This Arizona Lake Is A Great Summer Destination

The temperatures across Arizona this week have been brutal! Some places hit record highs days in a row and others were just unseasonably hot for June. In fact, I’m sure some of you were daydreaming of leaving for a day (or the entire week) for cooler temperatures elsewhere.

Well, we still have a few months of hot weather, so there are still opportunities to do just that. If a weekend trip to a lovely lake sounds like the perfect escape, you will love this one near Tucson.

When you view the Catalinas from Tucson, it’s a bit difficult to imagine that the mountains are actually hiding a beautiful forest.

Joseph McCarty/Flickr

But it’s true! And also located here is Rose Canyon Lake, a picturesque view that is perfect for those hot desert days.

Lisa’s Point of View/Flickr

The lake covers 7 acres, is surrounded by pines, and is a short walk from the Rose Canyon Campground, located halfway up the mountain.

Alan English CPA/Flickr

It is a popular fishing site, stocked with rainbow trout April through August. Just remember to get your fishing license ahead of time!

Joshua G R/Flickr

Nearby, you’ll find wildlife enjoying the water, so enjoy the sights and sounds!

HarmonyonPlanetEarth/Flickr

This is the perfect place to sit back and relax on a summer day. Enjoy watching the wildlife, going for a hike, or a tasty picnic.

Bill Morrow/Flickr

The sunsets will take your breath away; a mutlicolored sky reflecting off the lake water looks absolutely incredible.

Zotero C./Yelp

And the nights here are simply spectacular!

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Rose Canyon Lake is located in the Santa Catalina Mountains of Tucson and can be accessed via the Mount Lemmon Highway. You can find information about accessing the lake, fees, and other details by visiting the U.S. Forest Service website.