The Most Remote Lake In Arizona Is Also The Most Peaceful

If you're in search of a place where you can commune with nature with few distractions, look no further than Horseshoe Lake. Perhaps the most remote lake in Arizona, this crystal-clear oasis is hardly ever crowded and it boasts a variety of year-round activities such as kayaking, fishing, and camping.

One of the most remote lakes in Arizona, Horseshoe Lake was formed by the damming of the Verde River in Maricopa and Yavapai Counties.

It's located within the Tonto National Forest, upstream from Bartlett Lake.

Measuring only five miles across, the lake is undeniably small — but it's still paradise for anglers.

It's among the best fish nurseries in the state and you'll be hard-pressed to find a more peaceful place to cast a line.

Part of the reason why Horseshoe Lake is so remote has to do with how difficult it is to access.

You will need a four-wheel drive vehicle, as the road is unpaved and not always well maintained.

There's only one way to get to the lake and it starts on Cave Creek Road in Carefree.

From there, you'll make a right on Bartlett Dam Road, and then a left on Horseshoe Dam Road. After about 10 miles, you'll reach the lake.

Recreational activities abound including hiking, fishing, boating and kayaking, and camping.

Bring some friends or family (or your best furry pal) and enjoy a relaxing day on the water. Between the sweeping mountain views and gorgeous waterfalls created by the dam, you just may never want to leave!

The sunsets here are gorgeous, and we highly recommend spending the night so you can enjoy them without having to drive back in the dark.

Both on-site campgrounds, Mesquite and Horseshoe, offer primitive camping with no amenities (save for a few outhouses). If you're okay with roughing it, the utter solitude is truly a life-changing experience.

Please note: since the lake is located within a national forest, you will need a day pass (plus additional permits for boating and/or camping). Visit the USDA Forest Service website for more information about the lake, including current campground status. And be sure to take a look at our outdoor essentials packing list before your visit.

Have you ever been to Horseshoe Lake? If so, we'd love to hear all about your experience. Don't forget to check out our previous article for more reasons to stick around and explore the charming town of Carefree!

Looking for more places to explore in Arizona? Check out this stunning footage of Sedona: