Arizona has many pretty lakes, but Roosevelt Lake may be the most beautiful. Nestled in the Tonto Basin between three mountain ranges, it’s picture-perfect. The lake’s crystal clear water invites you in and inspires you to explore. At 22 miles long, it is the largest lake located completely within the boundaries of the state. This scenic body of water is actually a reservoir for the Theodore Roosevelt Dam. Recreational choices include camping, fishing, boating, hiking, and relaxing. You will find it along Route 188 in Gila County, and it is a perfect getaway.
Check out this view from a nearby trail.
beau_bright/iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images Imagine riding your bike down this desert road.
There are many worthwhile hikes to take around the lake.
Jillian @jillyonanadventure/alltrails The Vinyard Trail hike is a moderate challenge and offers this view.
Opened for use in 1992, the Theodore Roosevelt Lake Bridge is a unique design.
AutumnSkyPhotography/iStock / Getty Images Plus/GettyImages It’s an incredible feat of architecture.
Cactus on the shore of any lake is a sight to behold!
Shadow_Hawk/iStock / Getty Images Plus/GettyImages
Water sports are a dream at Roosevelt Lake.
Alisa W/TripAvisor Many families enjoy tubing, waterskiing, and wakeboarding.
You will want to bring along your camera and water shoes.
jkauffeld/iStock / Getty Images Plus/GettyImages Notice the way the colors of the sandstone wall interact with the clear water and green leaves.
There is nothing like an Arizona sunset at a desert lake.
Shadow_Hawk/iStock / Getty Images Plus/GettyImages The lake has an amazing variety of plant life. Birders will have plenty to look for as well.
Still gorgeous at night.
jimbycat/iStock / Getty Images Plus/GettyImages The bridge to the marina under a full moon.
The scenery changes drastically with the sun.
Morey Milbradt/Stockbyte/GettyImages Finding a relaxing spot to watch the day go by is another fine pleasure.
While there are no fees to visit the lake, there are fees and passes available for boat launching and camping. Check the National Parks Service page for Roosevelt Lake for more information. Pack up your gear and gather your crew. Let Roosevelt Lake be the setting for your wonderful day or weekend. Also, be sure to share your photos and experiences. We want to know how much fun you have!
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Address: Theodore Roosevelt Lake, Arizona, USA
Arizona has many pretty lakes, but Roosevelt Lake may be the most beautiful. Nestled in the Tonto Basin between three mountain ranges, it’s picture-perfect. The lake’s crystal clear water invites you in and inspires you to explore.
At 22 miles long, it is the largest lake located completely within the boundaries of the state. This scenic body of water is actually a reservoir for the Theodore Roosevelt Dam. Recreational choices include camping, fishing, boating, hiking, and relaxing. You will find it along Route 188 in Gila County, and it is a perfect getaway.
Check out this view from a nearby trail.
beau_bright/iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images Imagine riding your bike down this desert road.
There are many worthwhile hikes to take around the lake.
Jillian @jillyonanadventure/alltrails The Vinyard Trail hike is a moderate challenge and offers this view.
Opened for use in 1992, the Theodore Roosevelt Lake Bridge is a unique design.
AutumnSkyPhotography/iStock / Getty Images Plus/GettyImages It’s an incredible feat of architecture.
Cactus on the shore of any lake is a sight to behold!
Shadow_Hawk/iStock / Getty Images Plus/GettyImages
Water sports are a dream at Roosevelt Lake.
Alisa W/TripAvisor Many families enjoy tubing, waterskiing, and wakeboarding.
You will want to bring along your camera and water shoes.
jkauffeld/iStock / Getty Images Plus/GettyImages Notice the way the colors of the sandstone wall interact with the clear water and green leaves.
There is nothing like an Arizona sunset at a desert lake.
Shadow_Hawk/iStock / Getty Images Plus/GettyImages The lake has an amazing variety of plant life. Birders will have plenty to look for as well.
Still gorgeous at night.
jimbycat/iStock / Getty Images Plus/GettyImages The bridge to the marina under a full moon.
The scenery changes drastically with the sun.
Morey Milbradt/Stockbyte/GettyImages Finding a relaxing spot to watch the day go by is another fine pleasure.
While there are no fees to visit the lake, there are fees and passes available for boat launching and camping. Check the National Parks Service page for Roosevelt Lake for more information.
beau_bright/iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
Imagine riding your bike down this desert road.
Jillian @jillyonanadventure/alltrails
The Vinyard Trail hike is a moderate challenge and offers this view.
AutumnSkyPhotography/iStock / Getty Images Plus/GettyImages
It’s an incredible feat of architecture.
Shadow_Hawk/iStock / Getty Images Plus/GettyImages
Alisa W/TripAvisor
Many families enjoy tubing, waterskiing, and wakeboarding.
jkauffeld/iStock / Getty Images Plus/GettyImages
Notice the way the colors of the sandstone wall interact with the clear water and green leaves.
The lake has an amazing variety of plant life. Birders will have plenty to look for as well.
jimbycat/iStock / Getty Images Plus/GettyImages
The bridge to the marina under a full moon.
Morey Milbradt/Stockbyte/GettyImages
Finding a relaxing spot to watch the day go by is another fine pleasure.
Pack up your gear and gather your crew. Let Roosevelt Lake be the setting for your wonderful day or weekend. Also, be sure to share your photos and experiences. We want to know how much fun you have!
