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Palo Verde Boating Site

Palo Verde is a boat launching site near the beautiful Canyon Lake. Palo Verde allows users to picnic, fish, and enjoy general boating activities in one of Arizona’s most scenic reservoirs. Recreationalists can enjoy the day around the water during a hot summer to cool off, photograph the gorgeous surrounding mountains, or try to catch some of our native Arizona fish at the water’s edge.

General Information

Year round

Day use only; no overnight camping allowed

The links below provide additional information on pricing and purchasing information.

Tonto Daily Pass (and Watercraft Sticker, if required). Available at Tonto National Forest Offices and retail vendors (please call for availability).
Tonto Discovery Pass. Available at Tonto National Forest Offices.
Tonto Fee Machine Pass. Please be prepared to pay with DEBIT or CREDIT card.

Restrictions

No overnight camping
Boat trailers under 28'
Glass containers are prohibited at the Canyon Lake area.
No drinking water available.
On most weekends and holidays April-October, Canyon Lake reaches its maximum boating capacity early in the day and no additional boats are allowed in. Be prepared for delays in boat access during summer weekends.
Arrange for boat sanitation pump-out at Canyon Lake Marina (480) 944-6504.

Day Use:
$8 per vehicle per day (purchased at Tonto NF Office or Retail Vendor)
$12 per vehicle per day (purchased on-site at Tonto Fee Machine)
$80 per annual
$60 per senior & access annual
Tonto Watercraft Sticker: $4 per motorized watercraft, if required

Front view of the Mesa Ranger Station building with a clear sky in the background.

Address: 5140 E Ingram St, Mesa, AZ 85205
Phone: (480) 610-3300
Hours: Open Mon. - Fri. 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (closed noon to 12:30 p.m.) Passes, permits and products not sold after 4 p.m. Closed Saturday and Sunday (Closed on federal holidays)

Getting There

Latitude / Longitude

Latitude: 33.536583

Longitude: -111.429342

Directions

This site is 14 miles northeast of Apache Junction on Arizona State Hwy. 88 (historic “Apache Trail”). From Mesa, take US 60 to the Idaho Road exit. Go north on Idaho Road to State Hwy. 88 and turn right. After crossing the first bridge at the lake, watch for the Palo Verde sign and turn left into the site. The entire route is paved with narrow, sharp curves and traffic is heavy. View and download a map.