Boulder Day Use Area

Area Status: Open

Four wheeler on desert road
USDA Forest Service photo.

The Boulder recreation site is located on Canyon Lake just south of the Canyon Lake Marina. Boulder offers a fun get-a-way close to a very popular area during the summer months. At this site, individuals can fish off of the dock or launch a non-motorized boat and paddle in the area. Picnicking units are available with grills, tables, and restrooms. Boulder is perfect for families and friends getting together for a day in the sun.

At a Glance

Operational Hours:	Day Use Only
Open Season:	Year round
Restrictions:	One day stay limit. Glass containers are prohibited at Canyon Lake area. Please use trash receptacles. No motorized watercraft.
Closest Towns:	Apache Junction, Canyon Lake Marina
Water:	Not Available
Restroom:	Vault Toilets. Pathways are paved with 5% slope in some areas
Passes:	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. America the Beautiful Pass. Available at Tonto National Forest Offices and online at USGS.gov. Tonto Fee Machine Pass. Nearest locations fee machine location is Palo Verde. Debit or Credit only.
Information Center:	Mesa Ranger District (480) 610-3300

General Information

Directions:

This site is 15 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. Prior to reaching the second bridge at the lake on State Hwy. 88; turn right into the site. The entire route is paved with narrow, sharp curves and the traffic is heavy.

View and download a map.

Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Lake and Pond Fishing

Canyon Lake Fish Species: Rainbow Trout; Largemouth, Smallmouth and Yellow Bass; Crappie; Sunfish; Channel and Flathead Catfish; Walleye

Fishing Mode	pier/dock, boat, no motor
Fishing Platform	pier/dock
Accessible Platform	pier/dock

Picnicking

There are four shade ramadas with several picnic tables under each one. The two closest shade ramadas to the parking lot have accessible tables and grills.