Woods Canyon Lake is the crown jewel of the Rim Lakes Recreation Area, sitting atop the Mogollon Rim at an elevation of 7,500 feet in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. With a surface area of 158 acres and an average depth of 25 feet, it is the largest and most visited of the Rim Lakes — and for good reason. The combination of easy access from the Phoenix metro area, full amenities at the lake and spectacular ponderosa pine surroundings makes it one of the most popular summer destinations in Arizona.

The lake is stocked weekly by the Arizona Game and Fish Department from May through September with rainbow trout, making it one of the most productive fishing lakes on the Rim. Bald eagles are regularly spotted perched in the trees along the shoreline, particularly in the cooler months. Elk, deer and wild turkeys frequent the surrounding forest and are often seen near the campgrounds at dawn and dusk.

The Woods Canyon Lake Marina offers a well-stocked general store, kayak and boat rentals, see rates at woodscanyonlakeaz.com. The lake is open to non-motorized boating and small gas motors up to 10 horsepower. The Woods Canyon Lake Trail circles the lake and is a popular easy hike suitable for all fitness levels. The nearby Rim Lakes Vista Overlook offers sweeping views south across the Arizona desert — one of the best and most accessible viewpoints on the entire Mogollon Rim.

Woods Canyon Lake gets busy, particularly on summer holiday weekends when visitors pour in from the Phoenix valley looking to escape the heat. If you prefer a quieter experience, arrive on a weekday or consider the other Rim Lakes — Bear Canyon, Willow Springs or the remote Chevelon Canyon Lake — which offer more solitude. That said, for a first visit to the Mogollon Rim, Woods Canyon Lake delivers everything in one place and is an excellent introduction to rim country camping.

Campgrounds: Aspen, Crook, Rim, Spillway & Mogollon Campgrounds. Highly recommended reservations on summer weekends — fills early.