Image credit: Veronica Leon
In this heat, remember to take precautions while you enjoy fun in the sun.
Arizona is surrounded by the Sonoran desert, it is an outdoor destination for action and adventure. Arizona has one of the most scenic recreation areas in the Valley and Table Mesa Road was a gem to find.
There are only three official trails around the lake but hiking is fairly easy since the spiky desert plants are quite well separated. The lake is part of a regional park (entry $10 per vehicle in 2020); other facilities include a marina, campground, visitor center, boat launch sites and picnic areas.
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Getting There
From Phoenix via I-17 North we took the Table Mesa Road exit (exit 236) and turned left to cross the freeway to the west. Turned right (north) on a frontage road just after crossing the freeway. The road becomes a dirt road, and parallels the freeway for about a mile, gradually to the west.
After approximately 4 miles, a wooden gateway with a sign for "Boulder Creek Ranch" appears; this is the park boundary. There's a flat area to the left a few hundred feet beyond the gate that is suitable for parking; a dirt road starts at one end of the flat, and winds along the hills above the river as it goes downstream. A ranger station is planned for the right-hand flate area. The river bottom can be reached just downhill from the parking.
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We spent the day in a clean, well managed, kept free of litter and safe for the kids lake. The water was no deeper than 2 feet, light rocky but very safe for the little ones. Felt refreshing to get out, get some sun and enjoy the Arizona day.
As a seasoned lake-day-planner I have some tips for you on things to bring to make your lake day fun:
- Water
- Snacks/Lunch
- Sunscreen
- Cooler with lots of ice
- Sunglasses
- Towels
- Water toys
- Water shoes
Weekends are always super busy, so I suggest going during the week. Plan to head out early to avoid crowds and to find a good spot.
Looking for additional lakes to explore, find a great list of our favorite Lakes and Reservoirs here!
Check back often, we will be adding more Lake reviews as they are posted! Get a FREE kid-friendly event calendar for N Scottsdale-PV full of festivals, fairs, activities, and more! Sign-up by clicking HERE!
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