Canyon Lake
Canyon Lake is the smallest of the lakes in the Salt River Complex. Canyon Lake was formed by the building of the Mormon Flat Dam in 1925. The Marina has a restaurant and you can take an old-fashioned paddleboat ferry around the lake.
Across the highway from the Marina are some hiking trails that take you into the Superstition Wilderness Area. The lake is approximately – miles from downtown Mesa. If you drive past the Marina there is a nice swimming area and boat launch. If you like to fish the lake is stocked with largemouth bass, rainbow trout, and channel catfish.
Canyon Lake is part of the Tonto National Forest so you will need to purchase a Tonto Pass ($6) available at most convenience stores or drive down the road to Tortilla Flat where you can purchase one at the general store. There is also camping area with over 40 spaces available (Open October through April).