Here are the absolute coolest things to do in Arizona this summer

admin 0 Comments May 12, 2023

, 2023-05-12 08:03:58,

Long summer days are the perfect time to ramble around this remarkable state looking for fun. In Arizona, we have a little bit of everything.

Cool off in the mountains. Explore a shady slot canyon. Camp and fish at a picturesque lake. Enjoy an adventure at a big family playground. Attend a colorful festival or a thrilling street race. You can even hang out with celebrities in a Wild West town.

So think about how you’d like to spend these languid days and then just aim your vehicle accordingly. Here are a few ideas to help start your summer off right.

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Mogollon Rim: Camp and catch a fish at Willow Springs Lake

The 150-acre lake, ringed by pine, oak and fir trees, is stocked regularly with trout from spring through fall. The 7,600-foot elevation provides a welcome relief from desert heat.

If you’d like to drop a line, an Arizona fishing license is required. The upper ends of the two long coves of the lake are good spots to try for rainbow and brown trout. The lake also supports a population of largemouth and smallmouth bass. Boats are limited to 10 horsepower and a paved ramp provides easy access.

Sinkhole Campground is within walking distance of the water. With 26 sites, it includes tent camping, picnic tables and vault toilets for $20 per night. The Canyon Point Campground (113 sites, 32 with electricity) is 5 miles away. It includes picnic tables, showers, flush toilets and drinking water. $28 for nonelectric sites, $33 for electric. There are some first come, first served sites at both campgrounds. Make reservations by calling 877-444-6777 or at www.recreation.gov.

Details: From Payson, drive east on State Route 260 for about 30 miles to the signed turnoff at Forest Road 149. 928-333-6280, www.fs.usda.gov/asnf.