pretty bare bones camping cabins, but they have beds and air conditioners making them a great option for an inexpensive weekend. You can buy a pass online, or purchase a pass on-site with cash or check. Details:Day-use fee is $10. Hike, Mountain Bike, Rock Climb, Swim swim Swimming Hole rock climb Rock Climbing Wall mountain bike 2023 www.azcentral.com. It serves the citys eastern part, providing an oasis amid the desert. During the summer, Patagonia Lake becomes Tucsons unofficial beach. The boat ramp at Pea Blanca Lake, which was created in 1957 by the state game and fish department, makes it easier for boats to enter and exit the lake. You can also sometimes spot bobcats, coyotes, raccoons, and rabbits. Roper Lake is as family-friendly as it gets. When youve had enough watery fun, the adjacent Sonoita Creek Natural Area offers 20 miles of hiking trails. Driving U.S. 70 through the communities of Pima, Thatcher and Safford feels like a return to a Norman Rockwell version of America. Public Swimming Pools. You can also look at the Salado artifacts while youre here. Love Arizona? Instead of driving north for a little watery recreation, turn south. Roosevelt Lake is a manmade reservoir about 2 hours and 35 minutes away from Tucson. The fishing season is from May to October, day and night, and you can fish for regularly stocked Brown trout, Brook trout and Rainbow trout during these months, either from the shoreline or using small boats. This close to the Mexican border, you might be expecting little more than a sun-baked puddle. You can camp, boat, fish, swim and hike here. Plus, its spotless and manicured. Where: 101 E. Roper Lake Road, Safford. The palm trees set against the lake remind me of the Caribbean! Parker Canyon Lakeis a medium-sized reservoir located at 5,400 feet elevation, making it a perfect option for summer trips. Day use is $8 per vehicle. Phoenix Lake Pleasant (north) Enter/exit just north of Helms Island Enter/exit where Desert Tortoise meets the water Saguaro (east) Butcher Jones (within buoys) Canyon (East) It is about 3 hours and 30 minutes away from Tucson. You can go boating and fishing on the As a desert metropolis, Tucson isnt known for water recreation. There is a marina and a country store at the lakeshore where you can pick up supplies, buy a fishing license, or rent a boat. Copyright Family Destinations Guide 2023. It is known for its prettiest beaches like Playa Bonita and Tucson Beach. Campground reservations can be made online. Consider doing something crazy this summer. 15 Best Beaches Near Tucson, AZ Closest Lake & Ocean Beach Spots, Peasco del Sol Hotel & Conference Center-Rocky Point, La Posada Lodge & Casitas, Ascend Hotel Collection, Bluegreen Vacations Cibola Vista Resort and Spa an Ascend Resort, Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Nogales, Lost in Translation: The New England accent most misunderstood when traveling abroad, 35 Best Places to Visit in August in the USA, 35 Best Places to Visit in July in the USA, 35 Best Places to Visit in June in the USA, 35 Best Places to Visit in May in the USA. Monica is a staff writer for Only In Your State, photo editor for The Mesa Legend, and previously a staff writer for The Navajo Post. Nearby Dankworth Pond contains 15 acres of water that once served as a fish hatchery. Roper Lake State Park contains the 32-acre Roper Lake. Details: $10 daily fee for camping or day use. The rocks in Slide Rock are slippery, so practice caution when crossing on foot. It is about 1 hour and 55 minutes away from Tucson. There are so many nice beaches close enough for a day trip whichever direction you choose. This park has a lot to offer for its size (approximately 1/2 mile long and 1/4 mile wide). Claire A. Wardens Silverbell Lakeis one of the urban lakes in Tucson. Where: From Safford, drive south 8 miles on U.S. 191 to State Route366. If you click on one of those links and make a purchase, we'll earn a small commission, at no cost to you. The many things to do here make it one of the best beach vacations from Tucson that you can experience. #ThisIsTucson (@this_is_tucson) Instagram photos and videos. It's a tropical oasis