Arizona’s Valley Lakes
These are the approved lakes that you can haul the skis to.
Apache Lake
Apache Lake sets alongside the Apache Trail, one of the most scenic drives in Arizona. Surrounded by the Superstition Wilderness and the Three Bar Wildlife Area, Apache Lake is created by Horse Mesa Dam and located between Canyon Lake and Roosevelt Lake, its sister-lakes on the Salt River. Apache Lake is 17 miles long and a spectacular site for boating, fishing, water skiing, hiking, and camping. The lake's secluded coves and painted canyon walls are home to javelina, big horn sheep, deer, and a host of other desert wildlife.
Bartlett Lake
Bartlett Lake is noted for its spectacular views of surrounding desert mountains and Saguaro-studded foothills.Formed by Bartlett Dam and fed by the Verde River, these pristine waters are very popular favorites among water recreation enthusiasts. When full, Bartlett Lake has over 2,800 acres of water surface, is about 12 miles long, and has an average depth of 100 feet with a maximum depth of 174 feet. The lake has two contrasting sides with gently sloping beaches on one side and mountains on the other. With its vast amount water surface and length, speed boats can let loose.
Canyon Lake
Canyon Lake is one of the four lakes created by dams on the Salt River. The others are Roosevelt Lake, Apache Lake, and Saguaro Lake. Canyon Lake is the smallest of the four, but probably the most picturesque. Unusual rock formations, scenic red rock canyon walls combine desert flora create its southwestern natural beauty. Hidden coves that peek out around every turn are great for fishing. The lake waters are ideal for water-skiing, jet skiing, or just leisure sightseeing. At an elevation of about 1,600 feet, twenty eight miles of shoreline and 950 surface acres of shimmering waters, the lake does not disappoint.
Lake Pleasant
Lake Pleasant is the largest lake in the Phoenix and Scottsdale area. Its pristine waters cover over 10,000 acres of water surface with 116 miles of shoreline. The average depth is 70- feet and the deepest point of 260 feet is at the dam. The best part. It is located only 35 miles from downtown Phoenix. Explore the coves this lake has to offer. Runabout along the lake shoreline and keep an eye for roaming wild burros. You may catch a glimpse of Arizona Bobcats and nesting Bald Eagles that call Lake Pleasant home. If you feel the urge, hit the shore and do a bit of hiking.
Roosevelt Lake
Sitting at the northern end of the scenic Apache Trail, Roosevelt Lake is the first and largest of a series of lakes created on the Salt River as it meanders to the Phoenix area over a course of about 40 miles. Roosevelt Lake has a water surface of over 21,000 acres, a length of 22 miles and 128 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is over 300 feet. There are miles and miles of beach area for camping along the lake's edges. Water-skiing, jet-skiing, swimming and general boating recreation makes Lake Roosevelt a favorite water recreation destination.
Saguaro Lake
Saguaro Lake is named for its surrounding stands of Saguaro cactus. It has more than 22 miles of shoreline and is 118 feet deep at its deepest point when full and is about 10 miles long. The lake is perfect for power boating, sailing, water-skiing, jet skiing, kayaking and fishing. The lake is divided into two sections connected by narrows between canyon walls.