Roosevelt Lake

Roosevelt Lake offers many amenities – boat ramps, convenience store, marina (with restaurant and bar), and many gazebos for picnicking. Being the first lake on the Salt River, it is quite open with no canyons (at least that I saw) – a very different terrain than Canyon and Saguaro (I have not yet had the opportunity to visit Apache Lake). The water was so blue and I could tell the lake’s surface would be great for a relaxing boat ride or testing the speed of your jet skis. For you anglers, there are also some calmer waters to enjoy fishing. Having visited in early spring, the lake was starting to allure the locals.  With the temps already rising in the Phoenix area, people were ready to cool off!

If you listen to our Wonders of Water podcast, our first season is all about Embracing the Journey (If you haven’t listened, I highly recommend doing so!).  I decided to embark on a solo journey. I needed to decompress after a hard week and decided a short road trip and lake visit was just what I needed. Located two hours outside of Phoenix, I decided not to take my watercraft and just enjoy the area on land and by car. 

The Journey (okay drive, I won’t be too dramatic)

The drive to Roosevelt Lake is beautiful, especially from Gold Canyon to Superior. Expect to be seduced by the Sonoran Desert as the route offers panoramic views of the rugged landscape with towering mountains in the distance. The wildflowers were in full bloom so there was more color present than I would expect during the summer months. It's important to note that there aren't many gas stations along the way, so make sure your fuel tank is full before venturing out into the remote parts of Arizona (I don’t want to call myself out here, but I am glad I looked beforehand or my trip would have looked much different).

The drive was very peaceful and I loved seeing the small towns of Superior and Miami just before driving through the Queen Creek Tunnel – a path carved through the mountain which added to the adventure. It was great to see small towns near Roosevelt Lake. The residential communities were surprising to me as they are non-existent near Saguaro or Canyon Lake. In talking with the lake manager, it sounds like, unfortunately, it is nearly impossible to buy housing nearby as it is all inhabited by many retirees.

Roosevelt Lake Bridge and Dam

There are many places where you can picnic at the lake. I opted for an easy lunch, so I grabbed a sandwich and ate at a look out point just past the bridge (in front of the dam). The Roosevelt Lake Bridge is an iconic structure and offers stunning views of the lake and surrounding landscape. It is a must-see attraction for visitors. From the bridge, you can catch a glimpse of the impressive Theodore Roosevelt Dam, a marvel of engineering that stands as a testament to human ingenuity. I am always impressed by what was accomplished in the early 20th century. I went to the Roosevelt Dam lookout and took some pictures of the dam and bridge. The bridge appears to be a popular spot for boaters drop anchor and sunbathe or swim while playing their music loud enough for all to hear.

As you drive along the shoreline, keep an eye out for the majestic Four Peaks towering in the distance. These iconic mountains serve as a stunning backdrop to the shimmering waters of Roosevelt Lake, creating a perfect picture for a postcard.

When you need some time to unwind, there’s nothing quite like cruising on the open road and enjoying a scenic drive along the shores of Roosevelt Lake. Whether you're admiring the spectacular views, marveling at the engineering feat of the Theodore Roosevelt Dam, or simply soaking in the tranquility of the desert landscape, Roosevelt Lake offers something for everyone to enjoy.