Who says you can’t have water-based fun in the desert? We sure don’t. Believe it or not, despite being in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, Arizona is home to 128 lakes and five major rivers! Sure, many of those lakes are man-made, but that doesn’t mean they’re any less spectacular. Take, for instance, Saguaro Lake, a beautiful, man-made reservoir on the Salt River. Those looking for lakes in Arizona needn’t look any further than this one: it’s a pristine, sparkling paradise you’ll soon find yourself returning to over and over again.

Saguaro Lake, Arizona 85264, USA
Tori Jane/Author Photo
Even the drive to Saguaro Lake is breathtaking.
Tori Jane/Author Photo
As you round a curve on Bush Highway, you'll see the signature cliff faces that provide a stunning backdrop to the lake's perfect splendor.
The lake is unmistakable; located just off of State Route 87, it's very easy to access, and there's plenty to do.
Tori Jane/Author Photo
Rent a boat or bring your own and spend an entire day lazing on the sparkling water, or maybe try your hand at some fishing while you're here.

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Let your feet dangle in the cool waters as you cast your line.
Tori Jane/Author Photo
Living in this lovely Arizona lake are rainbow trout, several species of bass, catfish, sunfish, carp, and more. If fishing isn't your thing, no worries - a day spent on the water is still a relaxing day, and if you prefer, you can always simply hang out at the lake's edge in any one of the picnic and gazebo areas.
From some angles, the lake appears to be a perfect paradise, nearly untouched by man.
Tori Jane/Author Photo
Of course, being a man-made lake (and featuring a marina, boat ramps, a restaurant, and more), Saguaro Lake isn't quite untouched, but given the right angles and the perfect time of day, you can most certainly pretend it is. After all, it's close.
Watch towering thunderheads roll in during the summer monsoon season, or visit during the winter for the best possible daytime temperatures.
Jason Corneveaux/Flickr
The easternmost end of the lake tends to be the quietest at any given time, and if you visit in the middle of the week during, say, autumn, chances are you'll beat the crowds, too. Make sure to bring a camera, because this part of the Tonto National Forest is picture-perfect in every way.
A daily pass is just $8 per car.
Randy Jenkins/Flickr
You could probably never count every majestic saguaro cactus you'll see peppered about the mountains and cliffs surrounding the lake, but that doesn't mean you can't try.

For the most up-to-date fees, area guidelines, closure information, and more visit the official USDA website. Which lakes in Arizona do you like best? Tell us your picks in the comments! Want to see more of Arizona’s amazing lakes? Check out this article about Lynx Lake, which is seriously almost too gorgeous to be true.

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Saguaro Lake, Arizona 85264, USA