Parker Canyon Lake in Arizona

Trip Overview

This is an update to a report I used for kayaking on Parker Canyon Lake. It was filed by PatriotBliss, in Nov.2004 (view here), a very accurate report with just a few updates.

The highway 83 that you drive to lake, is completely paved now, no dirt roads! The highway south of Canelo, does narrow to almost one lane, it does twist and turn, so go at a reasonable speed. You will meet on coming traffic, and both of you will need to move far to the right, or pull over.

Temperatures were in the high 80's to low 90's for late June, the lake elevation is 5400 feet above sea level. A much better climate than Tucson's 115F temperatures this time of year. There is a small island at the very north end of the lake, a great place for lunch, relaxing, or bird watching!

On my return trip to the docks, the wind picked up,and made the return trip a real work out! Overall, a great day paddle trip, I highly recommend it, great fishing I'm also told!

Fees:

No fees of any kind.

Directions:

From Tucson,take I-10 East to Exit 281,State Route 83,go about 60 miles south through Sonoita, and follow the signs to Parker Canyon Lake!

Resources:

I did Google "Parker Canyon Lake," and came up with more details and history of the lake. Well worth a look.