Nestled In Arizona's Pinaleño Mountains Is A Serene Alpine Lake With Fishing, Camping And Kayaking

Arizona is one of the most uniquely beautiful states in the U.S., but with that comes a certain reputation. Far from the rich green forests of Appalachia or the celestial aspens of Colorado, Arizona is associated with rusty red mountains, vast arid plains, and harsh but vibrant desert ecosystems. Destinations like Saguaro National Park and the secret cactus forests of the rarely-visited Ironwood Forest National Monument are far more indicative of the idea of Arizona than green canopies and tranquil lakes. And yet, Arizona does have some hidden oases of greenery if you know where to look. One of the most serene forest preserves in the famous desert state is the gorgeous Riggs Flat Lake and its surrounding mountain woodlands. With more green than brown or red surrounding them, visitors to Riggs Flat Lake may assume they've accidentally wandered into the mountainous forests of Colorado!

Located about 3.5 hours away from Tucson by car, Riggs Flat Lake is a hidden gem within Arizona's epic Pinaleño Mountains. The lake's higher-elevation setting allows it to do its best impression of Colorado, despite technically sitting on the edge of the Sonoran Desert. The surrounding evergreen cover provides the perfect backdrop for unforgettable hiking excursions, while Riggs Flat Lake's calm waters are excellent for a relaxing day on a canoe or kayak. The lake is well-stocked with plenty of game fish, making it one of Arizona's best destinations for fishing. Plus, the lake's adjacent campground is an ideal spot for enjoying a lesser-known side of Arizona's wilderness under the stars.

Riggs Flat Lake is a small but scenic reservoir located in the Pinaleño Mountains District of southeastern Arizona's Coronado National Forest. The Pinaleño Mountains themselves are something of a unique geological oddity. Presiding over low-elevation desert flatlands in relative isolation, the 42 peaks of the Pinaleño range make up one of Arizona's most striking sky islands. At the very least, the Pinaleños are the highest Arizona Sky Island, creating a particularly eye-catching contrast between towering mountain peaks and flat desert plains. Within this already impressive context, Riggs Flat Lake has something of the best seat in the house. The lake lies near the summit of the 10,720-foot Mount Graham, the highest mountain in the Pinaleño range and (thanks to its higher elevation) a haven for one of Arizona's most complex ecological regions.

Riggs Flat Lake has an elevation of approximately 8,500 feet on Mount Graham, high enough to support a rich cover of evergreen ponderosa pines and vibrant flora. Near the lake, ardent hikers can find picturesque meadows, enchanting alpine groves, and even ancient forest ecosystems that date back to the last ice age. All of Riggs Flat Lake's gentle forest tranquility provides a peaceful break from the broiling Arizona desert below. More daring adventurers can attempt the daunting hike from Riggs Flat Lake to Mount Graham's subterranean ice caves. Alternatively, if you're a science aficionado, the nearby Mount Graham International Observatory has one of the world's most powerful telescopes — more powerful than even the famous Hubble — and is open to the public!

Riggs Flat Lake sits at the end of Arizona's Swift Trail, a steep, winding route that provides some of the state's best panoramic views. Climbing thousands of feet in just 34 miles, the Swift Trail will take you on a tour of several distinct ecosystems, ranging from desert shrublands to evergreen forests, in a little over an hour. The higher-elevation Riggs Flat Lake leans much more heavily towards the "evergreen forest" side of the spectrum, and therefore offers exceptional outdoor recreational opportunities you may not find in Arizona's more desert-like, low-elevation areas. The lake and its recreational facilities sit between the area's conifer forests and a lovely meadow, providing plenty of excellent hikes in the surrounding woods.

During the summer, Riggs Flat Lake is stocked with rainbow and brown trout. The lake's small size and peaceful waters make it an excellent spot for beginner fly fishers, though experienced anglers can have a great time as well. If you don't have a valid Arizona fishing license, or if fishing just isn't for you, Riggs Flat Lake is also a fantastic spot for a picturesque and peaceful paddling excursion in your canoe or kayak. Since boats are restricted to single electric motors, paddlers on Riggs Flat Lake will usually find particularly calm waters. The Riggs Flat Campground offers lakeside camping from April 15 to November 14 for $20 per night (at time of writing). Though the sites are somewhat primitive, the campground does include vault toilets and a dump station. Day-use access to Riggs Flat Lake requires an $8 entry fee per vehicle. Nearby towns like Willcox and the affordable and scenic Arizona culinary hub of Thatcher offer additional lodging, dining, and modern amenities to complement Riggs Flat Lake's pristine forest setting.