One need a National Forest permit to spend any length of time there and these may be purchased at a number of sites.
We have taken many out-of-town visitors to Canyon Lake and Tortilla Flat, and without exception they have all enjoyed it immensely. It is an easy drive from Tempe, typically no more than an hour to hour and a half. The views are amazing, and we always have to stop for picture taking. The rock formations, the lichens on the rocks as you move deeper into the Superstition Mountains, the approach to the lake and then the lake itself. All are just beautiful.On our last trip we packed a light picnic lunch and picnicked in the designated area right on the lake itself. It was mid-February so the weather was lovely, the views are lovely and we had a blast. Highly recommend this as a day trip.
We drove out to Canyon Lake on a whim and I'm glad we did! Every time we went around a corner on the way there was another beautiful view of amazing scenery. I thought the lake and surrounding areas were gorgeous so it was definitely worth the drive. Next time I'm in Arizona I will definitely come back out this way!
When my visiting family said they wanted to an authentic Arizona experience, we saddled up our SUV and headed out to Canyon Lake. I have lived here for years, and although I had heard about the place I had never been. Box Ticked. The switchback drive through some pretty amazing mountains made me wish I wasn't driving so I could better enjoy the view, but what are you going to do?! We purchased tickets in advance for the Canyon Lake paddle boat cruise, which was a good thing because it was sold out when we go there. Jaw dropping, animal spotting, lake beauty surrounded us for the duration of the cruise and the staff circulated with show and tell samples of geodes and antlers and other cool AZ stuff. Afterwards we drove the extra few miles to Tortilla Flats for lunch, which included a live country band with dancing and some pretty darn good food for a ghost town. The walls are covered with dollar bills which had been decorated by the guests. Judging by the number of them, this tradition has been going on for a while. Be sure to check out the dance hall girls painted on the restroom stall doors for some old fashioned selfies. After lunch we moseyed on down the boardwalk for some prickly pear gellatto before heading down the hill full of great AZ memories
We rented a pontoon boat and took it for a ride down the river - it was beautiful! The boat was clean and well maintained. We really enjoyed our trip there. :)
The ride to the lake is fabulous with breathtaking views, the boat cruise is well worth the time and money really scenic area a not to be missed
Took a motorcycle ride to Tortilla Flats. The road is quite rough which takes away from the enjoyment of the twisties on the motorcycles. If you go, the scenery is great and the destination is not far from Apache Junction. After Tortilla Flats the road is gravel, so we skipped going on farther. There is a restaurant at Tortilla Flats - skip that. The food is overpriced and not very good. There are way better choices along the way.
I have been here many times with friends and family. I am always impressed with the view from the lookout. The lake surrounded by mountains and cliff faces is always breathtaking!
I went to Arizona to visit friends, we were on our way to a restaurant and we stopped here at Canyon Lake. Temps were chilly and rain off and on but this lake is so pretty and peaceful. The cactus were everywhere and the mountains were awesome looking. Just beautiful and will def come back hopefully when the sun is shining : )
our friends and we decided to go on the paddle boat cruise and then enjoy the mining town. It was a great day! the lake and guide were perfect and the mining town was cute. We weren't expecting it to be such a long drive from our home in VERY N. Phoenix, but it was a great trip and we tell everyone to try it!