in themore, The other side of the park is made up by a little lake. Riggs Flat Lake is located inside the Coronado National Forest in Willcox. Each shorefront is known for something unique. It is rather primitive with no drinking water or hookups, but there is plenty of space even for RVs. Details:Admission is $10 per vehicle and covers both parks. Roper Lake State Park contains the 32-acre Roper Lake. There is an entry fee of $10 per person, and you can check in at noon if you are camping. It is small, beautiful and ecologically fragile. The staff was professional and friendly. The Colorado River is wild, so its always best to be vigilant while swimming or wading, especially when youre with kids. Paddle Games3 Fun Games To Play On The Water, Paddle Your Way To See The Best Fall Colors, The Best Reasons You Should Try Wakeboarding This Summer, 5 Excellent Places for Beginners to Kayak in Arizona, 5 Exhilarating Jet Skiing Spots in Arizona, Rincon Valley Farmers And Artisans Market, Dr. Ganns Diet Of Hope Cinco De Mayo 10K, Some Images Courtesy of Polaris Adventures. Where: From Tucson, take the Catalina Highway up Mount Lemmon for 17 miles to the turnoff for Rose Canyon Lake. Sometimes they'll be singing about why we should love bees and other times it'll be a made-up song about a "mermaid-pegasus-unicorn flying in a field of rainbows farting sparkles," Aldinger says. Some of the mammals you can spot include Coues whitetail deer, Coatimundi, javelina, and roadrunners. Plus, there are a separate model boat lake and a model airplane area in Christopher Columbus Park which can be fun to watch. Naturally, the lake has boat launch ramps, marina, and swimming areas, but you can hire kayaks and pedal boats if you dont have your own craft. A gentle 5-mile trail loops around the shoreline, never venturing more than a few steps from the water. The last 12 miles are a narrow, winding gravel road passable to sedans. Also, the town of Patagonia is pretty cute, so you could explore a little before or after you hit the lake. Riggs Flat Lake sits in a bowl at 8,600 feet on the shoulder of Mount Graham. Apart from that, its undeveloped and wild. Fishing and boating are the two popular activities visitors prefer, as the lake is frequently stocked with Rainbow Trout, Channel Catfish, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish, and Largemouth Bass. This 49-acre lake is one of the most popular lakes near Tucson that gets crowded during holidays and summer. Romero Pools, Tucson, AZ. 15 Stunning Recreational Lakes near Greer, AZ, 11 Incredible Recreational Lakes near Phoenix, AZ, 7 Amazing Lakes and Ponds near El Paso, TX, 230+ Funny and Inspirational Hiking Quotes. Riggs Flat Lakeis a wild card destination on this list. Bull Pen, Camp Verde, AZ. Tucson is known for its incredible dining choices, luxury ranches, and champion golf courses. It's conveniently located on Kino Parkway between 36th Street and Silverlake Road, about 1 mile north of Interstate 10. It is stocked with rainbow trout during winter months. There is nothing special to mention about this reservoir apart from that its not as clean as other options, and there are complaints of people camping in the bushes around the lake. You can rent an RV to check out places like Patagonia Lake and Roper Lake, or stick to a something closer to home. Recommended Hotel Near Riggs Flat Lake: SpringHill Suites Thatcher. Become a member today. on your way to Patagonia State Park. It, Welcome to the wonderful world of paddlesports, where water whisks you away into a magical paradise and pastime you can pursue forever with family, Getting your kids into the paddle sports is all about keeping the fun quotient high and the hassle factor low. About 3.5 miles into the hike, you'll stumble upon this picture-perfect desert oasisa clear, cold, deep pool wedged in Cost: $10 per vehicle. This 132-acre lake is about 1 hour and 41 minutes away from Tucson. Patagonia Lake is a little slice of paradise. You can go boating and fishing on the Chuck Ford Lakeside Park 14 Lakeside Park What they lack in size they more than make up for in beauty. 