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Woods Canyon Lake Area Boating Site

Woods Canyon Lake is a 50 acre fishing lake developed by the Arizona Game and Fish Department in 1958.  The lake is located on the Mogollon Rim approximately 30 miles east of Payson. The lake is regularly stocked with Rainbow and Tiger Trout and offers a marina for all types of boat rentals as well as a public boat launch.  Only small boats with electric trolling motors or paddle craft are allowed. No gas motors are allowed in Woods Canyon Lake.  

General Information

This is a very popular lake during the summer months.  If parking is unavailable near the store and lake, visitors can park on top the hill above the lake in a large over-flow lot.  

Only well mannered dogs are allowed at Woods Canyon Lake. All dogs must be kept on a leash that is the proper strength for the dog breed. 

Contact Name: Black Mesa Ranger District

Contact Phone: (928)535-7300

Getting There

Latitude / Longitude

Latitude: 34.33388056

Longitude: -110.9429944

Directions

From Payson, travel east on Arizona State Highway 260 to Milepost 282, when the highway tops out on the Mogollon Rim, turn left (north) onto Forest Road 300 (Rim Road) and travel a little over 3 miles to Forest Road 105. Turn right onto FR 105 and follow it for one mile where it ends at the lake.  

Travel Considerations

During the winter, once there is adequate snow on the ground the Rim Lakes Recreation Area, including Woods Canyon Lake closes to wheeled motor vehicles and opens for winter snow activities. 

Facility and Amenity Information

Accessibility

The shore line of this lake is not considered wheelchair accessible, however the store parking lot and vault toilets are accessible. 

Restrooms

Restrooms are available at this site.

Water

Potable water is available at this site.

Potable water is available in the area as is bottled water from Woods Canyon Lake Store.

Recreation Opportunities

Hiking Info

The Woods Canyon Lake Loop Trail is just under 4 miles around the lake and offers a 1 1/2 - 2 hour leisurely walk through pine forest along the shore of the lake.  

Last updated September 22, 2025