LYMAN LAKE STATE PARK

Explore hiking trails, fishing holes and campsites at this pristine mountain lake.

At the far eastern edge of the state, Lyman Lake offers an outdoor getaway for visitors who want to drop off the grid. Located between the towns of St. Johns and Springerville, this area of Arizona is less trafficked than other natural areas of the state. Expect a remote hideaway with fewer people and distractions, but like all areas in Arizona, visitors can also count on an experience overflowing with natural wonders and ties to the past.

Water Sports

Lyman Lake is one of the few bodies of water in Arizona with no size restrictions on boats. This refreshing reservoir created along the Little Colorado River is large enough to allow visitors to open up the throttle. Set off on the expansive lake to enjoy the thrill of waterskiing, Jet Skiing and powerboating, or throttle down and cast a line for walleye, channel catfish and largemouth bass. The west end of the lake features a no-wake zone reserved for anglers to catch the daily limit undisturbed.

Trails

Located on ancestral lands of the Hopi and Zuni tribal communities, Lyman Lake preserves many cultural connections to the past. Visitors walking along the Peninsula Petroglyph Trail can potentially spot some 200 rock art carvings along 2 miles of connected loop trails. Buffalo Trail and Pointe Overlook Trail add another 3 miles of exploration through the stark and colorful landscapes. Plan ahead to schedule a guided seasonal tour to Rattlesnake Point Pueblo, one of many Ancestral Pueblo structures found along waterways in Central and Northeastern Arizona that date back to the 1300s.

Campsites

The on-site market and outfitter make it easy for visitors to park, unload and take it easy. Lakeside ramadas provide shade in this otherwise exposed area dotted with juniper scrub. Visitors planning to stay the night choose from more than 60 campsites including RV sites and cabin rentals with lake views. Lyman Lake makes a great home base for four-season recreation in the area. To the north, explore the parched plains and canyonlands that include Petrified Forest National Park. To the south, set off on mountain adventures along the Mogollon Rim, including winter skiing at Sunrise Park Resort.