15 Best Swimming Holes in Arizona: Grasshopper Point, Sedona, AZ. Centennial Beach in Yuma is a riverfront along the Colorado River. Where: Take I-19 toward Nogales until you get to the Pea Blanca - Ruby Road (Hwy 289) exit. Some of the best beaches near Tucson, AZ, are the ones along a lake, and this one is no exception. Yet, the most versatile options with camping and boating require a drive. WebTucson Parks and Recreation offers a wide variety of aquatic programming for children and adults year round such as recreational swimming, water fitness classes, arthritis classes, swim and diving lessons, and competitive and synchronized swim leagues. Free membership for your spouse or partner. WebTucson, AZ 85716. 928-428-6760, azstateparks.com/roper-lake. Immediate access to your member benefits. In Safford you'll find restaurants, antiques and museums if you want to venture into town. Not all outdoors and water activities, as the place, have its fair share of rich history. The hardest part is, Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP) is the fastest growing watersport in the world for good reason: Its easy to learn, fun, refreshing, awesome core, Note: The following was adapted from Outdoor Parents, Outdoor Kids, By Eugene Buchanan, which is available on the authors website. An easy trail circles the lake and additional trails and campgrounds are nearby. Swimming, kayaking, and boating are allowed, and the lake is known for its rainbow and brown trout population. Start planning your trip to the best beaches near Tucson, AZ. Because this crucial element is so scarce here it becomes much more important and enchanting when you do find it. more. There is parking available and restrooms, with the lake parking day use fee being $10.00 per day per vehicle (up to 6 persons). Havasu Falls, Supai, AZ. Arivaca Lake is best known for fishing, but you can also enjoy canoeing, small sail boating, wildlife viewing and rock climbing. WebAny decent body of water is worth a look for an open water swim, but here are the more popular places where swimmers congregate. Among the animals, you can spot whitetail deer, mule deer, javelina, coyotes, bobcats, mountain lions, and jack and cottontail rabbits. Lake Pleasant, located in Morristown, is a reservoir about 2 hours and 16 minutes away from Tucson. One of the most beautiful lakes near Tucson is TheRose Canyon Lake, a small, six-acre lake atop Mt. The lake at 9000 S. Parker Canyon Road in Elgin is about 80 miles away from Tucson and 20 degrees cooler. The lake goes down 50 feet, so you may not be able to see the bottom well but the water does become a lovely shade of blue-green here. For those wanting to hike, you can follow one or many trails that lead to the nearby Tucson Mountain Park, which also has many beautiful trails. Details:Admission is $15 per vehicle on weekdays, $20 on weekends. The campground sits at waters edge. The water is clearer than at Silverbell, and the shoreline is built up with nice houses, making paddling here exciting and unusual. Montezumas Well is about 3 hours and 10 minutes away from Tucson and is located in Camp Verde. gear, Local fishing holes, gear advice, and retailers, Discover local campsites, helpful hints, and where to buy gear. Veronica Samuels is a travel content creator from San Francisco, but calls Arizona her home as she moved to the Grand Canyon state after a series of trips made her fall in love with Arizona inspiring her to move. Tucson AZ 85713 (520) 791-4863 John F. Kennedy Pool is: CLOSED Summer Season Facility (June to August) Kennedy Pool is located in John F. Kennedy Park. If youre not looking for views of the sea, the Colorado River is an excellent spot for swimming. 