Chevelon Canyon Lake Arizona Guide

Originally written by Tony Subia

Updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on October 6, 2026

Chevelon Canyon Lake is one of Arizona's most remote and scenic mountain lakes, tucked within a rugged canyon along the Mogollon Rim. Known for exceptional trout fishing, dramatic canyon scenery and a challenging hike-in approach, the lake rewards adventurous visitors with solitude and a true backcountry experience. Fishing, hiking, photography, kayaking and primitive camping make Chevelon Canyon Lake a distinctive destination for exploring Arizona's Rim Country and the Payson area lakes.

• Why Visit Chevelon Canyon Lake
• Things To Do
• Fishing
• Fish Species
• Boating
• Camping
• Best Time To Visit
• Know Before You Go
• Directions
• Map
• Nearby Rim Lakes
• Wildlife
• Road Conditions & Trip Preparation
• FAQ

Location & Description. Chevelon Canyon Lake is a remote hike-in lake surrounded by rugged canyon terrain and forest along Arizona's Mogollon Rim. Reaching the shoreline requires a steep hike of approximately three-quarters of a mile from the parking area, and the return climb can be strenuous when carrying fishing, camping or boating equipment. Visitors who make the trip are rewarded with scenic canyon views, forested shorelines, quiet surroundings and excellent opportunities for backcountry trout fishing.

Why Visit Chevelon Canyon Lake

Visitors come to Chevelon Canyon Lake for its solitude, rugged scenery and distinctive backcountry fishing experience. Rainbow and brown trout attract anglers willing to hike into the canyon, while the remote setting appeals to hikers, kayakers, wildlife watchers and photographers seeking a less-developed Arizona lake experience.

Chevelon Canyon Lake sits at an elevation of about 6,300 feet, approximately 15 miles west of Heber-Overgaard, Arizona and about 60 miles northeast of Payson, Arizona.

Things To Do At Chevelon Canyon Lake

• Trout Fishing: Fish for rainbow and brown trout in a remote backcountry setting.
• Hiking: Hike approximately three-quarters of a mile down a steep trail to reach the lake.
• Kayaking & Float Tubing: Carry lightweight watercraft to the lake for fishing and quiet exploration.
• Backcountry Camping: Enjoy primitive camping near the lake access area and elsewhere in the surrounding forest.
• Wildlife Viewing: Watch for elk, deer, birds and other wildlife in the canyon and surrounding forest.
• Photography: Capture rugged canyon walls, forest scenery and expansive lake views.
• Exploring The Mogollon Rim: Use the lake as part of a broader trip through Arizona's Rim Country.

Lake Size. Chevelon Canyon Lake covers approximately 208 surface acres, with an average depth of about 35 feet and a maximum depth of approximately 80 feet.

Fishing At Chevelon Canyon Lake

Chevelon Canyon Lake is known for rainbow and brown trout fishing in a remote backcountry setting. The hike-in access and limited boating pressure create a very different fishing experience from the more easily reached lakes along the Mogollon Rim. Anglers fish from shore, float tubes, kayaks and lightweight inflatable watercraft, with fly fishing and artificial lures popular choices.

Fishing regulations, bag limits and stocking practices can change. Anglers should check current Arizona Game and Fish regulations before fishing and carry a valid Arizona fishing license when required.

Fish Species In Chevelon Canyon Lake

Rainbow trout and brown trout are the primary sport fish at Chevelon Canyon Lake. The lake is particularly well known among anglers for its brown trout fishery, while rainbow trout provide additional fishing opportunities. Fish populations, stocking practices and regulations can change, so check current Arizona Game and Fish information before fishing.

• Rainbow Trout: A primary sport fish providing opportunities for both shore and boat anglers.
• Brown Trout: A major attraction for experienced anglers seeking larger trout.
• Fly Fishing: Popular with anglers fishing from shore, float tubes and lightweight watercraft.
• Fishing Regulations: Special fishing rules may apply, so check current Arizona Game and Fish regulations before fishing.
• Hike-In Access: Remote access generally results in less fishing and boating traffic than at more easily reached Rim lakes.

Boating At Chevelon Canyon Lake

Boating is possible at Chevelon Canyon Lake, but the hike-in access makes lightweight watercraft the practical choice. Kayaks, float tubes and inflatable boats are especially useful because they can be carried down the steep trail to the shoreline.

• Carry-In Access: Watercraft and equipment must be carried approximately three-quarters of a mile down the trail.
• Best Watercraft: Float tubes, kayaks and lightweight inflatable boats are the most practical choices.
• Low Boat Traffic: Difficult access helps keep boating activity relatively light.
• Current Rules: Check current boating and motor restrictions before transporting watercraft to the lake.

Camping & Amenities

Chevelon Canyon Lake Campground is a primitive campground near the trailhead with six sites and a vault toilet. Chevelon Crossing Campground, near Forest Road 504 and Forest Road 169, provides five additional primitive campsites and a vault toilet. Current Forest Service information lists both campgrounds as no-fee sites without potable water.

Services are limited, and seasonal snow or road closures can restrict access. Visitors should check current Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest conditions, fire restrictions and campground status before traveling.

Best Time To Visit Chevelon Canyon Lake

Is Spring A Good Time To Visit Chevelon Canyon Lake?

Spring can provide productive trout fishing and comfortable hiking temperatures once seasonal road access improves. Snow, mud and changing forest-road conditions can linger, so check current access before traveling.

What Is Chevelon Canyon Lake Like In Summer?

Summer brings warmer conditions and generally better road access for fishing, kayaking, hiking and camping. Afternoon thunderstorms can develop during Arizona's summer monsoon, so visitors should watch the weather closely.

