Lake type reservoir Primary outflows Salt River Surface area 950 acres (380 ha) Surface elevation 506 m Mean depth 40 m Outflow location Salt River | Primary inflows Basin countries United States Average depth 130 ft (40 m) Area 3.845 km² Shore length 45.5 km Inflow source Salt River | |
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Canyon Lake is one of four reservoirs that were formed by the damming of the Salt River in the U.S. state of Arizona.
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Map of Canyon Lake, Arizona, USA
The lake was formed by the Mormon Flat Dam, which was completed in 1925 after two years of construction. Canyon Lake, with a surface area of 950 acres (380 ha), is the third and smallest of four lakes created along the Salt River. Two others, Apache Lake and Roosevelt Lake, are upstream. The fourth, Saguaro Lake, is downstream.
Canyon Lake lies approximately 15 miles (24 km) up the Apache Trail from Apache Junction, Arizona and 51 miles (82 km) east of Phoenix. It is within the Superstition Wilderness of Tonto National Forest and is a popular recreation area for the Phoenix metropolitan area. Recreation amenities include hiking trails, camping, and boating, all managed by the United States Forest Service. Canyon Lake is a popular stop along the Apache Trail route from Apache Junction, Arizona, passing Tortilla Flat, Arizona, before reaching Apache Lake and Roosevelt Lake behind Theodore Roosevelt Dam.