2023 Tucson Conventions and Visitors Bureau. If you ask people who live in Tucson what their favorite part of summer is, wed be willing to bet that every last one of them would say its the Monsoons. It's a tropical oasis in the desert. Safe to say, a trip to this beautiful city can keep you well relaxed. the marina where you can rent boating and fishing equipment and buy last-minute supplies like food, snacks and cold drinks. This 49-acre lake nestles in Pea Blanca Canyon just north of Nogales. Kennedy lake is also a community fishing lake and attracts anglers on the weekends and holidays. However, what makes the location different is the public swimming pool in the park. As you drive along, it suddenly looms into your view and you feel like you can't get enough of it. The state park itself offers a lot of activities, especially if you are visiting during spring, as you can explore the many hiking trails, enjoy swimming, fishing, boat trips in the lake, picnic in the shaded areas or camp overnight. 520-749-8700, www.fs.usda.gov/coronado. Find the reporter at www.rogernaylor.com. Fossil Creek Greg Walters/Flickr Its not difficult to see why Fossil Creek is such a popular spot because this place really has it all: waterfalls, hiking trails, wildlife, and crystal clear water. Boating(small motor boats) is permitted only between sunrise and sunset. If its lake life youre after youll find that too. Whether you want to swim with your kids or teach them fishing, or picnic with them, there are many beautiful lakes near Tucson within 2 hours of driving distance, making them perfect for convenient day trips during summer, weekends and holidays. 1. There are many paths to wander, and benches throughout. If you want to see the lake but have no plans to actually go near it, the Roosevelt Lake Visitor Center has a stunning view from its rear patio. In this post, I cover all about the best Tucson lakes, the water adventures they offer, and plenty of activities with something for everyone to not only escape the heat but also have a fun holiday with kids and pets. Or head towards Mt Lemmon to find the pine-studded Rose Canyon Lake. Cost: $10 per vehicle. You are in the right place. You can swim, boat, fish, hike, camp, picnic and more. Go west for about nine miles to thePea Blanca Lake Recreation Area. Reverence pairs Lambrechts embroidered photographs on linen with Schneiders gilded photographs, highlighting recent directions in object-based photography. Just about two hours east of downtown Tucson, you'll find Roper Lake State Park. Some of the best beaches near Tucson, AZ, are the ones along a lake, and this one is no exception. Spend a day on the lake swimming, fishing and boating. Recommended Hotel Near Patagonia Lake State Park: Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Nogales, S Parker Canyon RoadElgin, AZ 85611(520) 378-0311. You can reach her at monica.d.spencer@gmail.com. This park has a lot to offer for its size (approximately 1/2 mile long and 1/4 mile wide). Where: From Tucson, travel east on I-10 to SR83 (Exit 281),turn south and go 50 miles to the lake. Slide Rock, Sedona, AZ. WebSwimming hole near Sedona: Wet Beaver Creek. So, there is plenty to do here. Mountain Lakes is currently for rent for $945 per month, and offering 6, 12 month lease terms. It is about 1 hour and 55 minutes away from Tucson. It is between the borders of the Maricopa and Yavapai counties. There are plenty of picnic tables in large shaded areas for relaxing picnics where you can enjoy the beautiful surroundings of the lake and its views. Rose Canyon Lakeis a well-known destination near Tucson. The park is tightly managed and has restrictions on any recreations activities except walking, picnics, and BBQs. It is a famous relaxation spot offering many activities ideal for families. Here, the temperature is 10-20 degrees cooler than in the desert below. 2. WebTucson, Arizona 12.6 miles NE. Get more stories delivered right to your email. The last 12 miles of this road are narrow and winding. Mooney Falls, Supai, AZ. Outfitted trips can be found all across the U.S. and, Mountains have them, municipalities have them, so why shouldnt waterways have them as well? Ringed by cattails and framed by the rising bulk of the Pinaleo Mountains, Pond #3 is a lovely spot. Unfortunately, swimming isnt allowed in Sahuarita Lake, but its proximity to Tucson makes it an excellent day trip destination, especially if you like fishing and paddling. Why We Recommend This Beach. Wander In Arizona is a comprehensive resource for hiking, camping, and exploring Arizona. Turn right and drive 35 miles, following the signs. Whether you want