Is Fall A Good Time To Visit Chevelon Canyon Lake?

Yes. Cooler temperatures, changing forest scenery and good trout-fishing opportunities make fall one of the most appealing seasons for visiting the lake.

Can You Visit Chevelon Canyon Lake In Winter?

Winter access can be difficult or unavailable because of snow and seasonal forest-road closures. Check current road and forest conditions before planning a winter trip.

Know Before You Go

• Prepare For The Hike: The trail to the lake is steep, and the return climb can be strenuous.
• Pack Light: Carry only essential fishing, boating and camping gear because everything must be carried back uphill.
• Bring Water: There are no developed services or reliable drinking-water facilities at the lake.
• Check Road Conditions: Forest roads can become rough, muddy or impassable after storms and during winter.
• Check Fishing Regulations: Review current Arizona Game and Fish regulations before fishing.
• Prepare For Limited Service: Cell phone coverage can be unreliable, so download maps and important information before traveling.

Directions To Chevelon Canyon Lake

From Heber-Overgaard: Travel north on Forest Road 504 for approximately 18 miles to Forest Road 169. Turn left onto FR 169 and continue approximately 9 miles to FR 169B. Turn left onto FR 169B and travel about 2 miles to the Chevelon Canyon Lake Campground and parking area. From there, visitors must hike approximately three-quarters of a mile down the trail to reach the lake.

From Payson: Travel east on Highway 260 toward the Mogollon Rim and use the appropriate forest-road access toward Forest Road 300 and Forest Road 169. Forest-road conditions and closures can change seasonally, so verify the current route and road conditions before traveling.

Chevlon Canyon Lake Area Map

This regional map shows Chevlon Canyon Lake and surrounding Rim Country communities, highways and recreation areas. Use it for general orientation together with current navigation and road-condition information when planning individual trips.

Nearby Rim Lakes To Explore

• Woods Canyon Lake: A popular Rim Lake with easy access and strong trout fishing.
• Willow Springs Lake: Known for boating, kayaking, and fishing.
• Knoll Lake: A quieter forest lake ideal for camping and fishing.
• Black Canyon Lake: A remote lake offering peaceful trout fishing.

What Makes Chevelon Canyon Lake Unique?

Unlike many Arizona lakes with convenient vehicle access, Chevelon Canyon Lake requires visitors to hike approximately three-quarters of a mile down a steep canyon trail. That extra effort helps preserve the lake's quiet atmosphere and remote character. Rugged canyon walls, forested slopes, trout fishing and relatively light recreational traffic make Chevelon one of the more distinctive backcountry lake experiences along Arizona's Mogollon Rim.

Wildlife Around Chevelon Canyon Lake

The forests and canyon surrounding Chevelon Canyon Lake provide habitat for a variety of Arizona wildlife. Animals visitors may encounter include elk, mule deer, wild turkey, coyotes and bobcats, while bald eagles, hawks, osprey and other birds may also be seen around the lake and forest. Early mornings and evenings can provide good opportunities for wildlife viewing. Observe animals from a safe distance and properly secure food while camping.

Access, Road Conditions & Trip Preparation

Forest roads leading to Chevelon Canyon Lake can become rough after heavy rain or snowfall, and winter road closures are common. Because all boats and fishing gear must be carried down a steep trail, visitors should pack only essential equipment and wear sturdy hiking shoes. Cell phone service can be limited throughout the area, so downloading maps before leaving home is recommended. Carry plenty of drinking water, especially during warmer months.

Chevelon Canyon Lake FAQ

How Difficult Is The Hike To Chevelon Canyon Lake?

The trail is approximately three-quarters of a mile long and fairly steep. The hike back to the parking area can be strenuous, particularly when carrying fishing, camping or boating equipment.

Can Kayaks Be Used On Chevelon Canyon Lake?

Yes. Lightweight kayaks, float tubes and inflatable boats are practical choices because they can be carried down the hiking trail more easily than heavier watercraft.

What Fish Are Found In Chevelon Canyon Lake?

Rainbow trout and brown trout are the primary sport fish. Fish populations, stocking practices and fishing regulations can change, so anglers should check current Arizona Game and Fish information before visiting.

Is Chevelon Canyon Lake Suitable For Families?

Families with older children who are comfortable with hiking and backcountry recreation may enjoy the lake, but the steep trail and lack of developed lakeside facilities can make the trip challenging for very young children.

Is Camping Available At Chevelon Canyon Lake?

Yes. Primitive camping is available nearby at Chevelon Canyon Lake Campground and Chevelon Crossing Campground. Facilities are basic, and visitors should verify current campground and road conditions before traveling.

Are There Restroom Facilities At Chevelon Canyon Lake?

Vault toilets are available at the nearby campgrounds, but there are no developed visitor facilities at the lake itself.

Is Drinking Water Available At Chevelon Canyon Lake?

Visitors should bring their own drinking water. Current Forest Service campground information lists no potable water at Chevelon Canyon Lake Campground or Chevelon Crossing Campground.

When Is The Best Time To Fish Chevelon Canyon Lake?

Spring and fall can provide comfortable hiking temperatures and productive trout-fishing opportunities, although fishing and access conditions vary with weather, water conditions and seasonal road access.

Do I Need An Arizona Fishing License?

Arizona anglers age 10 and older generally need a valid fishing license when fishing public waters unless a specific exemption applies. Anglers should also review current Arizona Game and Fish regulations before fishing Chevelon Canyon Lake.

More Information

Chevelon Hiking Trails
Arizona Fishing Licenses & Regulations

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Arizona Lakes