Top 20 Lakes in the Mollogon Rim

Many visitors are drawn to the accessible and scenic Fossil Springs, known for its beautiful blue-green pools and family-friendly hiking. Another favorite is Canyon Lake and Cliffs on the Apache Trail, offering stunning canyon views and opportunities for climbing and hiking. Roosevelt Lake, the largest lake in central Arizona, is also very popular, with its vast waters visible from Inspiration Point - Arizona Trail.

Yes, several lakes are great for families. Fossil Springs is a popular choice for swimming and family hiking. Woods Canyon Lake is also ideal for families due to its easy access, developed facilities like boat rentals and a store, and consistent fish stocking. Ayer Lake and Green Valley Park Lake and Fountain are also noted as family-friendly spots.

The Mogollon Rim is characterized by striking escarpments, dense Ponderosa pine forests, and cooler mountain air. You'll find picturesque lakes nestled in scenic canyons, like Bear Canyon Lake, which is considered one of Arizona's most scenic. Many areas offer abundant wildlife and diverse landscapes, from the blue-green pools of Fossil Springs to the dramatic cliffs surrounding Canyon Lake.

The Mogollon Rim lakes are particularly popular during warmer months due to their cooler temperatures compared to lower elevations. Lakes like Willow Springs Lake, located at about 7,500 feet, offer pleasant temperatures, making spring, summer, and fall ideal for visiting and enjoying outdoor activities like fishing and camping.

The Mogollon Rim offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can enjoy fishing, boating, and swimming at many lakes. Hiking is very popular, with trails around lakes like Fossil Springs. For cycling enthusiasts, there are numerous routes, including those for touring bicycles, road cycling, and gravel biking. You can find more details on routes in the area by checking out the Cycling in the Mollogon Rim, Road Cycling Routes in the Mollogon Rim, and Gravel biking in the Mollogon Rim guides.

The Mogollon Rim lakes are renowned for fishing. Woods Canyon Lake is well-known for year-round rainbow and tiger trout. Willow Springs Lake is a top choice for larger rainbow, tiger, and brown trout, as well as largemouth bass. For a more secluded experience, Bear Canyon Lake offers rainbow trout and the chance to catch Arctic grayling. Chevelon Lake is a challenge to access but rewards avid anglers with large wild brown trout and stocked rainbow trout, with restrictions to artificial lure or fly fishing.

If you're seeking tranquility, Knoll Lake is an excellent choice. Boats are limited to 1 hp electric motors, ensuring a peaceful atmosphere. Located at nearly 8,000 feet, it's ideal for a quiet getaway, paddling, and enjoying the serene forest setting away from crowds. Bear Canyon Lake also offers a more secluded experience, requiring a hike to reach its serene surroundings.

For convenience, Woods Canyon Lake has developed facilities including boat rentals and a store. Roosevelt Lake Marina & Shop is a full-service marina on Roosevelt Lake, offering a restaurant with burgers and beer, and accepts resupply packages for hikers. Green Valley Park Lake and Fountain also has facilities nearby.

Visitors particularly appreciate the refreshing escape offered by the cooler temperatures and dense Ponderosa pine forests. The diverse recreational opportunities, from excellent fishing to scenic hiking and paddling, are highly valued. The natural beauty, such as the blue-green pools of Fossil Springs and the dramatic canyon views, also receives high praise from the komoot community.

Yes, several lakes in the Mogollon Rim offer boating. Black Canyon Lake has a boat launch available. Woods Canyon Lake offers boat rentals. Knoll Lake is suitable for boating, though it has a restriction to 1 hp electric motors, which contributes to its peaceful environment. Roosevelt Lake Marina & Shop provides full services for boating on Roosevelt Lake.

Chevelon Lake is known for being one of the largest but most difficult lakes to access, requiring a relatively steep 3/4-mile hike to the water's edge. Bear Canyon Lake also requires a bit of a hike to reach, making it a good option for those seeking a more secluded and less crowded experience.