Canyon Lake
Tortilla Flat, AZ
A reservoir on the Salt River squeezed between steep cliffs along the Apache Trail (AZ-88). There are beaches, a marina and a scenic pullout; a Tonto Pass is needed to park at recreation sites.
Canyon Lake is a reservoir on the Salt River in Arizona, about 15 miles (roughly 24 km) up the Apache Trail from Apache Junction and 51 miles (about 82 km) east of Phoenix. It lies in the Superstition Wilderness in Tonto National Forest, and the Forest Service manages recreation such as hiking, camping and boating.
The lake was created by Mormon Flat Dam, completed in 1925 after two years of construction. It is the third and smallest of four reservoirs on the Salt River. Its surface covers about 950 acres (380 hectares) and its average depth is around 130 feet (40 m). Wikipedia lists rainbow trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, walleye and channel catfish among others.
The lake is a popular stop on the Apache Trail, which continues via Tortilla Flat to Apache Lake and Roosevelt Lake. The road is narrow and winding and, according to Wikipedia, not recommended for large RVs. Check parking conditions, fees and road status beforehand.
- Nearest town
- Tortilla Flat, AZ
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 33.5346, -111.4225
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually February–March and November–December. Still fine, with some compromises, in January, April and October. Hot in May–September. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Tortilla Recreation SiteCampsite1 mi from Canyon Lake · 77 pitchesCaravans
- Burnt Corral CampgroundCampsite14 mi from Canyon LakeTentsCaravansDrinking water
- Eagle View RV Resort At FortMotorhome stopover15 mi from Canyon LakeMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposal
- Cholla CampgroundCampsite18 mi from Canyon Lake · 206 pitchesTentsCaravansDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowed
- E. I. Rowland CampgroundCampsite21 mi from Canyon LakeTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Schoolhouse CampgroundCampsite25 mi from Canyon LakeTentsCaravansDrinking waterToilets
All campsites in Arizona · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Canyon Lake?
Canyon Lake is in Tortilla Flat, AZ, at GPS 33.5346, -111.4225. It is about 9 mi from Apache Lake.
Can you camp near Canyon Lake?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Canyon Lake Campground, about 0 mi away; within 25 mi there are 60 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Canyon Lake?
Canyon Lake is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Superstition Mountains, the Apache Trail and Tonto Basin and Dust, lakes and saguaros: by camper along the Apache Trail through the Superstition Mountains to Roosevelt Lake.
What is there to see near Canyon Lake?
Places worth a stop nearby: Lost Dutchman State Park (6 mi), Theodore Roosevelt Dam (18 mi), Tonto National Monument (19 mi) and Boyce Thompson Arboretum (23 mi).
When is the best time to visit Canyon Lake?
The most pleasant months are usually February–March and November–December. Still fine, with some compromises, in January, April and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)