Photos and Text by Annemarie Eveland

 

It was one of those perfectly perfect days. The skies were clear and blue, the air soft with a hint of coolness. The kind of day that begs you to go outdoors and enjoy the beauty of nature. So, I gathered up my faithful black four-legged companion and headed east on 260 Highway. It took less than 40 minutes of leisurely driving to arrive at the turn-off to Woods Canyon Lake. It’s easy to see as it has signage and is across the highway from the Apache Sitgreaves Ranger Station.
Turning into the entrance, I followed the paved road past campgrounds and day-use areas. Then, took a right turn down to the lake. Woods Canyon Lake is the first reservoir on Chevelon Creek, which is upstream from Chevelon Canyon Lake. I am told it is about a fifty-five-acre lake and is formed by an earthen dam. The lake is routinely stocked with tasty rainbow trout. 

Before I turned down to the lake, however, I could not resist the spectacular views of the valley below. So, I stopped and pulled off the road to one of the scenic overlooks, where my little buddy and I rested on a rock and looked over the magnificent verdant and pristine forested valley below, noting the tiny winding asphalt road that appeared in the distance. Amusing to note is that shortly before, we were part of the autos moving on that road below.

The lake was mild looking and to be an easy walk. It seemed to be larger when I walked around it, though. On the trail that surrounds the lake, you will pass the pine forest, luscious greenery, and be surprised by all the colorful flowers and little critters scurrying about, like chipmunks, squirrels, and fluttering birds.

As I walked, I could see the water was clear and pristine, a welcoming sight. The breezes of cool air reminded me of our elevation of over 7,600’. I bypassed the little lake store and the kayaks and canoes that waited patiently at the dock for visitors to rent. No, I was more afoot and pleased to have the simplicity of my walk. 

On this walk, I discovered that the hiking trail around this lake is deceiving in appearance. It has many “fingers” if you are walking around it. So, the walk is a lot longer than it appears at first glance. I learned later from one worker at the lake that the lake hike is actually 5.2 miles around. This dispelled the original casual information I got from a friend who thought it to be about l.5 miles! I had also heard it was a 3.7-mile hike. Go figure!

The trail is marked with blue diamond-shaped metal tags on the trees, but if you walk close to the water, you may be rock hopping more than you intended. On my walk, I discovered two people sitting upright in blue shelter-like seats. They told me they were on “eagle watch.” At that time, the eagles although high up in tree tops in their nests, were sheltering young and “were not to be disturbed.” It pleased me to know that people take care of our precious nature, especially since it is the symbol of our America.

Whatever you choose to enjoy while at Woods Canyon Lake, you won’t be disappointed. We packed a little picnic and found picnic tables that were dispersed around the area very conveniently. Also, there is a restroom, and most likely the squirrels will be there eager to grab any little morsels of food you happen to drop. 
May your day outing be pleasurable, and I hope you take home happy memories and leave only your footprints.