Posted in Arizona July 07, 2020 by

Kayak The Blue Ridge Reservoir In Arizona For A Scenic, Relaxing Adventure

Kayaking is always a peaceful adventure, and the scenery doesn’t get much better than Blue Ridge Reservoir in Rim Country. This narrow, tree-lined lake with canyon walls on either side is a magical place to spend an afternoon.

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C.C. Cragin Reservoir, more commonly known as Blue Ridge Reservoir, is a narrow, winding body of water in Rim Country.
Wikimedia Commons/Kevin Dooley
It's actually a lake, but looks more like a river due to the constricting canyon walls on either side.
The reservoir is an important water source for the town of Payson, so tactics like forest thinning and controlled burns help preserve its integrity.
Wikimedia Commons/Coconino National Forest
The C.C. Cragin Dam was built in 1965 by Phelps Dodge, and later transferred to the Salt River Project.
A launch ramp is conveniently located on the main road, so so accessing the water couldn't be easier.
Flickr/Coconino National Forest, Ariz.
Get the kayak down and prepare for an unparalleled adventure.
Flickr/Alan Levine
Other types of recreation include sightseeing, wildlife watching, hiking, and mountain biking.
Paddle along with the gentle current, taking in the breathtaking surroundings all the while.
Flickr/Alan Levine
Fresh, alpine air, pristine waters, and silence so deafening you could hear a pin drop...it doesn't get much better.
Anglers also flock to the reservoir, as it's stocked with rainbow, brown, and brook trout by the Arizona Game and Fish Department.
Flickr/Alan Levine
Nothing quite compares to the tranquility of casting a line and reveling in the peaceful solitude as you wait for a bite.
You'll find the reservoir about 60 miles south of Flagstaff on a graveled forest road.
Wikimedia Commons/Coconino National Forest, Ariz.
Exact directions can be found on the Coconino National Forest website.

Have you ever kayaked the Blue Ridge Reservoir? If so, we’d love to hear all about your experience! Check out our previous article for more about Mogollon Rim: A Visit To Arizona’s Mogollon Rim Will Enchant You Beyond Words.

Address: C.C. Cragin Reservoir, Arizona 86024, USA