C.C. Cragin (Blue Ridge) Reservoir

Area Status: Open

NOTE: ROAD ACCESS IS OPEN; ROAD IS VERY ROUGH - 4-WHEEL DRIVE RECOMMENDED

This narrow, winding body of water looks more like a canyon-bound river than a lake. Be aware that this is a canyon lake--meaning there is very little shore access around the entire reservoir. The sides of the canyon that create this reservoir are steep and there are not any sandy shores like you might expect at a traditional lake with shoreline, which makes this reservoir a destination mainly for people kayaking, canoeing, and fishing.

Anglers can catch rainbow trout here, stocked by the Arizona Game and Fish Department. Green Sunfish were illegally introduced to C.C. Cragin Reservoir. There is no limit for Green Sunfish and the AGFD is asking that you immediately kill any Green Sunfish caught in C.C. Cragin Reservoir or East Clear Creek to help with the survival of and improve the trout fishery. Other types of recreation include sightseeing, wildlife watching, hiking, and mountain biking, but don't expect any wide open shores for sunbathing and swimming.

C.C. Cragin Reservoir is an important water source for the town of Payson, Arizona. Forest thinning and prescribed burning in the area under the Cragin Watershed Protection Project is helping to protect this valuable water source and improve forest health in the area. C.C. Cragin Dam was built in 1965 by Phelps Dodge, and later transferred to the Salt River Project (SRP). Learn more about the reservoir's history on SRP's history of C.C. Cragin dam and reservoir.

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At a Glance

Current Conditions:	Road access to the Resevoir is OPEN..
Area Amenities:	Boat ramp,Toilets,Parking
Usage:	Medium-Heavy
Restrictions:	Boats are restricted to a single electric motor or a single gasoline engine 10 horsepower or less. No vehicles over 22 feet long on FR 751 in restricted area southeast of Rock Crossing Campground. No vehicles with trailers in excess of 50 feet overall in restricted area. No parking except in designated parking spaces on FR 751 in restricted area. No swimming within 50 feet of a boat ramp or dock. See the Forest Order for details, map, and background information on the parking, vehicle length, and swimming restrictions.
Closest Towns:	Happy Jack, AZ
Operated By:	Mogollon Rim District - 928-477-2255

General Information

Directions:

Location: 63 miles south of Flagstaff on a graveled forest road.

GPS (Map): 34°33'16.6"N 111°11'47.4"W

Access: Drive 55 miles south of Flagstaff to Clints Well on Forest Highway 3 (Lake Mary Road). Turn northeast (left) about 4 miles on AZ 87 to FR 751 then southeast about 6 more miles to the reservoir. All roads are paved except FR 751 which is graveled and suitable for passenger cars in most weather. In wintertime, FR 751 is closed and the reservoir is not accessible.

General Notes:

Campground Season: Memorial Day to mid-fall. (Rock Crossing Campground is 4 miles from the reservoir on FR 751.)

Attractions: Fishing, boating, hiking, sightseeing, wildlife viewing, photography

Facilities: 32 single unit campsites and 2 double unit sites with tables, fire rings, and cooking grills at Rock Crossing Campground, drinking water at the campgrounds, toilets (self-composting), boat ramp, hiking trails nearby.

Notes:

Observe boat ramp rules posted by Arizona Game and Fish:
- No parking on boat ramp. Wait for next available space.
- Boat launch area has a 5 minute maximum vehicle use.
- No swimming at the boat launch. Do not block or interfere with boat launching.
- Use the make-ready area to prepare before using boat launch.
Helpful Links:
- Handbook of Boating Laws and Responsibilities (boat-ed.com)
- Vessel and Engine Restrictions in Arizona (AZ-G&F regulations)
- Arizona Game and Fish Department