
Canyon Lake Tours and Tickets
Overview
1. Canyon Lake is a picturesque reservoir located in the Tonto National Forest of Arizona, USA. It is one of the four lakes formed by the Salt River dam system and is renowned for its beautiful blue-green water and stunning surrounding scenery. The lake is situated amidst rugged canyons, towering cliffs, and desert vegetation, making it a popular destination for boating, fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing.
One interesting fact about Canyon Lake is that it is a man-made reservoir, formed by the construction of the Mormon Flat Dam in 1925. The dam was built to control the flow of the Salt River and provide irrigation water to the surrounding agricultural areas.
2. Canyon Lake operates on varying schedules depending on the season and weather conditions. Generally, it is open year-round for activities such as boating, fishing, and picnicking. The main marina, Tortilla Flat Marina, is open daily from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. However, it is best to check the official website or contact the marina directly for the most up-to-date information on operating hours and availability.
Phone: Tortilla Flat Marina - +1 480-288-9233
3. There is no specific ticket required to visit or access Canyon Lake. Visitors can enjoy the lake and its surrounding areas by paying for parking, boat rentals, or participating in guided tours. The parking fee is $7 per vehicle for a day pass. Boat rentals, including pontoons, kayaks, and paddleboards, are available for rent at the marina. Guided tours, such as the popular Dolly Steamboat tour, offer a unique experience to explore the lake and its wildlife. These tours have separate ticket prices, which can be obtained through their respective websites or by contacting the service providers.
Transportation to Canyon Lake can be done by car, as it is accessible via the Apache Trail (State Route 88). The lake is approximately 50 miles east of Phoenix, Arizona. Visitors can also use private or rental boats to reach the lake from nearby marinas. There are no public transportation options that directly connect to Canyon Lake.
More Info
- The smallest of the Salt River Projects lakes, Canyon Lake is just 10 miles long but offers 28 miles of shoreline.Being wet is popular here. Water skiing, boating, swimming and fishing are how most folks spend their days when visiting. Along with a designated swimming area, there is also a pair of boating ramps. Motorboat and row boat rentals are available. On weekends and holidays from April through October, the lake usually reaches capacity in the morning. Lucky fisherman can hook walleye, largemouth bass, yellow bass, rainbow trout, bluegill, channel catfish and crappie.Tortilla Campground is just a couple miles away from Canyon Lake. Open October through April, it has 77 spaces. Water and sewer hook-ups are also available. Canyon Lake is 45 miles east of Phoenix. The only way to get there is using the Apache Trail (Highway 88) from Apache Junction. The 15 miles to the lake are fully paved. There are many sharp turns, but the stretch includes colorful desert scenery.
More Adventures for You
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Price From
$169.00
Spend the day following the historic Apache Trail on a guided true wilderness adventure. Enjoy a visit to Goldfield Ghost Town, Tortilla Flat, and a boat ride on Canyon Lake. It's a perfect day out in the Sonoran Desert. Enjoy this small-group tour limited to just 13 people in a custom van with leather captain's chairs._en-US
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Price From
$120.00
Canyon Lake stands as Arizona's premier paddle destination, boasting unrivaled charm and natural splendor. As you glide along its tranquil waters, enveloped by towering canyon walls, a profound sense of serenity washes over you. This oasis of tranquility is a testament to nature's majesty, offering a unique and almost mystical experience to all who venture here. Allow our seasoned guides to unveil the secrets of Canyon Lake, revealing its hidden treasures and unparalleled beauty. Whether you seek adventure or seek solace, Canyon Lake promises an unforgettable journey filled with awe-inspiring vistas and unforgettable moments. Come, let us share the magic of this beloved sanctuary with you._en-US
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Price From
$299.00
Tour The Superstition Mountains and the Historic Apache Trail, one of Americas most scenic highways. Great scenery, unique history, fantastic geology and a great way to learn about the plants and animals of The Sonoran Desert. Opportunities include hiking, birding, photography, canyoneering, herping and maybe a ride on Dolly The Steamboat at Canyon Lake._en-US
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Price From
$200.00
On this day trip we will travel to the famous Apache Trail. An old trail, the Apache tribe used in the late 1800's as well as a road built for prospectors and wagons traveling through the area. You as our guest will enjoy the majestic Superstition Mountain range as well as the beautiful Sonoran desert backdrop. We will venture to the old gold mining ghost town of Goldfield, witness breathtaking vistas in the mountain range of the Superstitions and let you take a 90 minute sightseeing steamboat ride on Canyon Lake. We will also make a pitstop at the old wagon stop of Tortilla Flat for possible lunch or gift shop attractions. Lastly we will stop at the Lost Dutchman Museum to polish up your knowledge of the area before we head back into town. Duration of trip is 8 hours from Pickup to Drop-off.
NOTE: The museum is CLOSED Mon-Wed from the months of May thru October._en-US
For Individuals with Hearing Loss
- Video Guide
Access for Seniors
- Access with Portable Ramp
- Distance from drop-off location to entrance: Less than 20 m
- Recommended time for visit 2 hours
- Physical difficulty level - 3
Accessibility for wheels
- Special Parking
- Access with Portable Ramp
- Easy without assistance
- Step-Free
- Wide doors >= 75 cm and < 90 cm
- Hilly area
- Exhibit height - 2
- Path from drop-off location to entrance: Flat and smooth
- Accessible Toilet
Access for Visually Impaired
- Audio Guide
- Service animals permitted