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Lyman Lake, Arizona, USA

Also known as:  Lyman Reservoir

Mount Baldy and Escudilla Mountain hug Lyman Lake. Ridges from the second and third highest mountains in Arizona surround the 1500-acre reservoir. Located in northeastern Arizona, Lyman Lake is smack dab in the middle of the 1200-acre state park bearing the same name. Lyman Lake was created by damming the Little Colorado River. The first dam, built of earth and rock, was completed in 1912. It was…
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    • All About Lyman Lake, AZ

    Lake Locations: USA - US Southwest Region - Arizona - Northern Arizona -

    Mount Baldy and Escudilla Mountain hug Lyman Lake. Ridges from the second and third highest mountains in Arizona surround the 1500-acre reservoir. Located in northeastern Arizona, Lyman Lake is smack dab in the middle of the 1200-acre state park bearing the same name.

    Lyman Lake was created by damming the Little Colorado River. The first dam, built of earth and rock, was completed in 1912. It was rebuilt in 1915 after a collapse.

    The water stored in the reservoir was originally intended for irrigation. It is fed by snowmelt from the surrounding mountains which are a part of a 790-square-mile watershed that reaches into New Mexico.

    In addition to irrigation, Lyman Lake has also become a big draw for water sport enthusiasts. It is one of the only bodies of water in northeastern Arizona that does not have size restrictions on motor boats. The west end of the lake is designated a no wake zone (5 miles per hour) so anglers have the opportunity to reel in one of the lake’s legendary largemouth bass or channel catfish without being disturbed by speedboats or water-skiers.

    In addition to largemouth bass and channel catfish; anglers have a chance to reel in green sunfish, carp and a few walleye.

    In 2002 the Arizona Game and Fish Department issued a mercury warning in reference to eating fish caught in Lyman Lake. Check with the Arizona State Parks for conditions and any warnings at Lyman.

    Water levels fluctuate at Lyman Lake because the water is drawn down for irrigation. At full pond the average depth of the warm water reservoir is 22 feet. At its deepest, the lake is 57 feet.

    Water-skiing and pleasure boating are popular pastimes on the wide open portions of the lake. Canoeists and swimmers also enjoy the Lyman Lake waters. On shore there is horseback riding and hiking.

    The Lyman Lake State Park Visitors Center details, in its exhibits, archeology sites and prehistoric ruins found in the park. Petroglyphs, rock art, dating from 6000 BC to 300 AD, are visible via the trails. Some are even accessible by water.

    Lyman Lake State Park is open all year. Arizona’s first state park opened in 1961. It has grown to include 23 tent camping sites, 38 RV sites with water, sewer and electric, four cabins, and four tent-like structures called yurts. Restrooms and bathhouses are also included in the amenities.
    More vacation rentals are available in and around the cities of Saint Johns and Springerville.

    Lyman Lake is located 11 miles south of Saint Johns and 17 miles north of Springerville in the White Mountains area of Arizona. The area is rich in history. Just five miles away is the Raven Site Indian Ruins. Springerville is home to the Casa Malpais ruins, occupied by the Mogollon People for 200 years until they mysteriously abandoned their homes around 1400 AD.

    The Kinishba Ruins are accessible by visiting the White Mountain Cultural Center and Museum. The ruins area located about four miles west of Fort Apache. They were occupied by Zuni and Hopi ancestors until around 1400 AD.

    The White Mountains area is a four season destination. 47 miles south of Lyman Lake in Greer, is one of Arizona’s premiere snow skiing resorts. If you head about 55 miles north of Lyman Lake to the City of Holbrook, you will find The Petrified Forest National Park and Painted Desert.

    The climate is pleasant year round. Temperatures in the mid-40s to lower 50s are the norm in the winter. The lower 80s are the normal high during the peak summer season.

    Things to Do at Lyman Lake

    These are some activities in the Lyman Lake, AZ area visitors can enjoy:

    • Vacation Rentals
    • Fishing
    • Boating
    • Swimming
    • Canoeing
    • Water Skiing
    • Camping
    • Cabin Rentals
    • Hiking
    • Downhill Skiing
    • Horseback Riding
    • State Park
    • National Park
    • Museum
    • Ruins

    What Kind of Fish Are in Lyman Lake?

    Lyman Lake has been known to have the following fish species:

    • Bass
    • Black Bass
    • Carp
    • Catfish
    • Channel Catfish
    • Largemouth Bass
    • Perch
    • Sunfish
    • Walleye
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    Find Places to Stay at Lyman Lake

    If you’re considering a Lyman Lake lake house rental or hotel, we’ve made it super easy to find the best rates and compare vacation accommodations at a glance. Save time using this interactive map below.

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    More Sites to Book a Lyman Lake Vacation

    Our interactive Lyman Lake lodging map above is an easy tool for comparing VRBO rental homes and nearby hotels with Booking.com, but there could be times when you need to expand your search for different types of accommodations. Here are some other lake lodging partners we recommend:

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    Lyman Lake Statistics & Helpful Links

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    Lake Type: Artificial Reservoir, Dammed

    Water Level Control: Lyman Irrigation Company

    Surface Area: 1,500 acres

    Shoreline Length: 20 miles

    Normal Elevation (Full Pond): 5,980 feet

    Average Depth: 22 feet

    Maximum Depth: 57 feet

    Water Volume: 30,810 acre-feet

    Completion Year: 1915

    Drainage Area: 790 sq. miles

    Trophic State: Eutrophic

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