A LITTLE HISTORY
About Bear Canyon Lake, Arizona
Bear Canyon Lake was built by the Arizona Game and Fish Department for anglers. The 60-acre lake sits at about 7,500 feet on Arizona's Mogollon Rim, surrounded by pine, oak and aspen forest, with water up to 50 feet deep and temperatures much cooler than the desert lakes.
There's no marina or boat ramp, just a trail from the parking area down to the rocky, tree-lined shore, which keeps kayaking and paddleboarding on Bear Canyon Lake quiet and remote. Fish for rainbow trout and camp free in the forest nearby. Rent your kayak or paddleboard at Redline in Mesa, about 2 hours and 25 minutes from the lake.
Where to paddle
- –No ramp, marina or shoreline parking
- –Carry your gear down and back up
- –Lightweight gear recommended
- –Free semi-primitive sites near the lake
- –Vault toilets
- –Open about May to November
PLAN YOUR TRIP
More about Bear Canyon Lake
Getting to the water
There’s no marina, paved ramp or vehicle access to the shoreline. A trail leads from the parking area down to the water, so you’ll carry your kayak or paddleboard down and back up the hill. Lightweight gear helps.
Camping at Bear Canyon Lake
Free, semi-primitive campsites sit in the forest near the lake, with vault toilets. There’s no drinking water, trash service or electricity, so bring water and pack out everything. The area is generally open May through November.
Renting a kayak or paddleboard for Bear Canyon Lake
Every rental from Redline includes paddles, life jackets, foam roof blocks and tie-down straps, and we help you load up. No roof rack needed. Rent 2 days and the 3rd day is free. See rental rates or read our rental FAQs.
Good to know
RENT FOR THE LAKE
Paddleboards $35 · Kayaks $40
Per day. Rent 2 days, get the 3rd free. Pick up in Mesa and you're at Bear Canyon Lake in about 2 hours and 25 minutes.
SALES
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