Short trips: Woods Canyon Lake

May 24, 2026

Summer morning on Woods Canyon Lake — pine bough framing the calm water, distant pine-rimmed shore

There are more beautiful places in Arizona, there are more stunning landscapes. For some reason this area just feels peaceful to me. I love to come to this area to hike, bike, fish, and camp. It’s best early in the morning or anytime the crowds aren’t present. Any of the lakes in this area, and the view from the Rim, are food for my soul.

Dawn over Woods Canyon Lake — mist on the water, pines silhouetted on both shores

I have been coming to this area for a long time, and so have many others. It’s an easy escape from the summer heat of Phoenix. I will sometimes drive up early morning to work remotely using Starlink, just to get out of the oppressive summer. Just pack a cooler with some drinks and sandwiches, and go. You can be back to Phoenix for dinner if you want.

The Catch

A fish on the line at the lake’s edge, caught on a fly

I like fly fishing because it’s more active and fun to do by myself. It’s not even about catching, just the wandering the shoreline and woods for a while. Woods Canyon Lake is stocked in the summer and there are hold-overs in the off-season too. Or rent a boat. Or bring a paddleboard. Or just relax by the lake.

Getting There

Traffic can be tricky at times. The same time you are thinking you’d drive up after work and come back on Sunday, so is everyone else. Be patient or drive up earlier. From Phoenix there is only one good way, going through Payson. If there is an accident, the trip home can easily double or triple in duration. So be careful, and plan wisely.