Guest Author - Jill Florio

It’s HOT across the state of Arizona. If you visit, chances are high you’l be seeking a watery paradise to cool your jets. These lakes are within a three-hour drive of Phoenix, and all are at a cooler elevation than the "Valley".
Don’t forget to stuff a picnic basket full of delicatible treats, grab your inflatable chaise lounge, and tote along a rod for fishing. Hey, life’s a beach!

Lake McHood Park
This large lake, just a few miles south of Winslow, offers swimming, boating and fishing, as well as sporting monstrous boulders to leap off and into the drink. The park, spanning both sides of East Clear Creek Reservoir, offers ramadas, picnice tables, grills and clean bathrooms. Boaters can use the launch ramp and head 2.5 miles upstream into East Clear Creek’s narrow, winding canyon. Keep your eyes peeled for petroglyphs as you paddle or motor under black-streaked 200-foot high cliffs. At press time are no use fees or campgrounds, though planned park improvements may reinstate both; call 928-289-3411 (city offices).

Dead Horse State Park
Near the small town of Cottonwood lies a green haven with the oddball moniker Dead Horse Park. Mature, spreading cottonwood trees line the Verde River. Wading, splashing, picnicking and fishing is encouraged. Day use fees apply for would-be swimmers and weekend campers (call 800-285-3703 for rates). Grills are available, as well as a dozen miles of easy, scenic hiking trails. Check out http://www.pr.state.az.us


Verde River (Childs Generating Station)
The Verde River is one of Arizona’s major perennial rivers and a treasured resource in the central part of the state. The lower river is designated a Wild and Scenic River and offers the opportunity to fish by boat from Beasley Flat to Childs. Free flowing for most of its length, it provides lush riparian habitat and abundant wildlife. Good swimming, boating and fishing can be had by all who dare to drive up the high-clearance dirt roads along this northern Arizona river. A tip to the wise: don’t drive your car across the Verde Ford unless you know what you are doing. You can certainly camp on either side. Grab a good off-road map of Arizona for a trip of this magnitude!
For the truly intrepid, look on your map for the trailhead for the easy 1.5-mile hike ending at Child’s Hot Springs, where clothing is highly optional. After cooling off in the Verde, you can relax at night in the hot, sulphur-scented waters. For more information: http://www.nps.gov/rivers/wsr-verde.html

Lynx Lake
This serene 55-acre ponderosa-ringed hole is a little-known haven for trout fishing, bird watching, hiking, horseback riding, camping, picnicking, canoe paddling and shoreline wading. A nearby archaeological site offers a quick, but interesting diversion for your excursion from home. A $2 daily parking fee is charged, but Wednesdays are free for day use at the park. Also, no fees are charged for visitors arriving via foot or bicycle. Rental boats are available at the Lynx Store and Marina: 928-778-0720. From Interstate 17, travel west on State Route 69 toward Prescott. Turn left onWalker Road and follow sign to Lynx Lake. For more information, click to http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/prescott/fishing/fishing_lynx.htm

Alamo Lake
While this high-desert lake might seem a bit of an orphan (it’s not anywhere near the rim territory) Alamo Lake State Park is worth an inclusion to this list of watery destinations north of Phoenix.. The campgrounds boast tremendous views of the water and a backdrop of the picturesque Rawhide and Buckskin mountains.
A wildlife rollcall includes quail, deer, coyotes, bald eagles, great blue herons, cattle egrets, wild burros, brown pelicans and other shorebirds make their home at the lake.
There is a camp store for boat rentals, last-minute purchases of bait and other supplies. Park facilities include campgrounds, a launch ramp, picnic tables, grills, restrooms, showers, a fish cleaning station and a playground. Call 520-669-2088, or see http://away.com/parks/park1354.adp

Copyright Jill FLorio, June 2003



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