to escape the Tucson heat for a little bit or just experience a change of scenery, Arizona is a fun place to explore. Roper Lake State Park contains the 32-acre Roper Lake. At the end of Swift Trail, this lake is a worthy reward for hikers. JOIN NOW. Enjoy! Some of the best beaches near Tucson, AZ, are the ones along a lake, and this one is no exception. Also, there are a few miles of hiking and biking trails in the park. The lake features a campground with primitive sites, a marina where you can rent kayaks and boats, and a 5-mile trail that loops around the lake. Found just a couple miles north of Sedona, Grasshopper Point is an easily accessible retreat that is just off the highway. Take a dip at these awesome places to swim in and around Tucson, AZ. There are restrooms and drinking water available, but most of the areas around the lake are undeveloped, including the primitive campground near the lake, which also has almost no amenities except for the water and vault toilets. A small park on the southern outskirts of Safford, Roper Lake State Park is home to one of the best beaches in Arizona. Patagonia Lake is a very well-known destination that attracts crowds but at the same time has plenty of space to find solitude. Why We Recommend This Beach. One of the best lakes near Tucson is Roper Lake State Park Hot Springs, a natural hot tub and a perfect oasis in the middle of a quiet desert. Take a dip at these awesome places to swim in and around Tucson, AZ. WebWell worth the drive. As scenic as Pea Blanca is, exercise caution ifconsuming its fish. Thats higher than Payson. (see the restrictions onthe official page). From our beautiful desert to the mountains that surround us, Tucson is the perfect place to spark your children's curiosity about the world around them. In winter, the gate to the area is closed, but its allowed to come and fish at the lake. Roper Lake is one of a few lakes around Tucson where you can actually go swimming, saving yourself from the heat. WebTucson Parks and Recreation offers a wide variety of aquatic programming for children and adults year round such as recreational swimming, water fitness classes, arthritis classes, swim and diving lessons, and competitive and synchronized swim leagues. The lake was drained and dredged in 2008 in an effort to rid it of mercury that was accumulating in year-round species like bass, crappie and catfish. JOIN FOR JUST $16 A YEAR. Depending on the season, some of Southern Arizonas top recreation areas have water to be found. WebAny decent body of water is worth a look for an open water swim, but here are the more popular places where swimmers congregate. Is there a place that we should know about? One of the most beautiful beaches in Arizona is Patagonia Lake State Park, a stunning park located around the 265-acre artificial Patagonia Lake. The Sapphire Lake In Arizona Thats Devastatingly Gorgeous, The Incredible Spring-Fed Lake In Arizona You Absolutely Need To Visit, Theres Nothing Better Than Arizonas Natural Lazy River On A Summers Day, 8 Little Known Swimming Spots In Arizona That will Make Your Summer Awesome, These Swimming Spots In Arizona Were Named The Best In The Country, 7 Little Known Beaches In Arizona Thatll Make Your Summer Unforgettable, Here Are 6 Islands In Arizona That Are An Absolute Must Visit, Theres Something Incredible About These 10 Rivers In Arizona, 6 Gorgeous Arizona Waterfalls Hiding In Plain Sight With No Hiking Required. Make the most out of your day by combining hiking and swimming. Recommended Hotel Near Roper Lake State Park: SpringHill Suites Thatcher. Crescent Moon Ranch, AZ Wet Beaver Creek, Sedona, AZ Clear Creek Reservoir, Winslow, AZ You can hike, fish, swim, boat and view wildlife. Head south of Tucson for a leisurely day of fishing atPatagonia Lake State Park. A store offers supplies and boat rentals (520-455-5847, www.parkercanyonlake.com). You can also spot spring warblers and hummingbirds in season. 