Black Canyon Lake

Black Canyon Lake sits quietly off Forest Road 86, tucked into the pines of the Mogollon Rim at 7,060 feet. The lake was built in 1964 by the Arizona Game and Fish Department to provide water recreation opportunities for the public. At 78 surface acres with a maximum depth of 60 feet, it's one of the deeper Rim Lakes — and one of the least crowded.

A herd of wild horses is often seen running through the area and stopping at Black Canyon Lake for water. If you've watched our FR 124 Wild Horses video, these are the same horses that roam this stretch of the Apache-Sitgreaves. Seeing them come to the lake is something you don't forget.

Fishing Black Canyon Lake has been managed as a put-grow-and-take fishery. The lake is stocked with catchable-sized rainbow trout, with some largemouth bass and green sunfish also present. Trout fishing is especially productive during spring and early summer stocking periods. Electric motors only — no gas engines on the water.

The Fire Impact The lake was affected by the 2002 Rodeo-Chediski Fire, one of the largest wildfires in Arizona history. Because of the danger of falling trees damaged by the fire, the entire area around the lake is limited to day use — overnight camping is prohibited in the immediate area. Although the surrounding forest was adversely affected, a sizeable portion of the lake remains lushly forested and scenic.

Nearby Camping No camping at the lake itself, but Black Canyon Rim Campground is located approximately 2.5 miles southwest — set among towering ponderosa pines and a favorite stopping place for those traveling the General Crook National Recreation Trail. See the Black Canyon Rim bucket list page for full camping details.

A Note on Access Roads to the lake are generally closed from December to early April due to snow. Check road conditions before making the drive, especially in shoulder seasons.

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