Top 6 Lakes in Apache County

Apache County offers excellent fishing opportunities. Lee Valley Reservoir is known for trout and grayling, though fishing there is restricted to artificial flies and lures only. Big Lake is another premier fishing destination, stocked with rainbow, brook, cutthroat, and native Apache trout. Luna Lake is regularly stocked with rainbow and cutthroat trout, even offering ice fishing in colder months. Sunrise Lake also provides excellent chances to catch rainbow and brook trout.

Yes, several lakes in Apache County are great for families. Big Lake South Shore offers campgrounds, picnic benches, and hiking opportunities. Railroad Cove and Trailhead at Big Lake also provides amenities like parking, a boat ramp, and access to trails. Luna Lake is another family-friendly option with camping, boating, and wildlife viewing.

Beyond fishing and boating, you can enjoy hiking and cycling. For hiking, trails like the Railroad Grade Trail are accessible from Big Lake. The Lee Valley Reservoir features a scenic 1.8-mile hiking trail around its shoreline. For more extensive options, you can explore various hiking trails in Apache County or discover cycling routes in the region.

The best time to visit depends on your preferred activities. For fishing, spring (April-May) after the ice thaws, and late summer/fall are ideal at Big Lake. The high elevation of many lakes ensures refreshingly cool temperatures even during peak summer. Winter access to higher elevation lakes like Lee Valley Reservoir can be limited due to heavy snow, but Luna Lake offers ice fishing in colder months.

Big Lake is well-equipped for visitors. It offers over 200 fee-based campsites, two boat ramps, fish cleaning stations, picnic areas, restrooms, and showers. There's also a seasonal visitor center and a concessionaire at Big Lake Marina providing fishing licenses, food, gas, and boat rentals. Motorized boats are permitted but limited to electric motors or gas motors of 10 horsepower or less.

Yes, some lakes have specific permit requirements. Access to Sunrise Lake, located on the White Mountain Apache Indian Reservation, requires a White Mountain permit. Similarly, Reservation Lake, also on the reservation, requires specific tribal permits, and state fishing licenses are not accepted there.

Absolutely. Big Lake has numerous campgrounds, particularly around the Big Lake South Shore. Luna Lake also offers the Luna Lake Campground with 50 campsites set within ponderosa pines. Reservation Lake provides a true alpine camping environment.

The lakes in Apache County are rich in wildlife. Luna Lake, surrounded by the Luna Lake Wildlife Area, is excellent for birdwatching and spotting abundant wildlife. Sunrise Lake is a fantastic spot for wildlife viewing, with elk herds frequently seen grazing in the surrounding hills during early mornings and late evenings.

Many lakes in Apache County have motorboat restrictions. Big Lake, Luna Lake, and Sunrise Lake all limit motorized boats to electric motors or gas motors of 10 horsepower or less.

Yes, near Big Lake, you can explore the historic Railroad Grade Trail, accessible from Railroad Cove and Trailhead. This 19-mile route follows the path of a former railroad that once hauled logs and later transported tourists.

Lee Valley Reservoir holds the distinction of being Arizona's highest elevation reservoir, situated at 9,420 feet within the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. This offers a unique high-alpine experience.