Dolly Steamboat Ride along Canyon Lake

The boat leaves three times a day (in winter months) and takes you along the Canyon Lake shoreline for 45 minutes each way (only $20 / person). A very scenic ride and well worth it. We didn't see the wildlife (summer time you tend to see more) such as Big Horn Sheep, Javelina (wild pigs), coyote, bobcat and bald eagles.
Canyon lake was originally formed by the Mormon Lake Dam on Salt River - one of four reservoirs formed from damming; Apache Lake, Roosevelt Lk, and Canyon Lk and below, Saguaro Lk.

16 species of Hummingbirds have been recorded in Arizona alone.

Fishing in Canyon Lk - species includes walleye, catfish, crappie, largemouth bass, yellow bass, trout and bluegill. Come Mid-late April and through summer, this lake is 'infested' by boaters. There are several camping spots along the way (via water vessel only) but you would have to consider the nightime critters out there!

Canyon Lake is approximately a 40 minute drive from Mesa, depending on traffic along the winding road. This lake was the first along our loop around the Apache Trail, including Tortilla Flats and Roosevelt Dam.