Lake mid day

Canyon Lake Vacation Rentals

Canyon Lake

Show on map
Canyon Lake
Show on map

Why Rent On Canyon Lake

Nestled within the Superstition Wilderness and just 51 miles east of Phoenix, Canyon Lake is a desert gem that seamlessly blends dramatic scenery with top-tier recreation. Formed by the Mormon Flat Dam in 1925, this 950-acre lake is popular for boating, paddleboarding, and shoreline picnicking. Anglers flock to Canyon for its populations of largemouth bass, yellow bass, and rainbow trout. The Canyon Lake Marina offers boat rentals, a general store, and fuel. Lakeside Restaurant & Cantina serves southwestern favorites with panoramic water views. Visitors can hike the nearby Boulder Canyon Trail, or make a nostalgic stop in Tortilla Flat, a one-time stagecoach stop turned quirky roadside attraction. As part of the Tonto National Forest, Canyon Lake offers designated camping areas and forest-managed boat ramps. With its red rock cliffs and easy access via the Apache Trail, it’s a favorite weekend retreat for locals and visitors alike.

Best time to go
Visit Canyon Lake between late spring and early fall, particularly mid-April to June, when azure skies blanket the landscape. Revel in the sun-kissed waters ideal for boating and fishing, with fewer tourists and vibrant wildflowers painting the hillsides.
Water Quality
Canyon Lake in Arizona exhibits a deep blue water color, reflecting its clear and pristine water clarity. The lake's transparency allows for excellent visibility, making it a popular spot for fishing and other recreational activities.
Surface area (mi)
2.36
Max depth (ft)
131.23
Elevation (ft)
1656.82
Shoreline length (mi)
28

Popular activities

  • Boating
  • Kayaking
  • Canoeing
  • Swimming
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
pencil

Information not accurate?

Help us improve by making a suggestion.

Marinas on Canyon Lake

Nearby lakes

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to dive into what Canyon Lake has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!

  • Yes, swimming is allowed in Canyon Lake. It is permitted outside of restricted areas such as boat launching sites, designated mooring points, and public docks. Swimming is recommended at designated swim beaches for safety reasons.

  • Canyon Lake is a popular destination because of its year-round water sports and recreational activities. Residents and guests can enjoy fishing, water skiing, wake boarding, and pleasure boating. The lake also hosts various events like the Christmas Boat Parade and the 4th of July Fireworks, making it a vibrant community spot.

  • In Canyon Lake, Arizona, the daily creel limit for catfish is 10 fish, with only 5 catfish allowed to be taken by bow and arrow. The area immediately below the dam is closed for fishing. Regular fishing regulations apply otherwise.

  • Yes, there are public beaches at Canyon Lake. There are eight designated swimming areas around the lake, including Canyon Park Beach, Comal Park Beach, and others, which are located in various parks and offer swimming access.

  • Towns near Canyon Lake include New Braunfels, Bulverde, and Spring Branch. These towns are all located in Comal County, Texas, and are within a short driving distance from Canyon Lake. New Braunfels is about 14.5 miles away, while Bulverde and Spring Branch are also nearby.