Let’s face it: it can get too hot to hike into far reaching places of Arizona in the heat of the season. So, where can you go in Arizona on a hot summer’s day to cool off and actually enjoy a day outdoors? How about a lake made of snow?
That's right. A lake made of snow... it's melted in the summer, which makes it a whole lot easier to enjoy, but this little lake (158 acres) is a reservoir with no permanent inflow of water.
It's filled entirely with snow, or more accurately in warmer months, with the runoff of all that snow melt in the immediate surrounding mountains — and with all the melted ice that filled the lake in the winter.
And you may be thinking that's no big deal, but Willow Springs Lake is a cold water lake in the truest sense. And that means, even if you're not IN the water, you'll still feel the coolness of all that 'snow water' as you spend time on the lake.
Most people come to enjoy the gorgeous views and the chill in the air, or to pop a small boat on top of all the snow melt and explore this relatively small oasis. Others come for the fish. The Forest Service stocks it each year with loads of trout.
You can bring your own motorized vessel to Willow Springs Lake as long as the motor is 10 hp or less. If you don't have a boat, then there's a rental place up the road where you can rent a kayak for the day or weekend.
If you're interested in more than a day trip, Sinkhole Campground is less than a mile away. It's a cross between primitive and rustic. Get more details on the campground at this link.
It's conveniently located 23 miles east of Payson, and approximately two hours from Phoenix and two hours from Flagstaff.
Willow Springs Lake is located immediately off of AZ-260 (Payson-Herber Highway) 23 miles east of Payson. The site is open year-round, even for ice fishing in the wintertime. Access is free. Learn more on the official website of the U.S. Forest Service, and see more images on the Willow Springs Lake Facebook page.
Disclaimer: During the monsoon season, some rain water that’s never been frozen may fall into Willow Springs Lake.
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