The magnificent Rose Canyon Lake is situated 48 kilometers northeast of Tucson, Arizona. The six-acre lake is tucked away in a scenic stand of mature Ponderosa pine forest high on the slope of the Santa Catalina Mountains near Mt. Lemmon. Rose Canyon Lake is a small ecologically fragile reservoir, but it is famous for trout fishing.
The lake’s altitude is about 7,000 feet, much cooler than the lower-elevation campgrounds in the area. The lake soothes the human spirit. The lake is filled with rain and snowmelt.  However, during a drought, the water level may be low. But when the water is abundant, it spills out of the lake and travels downstream.
A charming natural point attracts thousands of people to be here with their family and friends to spend a day or night between tall trees and rocky slopes lined up the shore, reflected in the lake’s sheltered waters. It is only one hour from Tucson to drive up to the Rose Canyon Campground. The lake is a perfect spot in the summer to escape the heat and bustle of the city. It could be blown away from the entire area; the campground is widespread and full on weekends. But the reward is so awesome.
The Coronado National Forest covers 1.78 million acres of southeastern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico. The elevations range from 3,000 to 10,720 feet in twelve widely scattered mountain ranges that rise dramatically from the desert floor, supportive of biologically diverse plant communities. A beautifully paved road along the Rose Canyon Campground leads to a small parking area, a little walk from the water.
Moreover, the rainbow trout is large enough to catch and take home and is usually released in the lake about once a month from April through the end of August. Because the water temperatures are a bit too warm for these cold-water fish.Â
Make sure you have a valid fishing license. It is not allowed to swim, boat, or camp at the lake. Although 43 sites are already available for camping on a first-come, first-served basis,. However, your dogs should be kept on a leash. All stocking and fishing regulations are managed by Arizona Game and Fish, which publishes the current stocking schedule.
Trail of Rose Canyon Lake
The Lake Trail #37 leads around the sedate water’s edge and offers an excellent opportunity for nature photography, bird watching, wildlife, and strolling. A one-mile trail around the lake is convenient for anglers, hikers, and mountain bikers. If you’re a nature lover, then it is an ideal place to sit on the downed logs close to the lake water to relish the moments with a snack and relaxing meditation.
Rose Canyon Lake is sheltered by amazing pine trees that provide a pleasant setting for a stroll in the woods, relaxing on the shore, or spending an afternoon fishing for stocked trout. Don’t forget to bring your basic fishing gear. No matter if you forget, the nearby store carries bait, tackle, fishing poles, fishing licenses, camp supplies, firewood, rainponchos, cold drinks, sundry groceries, ice creams, chocolates, ice creams, and candies. Rose Canyon Lake offers many recreational opportunities, including hiking, camping, picnicking, bird-watching, botanizing, and fishing in a lovely forest setting.
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