Apache Lake (Arizona) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Apache Lake |
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 Apache Lake
Location in Arizona
Apache Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | Maricopa / Gila counties, Arizona |
| Coordinates | 33°34′43″N 111°15′48″W / 33.57861°N 111.26333°W |
| Type | reservoir |
| Primary inflows | Salt River |
| Primary outflows | Salt River |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface area | 2,568 acres (1,039 ha) |
| Average depth | 240 ft (73 m) |
| Water volume | 254,138 acre⋅ft (313,475,000 m3) |
| Surface elevation | 1,900 ft (580 m) |
| Settlements | Tortilla Flat, Arizona |
Apache Lake is a large lake in central Arizona. It's one of four reservoirs created on the Salt River. These lakes are part of a big plan called the Salt River Project, which helps manage water in the area.
Contents
Where is Apache Lake Located?
Apache Lake is found along the famous Apache Trail. It is about 16 miles east of a small town called Tortilla Flat. The lake is located in both Maricopa and Gila County, Arizona. It is also about 65 miles (104 km) northeast of the big city of Phoenix.
How Apache Lake Was Formed
Apache Lake was made by building the Horse Mesa Dam. This dam holds back the Salt River. It was finished in 1927. Apache Lake is the second largest of the four lakes built by the Salt River Project.
It sits about 5 miles (8 km) downstream from Theodore Roosevelt Lake, which is the biggest lake. Apache Lake is also upstream from Canyon Lake and Saguaro Lake.
Size of Apache Lake
When Apache Lake is full, its surface covers about 2,568 acres. This is a huge area! It can hold about 254,138 acre-feet of water. An acre-foot is the amount of water needed to cover one acre of land with water one foot deep.
Fun Things to Do at Apache Lake
Apache Lake is a very popular place for outdoor activities. It is located inside the Tonto National Forest. The forest managers help take care of all the fun things to do at the lake.
You can explore the area by hiking on the Apache Trail and other trails nearby. There's also a place called Apache Lake Marina and Resort. It offers many things for visitors.
What the Resort Offers
The resort has:
- Three motels where you can stay
- An RV park for campers
- A gas dock house for boats
- A restaurant and bar
- Places to store your boat, both in and out of the water
- A general store for supplies
Apache Lake Marina and Resort is the only place around the lake that has motel rooms and campgrounds with full hook-ups for RVs.
Fishing at Apache Lake
Apache Lake is a great spot for fishing! Many different kinds of fish live in the lake. Some of the fish you might catch include:
- Largemouth bass
- Smallmouth bass
- Yellow bass
- Crappie
- Sunfish
- Channel catfish
- Flathead catfish
- Walleye
- Carp
Nearby Historical Sites
Just about 4 miles (6.4 km) south of Apache Lake, you can visit Tonto National Monument. This special place has ancient cliff dwellings. These are homes built into the sides of cliffs by people long ago. It's a cool place to learn about history!
