HIGH ELEVATION PADDLING

Paddling Scott Reservoir & Show Low Lake by Moonlight

SCOTT RESERVOIR

I have lived in the White Mountains for over 25 years now and this summer was the first time I ever kayaked Scott Reservoir. To be honest, I never saw it with this much water before. Between the drought and irrigation, it always looked like just a puddle to me. Occasionally, I would hike past it while trekking the Ice Cave Trail but I never knew that it is a great place to kayak.

Many of its inhabitants were at their best the day I kayaked. I saw an egret, a great blue heron, an osprey nest with a chick in it, a beaver dam and I watched a performance by some perching cormorants.

Scott Reservoir isn’t very big but you can paddle around it a few times and the workout is incredible. For such a small area, the waves are pretty big and the current that carries the water to Show Low Creek and then to Show Low Lake gets stronger as you approach the west side of the Reservoir. Porter Mountain is silhouetted against the northern horizon to create another one of the White Mountain’ss scenic views.

I made a couple of loops around the lake, watching both creatures and people fishing and then headed for the boat ramp. There are parking and camping and picnic tables in this area but the public bathrooms are closed.

From PInetop, Scott Reservoir is located on Porter Mountain Road before the road splits with Penrod Road (across from the Hungry Buffalo Restaurant). The road turns right and is a dirt road. The boat ramp in on the right.a different source.

UNDER A FULL MOON AT SHOW LOW LAKE

Have you ever kayaked or canoed under a full moon? It is one of the most serene experiences you’ll ever have. My husband loaded up the canoe during July 4th’s full moon and we headed to Show Low Lake. Not only did we see the moon rise but we experienced an incredible sunset over the water as the sun descended behind the Ponderosas. We watched great blue herons catching fish and one diving osprey snag one right in front of us. The water was so smooth and peaceful — until the fireworks started. Then we enjoyed the Show Low fireworks display. Although it was from a distance and it took some maneuvering to keep the canoe in one place, it was a great show.

At an elevation of 6,500 feet and covering an area of 100 acres, Show Low Lake is great for kayaking and canoeing. It is located in Show Low, Arizona and is close enough to town for a quick day of boating. With rock cliffs and towering Ponderosas, it is a beautiful escape from the city. Boating is permitted on Show Low Lake in electric boats or gas engine boats with a maximum of 10 horsepower. Boat rentals are on first-come-first-serve basis.

Go to www.campshowlowlake.com for boat rental pricing and for camping.

Show Low Lake has the best Walleye fishing in Arizona, winning the last five Walleye state records, including the last record of 16 pounds, 2 ounces, caught in this lake. Other fish that can be caught in Show Low Lake include: Rainbow Trout, Bluegill, Green Sunfish, Channel Catfish, Smallmouth Bass and Largemouth Bass. You can also see a great variety of wildlife including eagles, waterfowl and herons.

Show Low Lake is located on Show Low Lake Road (between Walmart and Summit Health Care).

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