Chevelon Canyon Lake

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Chevelon Canyon Lake
Location	Arizona
Coordinates	34°30′40″N, 110°49′30″WCoordinates: 34°30′40″N, 110°49′30″W
Lake type	reservoir
Primary inflows	Chevelon Creek
Primary outflows	Chevelon Creek
Basin countries	United States
Surface area	208 acres (84 ha)
Average depth	35 ft (11 m)
Max. depth	80 ft (24 m)
Surface elevation	6,368 ft (1,941 m)

Chevelon Canyon Lake is a small lake located in northern Arizona, about 15 mi (24 km) west of the city of Heber. It is one in a series of small, canyon-bound lakes located on the Mogollon Rim, collectively referred to as the Rim Lakes. It is among the most difficult to access in the region. It is also the second reservoir on Chevelon Creek, downstream from Woods Canyon Lake.

Chevelon Canyon Lake is small and moderately deep, having an average depth of 35 ft (11 m) and a surface area of 208 acres (84 ha). The long, narrow lake is formed by an earthen dam impounding the Chevelon Creek in the eponymous Chevelon Canyon. It was constructed in 1965 as part of a flood control and recreational project.

The lake, in spite of its relative proximity to the town of Heber, is only accessible via 30 mi (48 km) miles of unpaved forest road, much of which is difficult or impossible to pass due to heavy winter snowfalls between November and April. There is no direct road access to the lake, the final .75 mi (1.21 km) segment being closed to vehicular access and requires a short hike. As the road does not access the lake, boating is limited to small, light canoes or personal flotation devices that can be carried in.^[1]

Amenities are limited to primitive campsites.^[2] In spite of the lake's remoteness and lack of access, it is a premier fishing location due to its stock of rainbow and brown trout.^[3]