Most people living in Arizona have at least been to one of the many lakes throughout the state. And most are keenly aware that not all lakes are created equal. Some are better for fishing than others, some are large enough to spend an entire weekend exploring by way of boat, and so on. One of the most versatile lakes with a well-rounded list of activities is centrally located, and is a must-visit for every outdoor adventure seeker.
Lake Pleasant, located approximately 30 minutes outside of Phoenix, is as much underrated as it is spansive.
The reservoir dishes up 7,500 acres of surface area to both gawk at as well as play upon and next to. Take a look at some of the outdoor activities you can get into at Lake Pleasant Regional Park in Morristown, AZ:
The lake is a sweet spot to get out on the water. Different areas of the lake lend themselves to different types of watercraft. The more shallow spots are lovely for kayaking since the lake is so clear you can see the bottom in the more shallow spots.
More than 13 miles of trails wind around the lake, each offering glimpses of the glistening waters as well as an adventure into the great outdoors.
There's a trail called the Wild Burro Trail (two miles in length) that gets its name from the wild (and sometimes loud) burros found throughout the Lake Pleasant area.
Day use activities along the lake include just pulling up on the shore and enjoying the water, the sand, and the fresh air while getting a little sun.
A variety of ramadas are available and scattered around the park. They're on a first-come, first-served basis though, so you'll want to get there early if you're planning a picnic and are counting on that shade. We can't imagine a better lunch than one spent lake side admiring the views.
If you want to stay longer than a day, there are two campgrounds that offer a total of 148 campsites. Some are primitive, some are semi-developed, and some have all the amenities you could ever want for a camping trip (water, electricity, dump station, a covered ramada, a picnic table, a barbecue grill and fire ring). Shoreline primitive camping spots may be limited in some seasons and during some years, depending upon water levels at the time.
If ever there was an Arizona lake that has a little of everything, then this beautiful oasis is it!
Lake Pleasant Regional Park is located at 41835 N Castle Hot Springs Rd., Morristown, AZ 85342. As a mere point of reference, it's a short 30 minute drive from Phoenix, and approximately two hours from Flagstaff and Kingman. Day use entry costs $7 per vehicle. For all other rates, including annual passes and camping fees, see this link on the official website of Maricopa County Parks.
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