Take A Scenic Hike On This Shaded, Kid-Friendly Trail In Arizona To Stay Cool
Hiking in Arizona – at least, in the southern portion of the state – is next to impossible during the warmer months. Luckily, the higher-elevation terrain of the Mogollon Rim area remains cool year-round, so you never have to take time off from exploring the great outdoors. Not only does the Woods Canyon Lake Trail offer plenty of shade, but it’s also incredibly scenic and kid-friendly. This easy stroll is easily one of the best summer hikes in Arizona (but it’s worth taking no matter the season).
Nestled up near Payson, Woods Canyon Lake is a beautiful, 55-acre reservoir bound on all sides by the vast canyonlands of the Mogollon Rim.
Surrounding the lake is a 3.7-mile loop known as Woods Canyon Lake Trail. Offering plenty of shade as well as unparalleled views, the trail is easy and kid-friendly.
You'll often see people enjoying the day on the water, as boating and fishing are allowed. If you'd like to join in, the lake store rents boats and sells licenses and fishing gear!
By the time it's all said and done, the trail has an elevation gain of around 150 feet. Even the littlest explorers shouldn't be too tuckered out afterward!
Have you ever embarked on the Woods Canyon Lake Trail? What do you think are some of the best summer hikes in Arizona? Tell us your thoughts in the comments! Don’t forget to check out our previous article for more reasons to visit the Payson area during the warmer months.
Address: Woods Canyon Lake Trail, Arizona, USA
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Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and changed her major twice (psychology, computer science, and finally criminal justice) before taking a leap of faith and dropping out to pursue a career in freelance writing.
Today, Katie writes for the Texas and Arizona pages of OnlyInYourState.com and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on the sofa with a hot cup of coffee, watching a crime TV show or scary movie.