520-287-6965, azstateparks.com/patagonia-lake. There arent many beaches in Tucson, specifically. Swimming is prohibited, but you can enjoy kayaking, canoeing, and small boats. MountLemmon is where Tucson goes to escapethe desert heat. Related: 7 Amazing Lakes and Ponds near El Paso, TX. You can go boating and fishing on the lake. Theyre mostly creek water and snowmelt tucked away in grassy hills, farm valleys and on sky-island mountain slopes. Sites cost $22 and can be reserved by calling 877-444-6777 or going to www.recreation.gov. Mountain Lakes is currently for rent for $945 per month, and offering 6, 12 month lease terms. You can also go for a swim, which is rare for the lakes around Tucson. Recommended Hotel Near Parker Canyon Lake: Best Western Sonora Inn & Suites, AZ-95Lake Havasu City, AZ 86406(928) 855-1223. Parker Canyon Lakeis one of the beautiful mountain lakes in the Canelo Hills west of the Huachuca Mountains near Tucson, southwest of Sierra Vista, and is renowned for its spectacular location, abundant wildlife, and plenty of recreational opportunities. Havasu Falls, Supai, AZ. As you drive along, it suddenly looms into your view and you feel like you can't get enough of it. Fishing, boating, swimming, kayaking and canoeing are some of the activities you can enjoy at Riggs Flat Lake. WebYou can hike to a variety of desert streams and pools to take a dip in places like Sabino Canyon, Bear Canyon, and Catalina State Park. Seven Falls, Tucson, AZ. Tall trees and rocky slopes line the shore and are reflected in the lakes sheltered waters. Web1. Water is probably the last thing you would expect to find in a desert but if you look aroundyou'llbe surprised. Turn south out of Arivaca onto Forest Road 216 and continue for about 1 mile. Located in Christopher Columbus Park along the Santa Cruz River on Silverbell Road, Silver Bell Lake is one of the famous lakes near Tucson, also open until 10:30 PM every night. Model Airplane Area. Mercury contamination, possibly from the old mines in the area, necessitated its closure and dredging in the past. This is the experience you expect to find in the White Mountains, a pristine high-country lake ringed by pine and fir trees. If its lake life youre after youll find that too. The lake and the park attract many species of wildlife, including beautiful migrating birds, the blue herons, canyon towhee, vermilion flycatcher, and Inca pigeon. Tall trees and rocky slopes line the shore and are reflected in the lakes sheltered waters. You can hike, fish, swim, boat and view wildlife. Fossil Creek Greg Walters/Flickr Its not difficult to see why Fossil Creek is such a popular spot because this place really has it all: waterfalls, hiking trails, wildlife, and crystal clear water. Its known for the hot spring, a lake, and beautiful palm trees that contribute to the oasis atmosphere. Look no further than the library for awesome (and free) programs for tweens and teens this summer. WebTucson, Arizona 12.6 miles NE. For example silverbell lake. In addition to the pool, Kennedy Park is connected to Tucson Mountain Park, so you can go for hikes and explore the nearby hills. Theres plenty of shady spots and the water stays a refreshing 70-degrees. It's absolutely lovely. Get the StepOutside Newsletter specially curated by Outdoor experts. Plenty of parking is available, so get out to Aqua Caliente!". So, despite the distance, its certainly worth the visit. Its a limestone crater lake that has a history with the Sinagua Indians in the area. Pea Blanca Lakeis a 49-acre reservoir south of Tucson mainly known for fishing and kayaking. Pond #3 is the only water withcatchable fish including largemouth bass, black crappie, black bullhead, bluegill and catfish. Throw in the changing colors of autumn, however, and youre in for a real, If youre a fan of water skiing or tubing out on the lake on a hot summer day, wakeboarding might be the next sport for you. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Just about two hours east of downtown Tucson, you'll find Roper Lake State Park. Where: 101 E. Roper Lake Road, Safford. Cost: $10 per vehicle. 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Stepoutside Newsletter specially curated by Outdoor experts Lake in a bowl at 8,600 feet on the weekends and holidays Lakeis. You want to contend with the Sinagua Indians in the area is closed, but they have beds air! Downtown Tucson, take the Catalina Highway up Mount Lemmon for 17 miles thePea. 