Say their names aloud, and they ring of the beauty of Arizona: Saguaro, Apache, Canyon and,....Roosevelt. Well, three out of four isn’t bad!

Residents in the know say that it isn’t Phoenix the city, but Arizona the state, which holds such magic for them. Nothing shows this better than the string of lakes in the Southeast Valley that are so close to the towering buildings and manicured landscapes of downtown Phoenix.

Canyon Lake, just up the road from Lost Dutchman State Park along the Apache Trail (scenic highway 88), is one of the most popular for boaters and tourists alike. Formed in 1925 by the Mormon Lake Dam, its steep canyon walls drop right down to the water’s edge. At an elevation of 1660 feet, Canyon Lake is a year-round destination where you can escape the heat of summer or enjoy a mild Arizona winter.

Twenty eight miles of shoreline circle the lake, almost all of them against the dramatic backdrop of the Superstition Mountains. They were formed about 29 million years ago and are mainly composed of volcanic rock.

Canyon Lake twists 10 miles through a magnificent gorge to the face of the Mormon Lake Dam. From the shore, you can only see the beginning of the canyon. But take your own boat out of the Canyon Lake Marina or reserve a ride above the Dolly Steamboat, and you can get into the secluded waterways where towering saguaros come right down to the shoreline. Bighorn sheep, coyote, deer, bobcats and mountain lions may all be seen along with bald eagles, hawks and vultures. Regular nature cruises are held daily, and dinner cruises are also available. Advance purchase is recommended.

If you’re a boater, Canyon Lake has a well-supplied marina completed with covered and open slips, dry storage, a pump-out facility, fuel dock, and ship’s store. Kayak, canoe, and fishing boat rentals are also available along with the perfect family expedition vessel, the pontoon boat.

If you don’t want to go out onto the water, there are wonderful picnic areas right along the shoreline as well as a couple of campgrounds. Both the day-use area and the campgrounds have swimming beaches, and large grassy areas with ample shade. Tables and grills are available. But get there early. The shady spots go first!

In addition to the areas around the Canyon Lake Marina, there is a large USFS picnic area and paved parking on the southwest end of the second one-lane bridge.

Bring a pair of binoculars. You might find bighorn sheep on the face of the cliffs or spot a fisherman landing a bass or trout.