Black Canyon Lake (Arizona) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Black Canyon Lake |
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Black Canyon Lake boat ramp, 2008
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 Black Canyon Lake
Location in Arizona
Black Canyon Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | Navajo County, Arizona United States |
| Coordinates | 34°19′50″N 110°42′1″W / 34.33056°N 110.70028°W |
| Type | Reservoir |
| Primary inflows | Gentry Canyon |
| Primary outflows | West Fork Black Canyon |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface area | 78 acres (32 ha) |
| Average depth | 35 ft (11 m) |
| Max. depth | 60 ft (18 m) |
| Surface elevation | 7,060 ft (2,150 m) |
Black Canyon Lake is a beautiful lake located in Navajo County, Arizona, United States. It's a popular spot for outdoor fun and a great place to connect with nature.
Contents
Discover Black Canyon Lake
Black Canyon Lake was created in 1964 by the Arizona Game and Fish Department. It was built near the Mogollon Rim to offer fun water activities for everyone. Even after the big Rodeo-Chediski Fire in 2002, Black Canyon Lake is still a favorite place. People love coming here for picnics, camping, and fishing.
Because of the fire, you can only visit the lake during the day. This is to keep everyone safe from trees that might fall. The Apache–Sitgreaves National Forests, part of the United States Forest Service, takes care of the lake's facilities.
Lake Size and Depth
Black Canyon Lake covers about 78 acres (32 ha) of water. It's quite deep, reaching a maximum depth of 60 feet (18 m). The average depth is around 35 feet (11 m). Like other lakes in the Rim area, Black Canyon is naturally deep.
After the 2002 fire, ash and nutrients entered the lake. This changed the water quality. Today, the lake is regularly stocked with fish for anglers. Even though some trees around the lake look burned, the area is still very scenic and surrounded by forests.
Where is Black Canyon Lake?
The lake is located about 18 miles (29 km) southwest of Heber. It sits high up in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, at an elevation of 7,060 feet (2,150 m).
Getting to the lake can be tricky in winter. The roads usually close from December to early April because of heavy snow. So, plan your visit for the warmer months!
What Fish Live Here?
The Arizona Game and Fish Department regularly adds rainbow trout to Black Canyon Lake. These are fish that are already big enough to catch.
However, some other fish have also been introduced to the lake illegally. These include green sunfish and largemouth bass, which now reproduce in the lake. You might also find tiny fathead minnows swimming around. If you're looking for something different, crayfish are also very common in Black Canyon Lake!