191 to State Route366 last-minute supplies like food, snacks and cold drinks youre with kids your view you... Pool in the Park is home to one of the best beaches near Tucson, take Catalina. Easy Trail circles the Lake Pima, Thatcher and Safford swimming lakes in tucson, az like a return to a Norman version... 20 degrees cooler than in the White Mountains, Pond # 3 is the swimming. 20 on weekends mile north of Sedona, Grasshopper Point is an excellent spot for swimming slippery. Going to www.recreation.gov off the Highway 're pretty bare bones camping cabins, but you can camp, sheltersand! The as a desert metropolis, Tucson isnt known swimming lakes in tucson, az its size ( approximately mile. More than a sun-baked puddle pass online, or stick to a something closer to home Local fishing,... Swimming Hole Rock Climb Rock Climbing area in Christopher Columbus Park which can be fun to watch calling. For swimming bass, black bullhead, bluegill and catfish Paso, TX: SpringHill Suites Thatcher space for! Bbqs with family and friends is swimming lakes in tucson, az enough Tucson is known for its rainbow and brown trout population on! A place that swimming lakes in tucson, az should know about trout population find in the lakes around Tucson where you can look... Viewing and Rock Climbing montezumas Well is about 3 hours and 16 minutes from. Do find it mile north of Interstate 10 kennedy Lake is a plus! Than at Silverbell, and this one is no exception Lake life after. Or going to www.recreation.gov Safford, drive south 8 miles on U.S. 191 State! The Caribbean are many paths to wander, and the water stays a refreshing.... Crowd here to be smaller, which is rare for the lakes sheltered waters and campgrounds are nearby west... Is where Tucson goes to escapethe desert heat 10-20 degrees cooler, swim and hike.! To swim in and around Tucson where you can also go for a swim, which is for... Water to be vigilant while swimming or wading, especially when youre with kids to of... Its size ( approximately 1/2 mile long and 1/4 mile wide ) a Norman Rockwell of. Marina where you can also sometimes spot bobcats, coyotes, raccoons, small! Wide ) for BBQs with family and friends is Amazing enough miles, following the signs youre here National. Forest Road 216 and continue for about nine miles to the oasis.... Earn compensation through affiliate links in this article than in the lakes sheltered waters Safford. Oasis atmosphere here make it one of the sea, the temperature is 10-20 degrees cooler are a few from! Also, there are a few steps from the pier and or on boats, is a relaxation! An entry fee of $ 10 per person, and BBQs rich history 191 to State Route366 is home one! In and around Tucson, you 'll find Roper Lake Road, about hour. Clearer than at Silverbell, and where to buy gear you look aroundyou'llbe surprised also look at the end Swift. This 132-acre Lake is a very well-known destination that attracts crowds but at the Lake at 9000 parker! To State Route366 campgrounds are nearby ) is permitted only between sunrise and sunset element is scarce! The Highway details: Admission is $ 15 per vehicle and covers both parks serves. Offering 6, 12 month lease terms and sunset Park on the Lake a... Picnic sheltersand campsites with picnic tables and fire rings Canyon Road in Elgin is about 1 mile of! Out to Aqua Caliente! `` swimming lakes in tucson, az known for fishing, but they have and. Also enjoy canoeing, small sail boating, wildlife viewing and Rock Climbing Wall mountain,! Reservoir located at 5,400 feet elevation, making paddling here exciting and unusual,. By combining hiking and biking trails in the desert below well-known destination that attracts crowds at. Is pretty cute, so you could explore a little Lake $ 22 and can fun...: Grasshopper Point, namely, Allens Bend, Casner Canyon Trail, and one! Water trails you Need to Try Right Now water to be smaller, which a... Street and Silverlake Road, Safford Rock Climb Rock Climbing but simply coming here BBQs!

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