Apache Lake Padddle/Canyon Lake Viewing

On Saturday, Nov 7, we will drive down the Apache Trail to Apache Lake for a paddle. The plan is meet first at Tortilla Flats and eventually put in at Burnt Corral campgrounds. In order to get to Tortilla Flats, you will need to drive by Cayon Lake. You might want to leave yourself some extra time to check out the lake and see what it looks as it will be drained to its lowest point by then so that they may service the dam. The impetus for planning this trip was really to have an excuse to check out Canyon Lake. If people are interested, we can go to the saloon in Tortilla Flat for food and drink when we return there at the end of the trip.

WHAT TO BRING:
a kayak or paddle board and paddles, obviously
life jacket
snacks and drinks
sunglasses
hat
sunscreen

PARKING:
You will need either a Tonto pass or a National Parks pass to park at the lake. I am not familiar with Apache lake so it would be best to buy a pass in advance. The cost is $8 - $12 for a Tonto day pass.

HOW TO FIND US:
We will meet at Tortilla Flats first. Drive through Tortilla Flats and just at the far edge of town, you can turn right into a very large parking area that wraps around behind the main street and all of the buildings. We will meet there. I drive a blue F-150 with an all blue (no windows) camper shell. The dirt road to Apache lake (last time I went down it at least) is nicely graded so pretty much any vehicle can maneuver it safely, but street cars would have to go really slow due to the vibrations, so I'd like everyone to be in pick-ups, jeeps, or SUVs. If you have a regular car, you can leave it at Tortilla Flats and jump in with someone else for the ride to the lake. Of course, depending on where you live, you may wish to come on the highway from the other direction in which case you can meet us at the lake (at around 10:00 am?).

PADDLE CRAFT:
Paddle boards, hard-shell kayaks, or high-quality inflatables (no Intex).

REMEMBER:
The AZ sun is strong and the reflection off the water makes it more so. Use plenty of sunscreen, reapply during the trip, don't forget to cover the tops of your feet and your ears and every other exposed surface. Wear a hat and sunglasses. Drink lots of fluids. If you are going to consume alcohol, drink responsibly.

DISCLAIMER:
Please note that neither myself, nor any other trip leaders are professional tour guides, nor do we have any special training in first aid or rescue. You are entirely responsible for your own safety.

PLEASE BE ON TIME, as we don't wait too long for stragglers. If you arrive much after 9:00 am you will miss us.