Bartlett Lake Arizona

Overview

Bartlett Lake is the last of the two reservoirs on the Verde River North of Fountain Hills. The lake was created in 1939 when the Bartlett Dam was finished. When full, the surface area of the lake is about 2,800 acres with an average depth of about 100 ft. Although only 15 direct air miles away from Fountain Hills, you will have to drive almost 45 miles to get to Bartlett Lake.

Recreational Opportunities and Amenities

Bartlett Lake has a boatable area of about 2,800 acres which is more than Canyon and Saguaro Lake combined. Boating, water skiing and jet skiing are popular at Bartlett Lake. There are campgrounds as well as numerous beaches for camping or picnicking.

Currently the Bartlett Lake Marina rents pontoon boats but does not have any ski boats or jet skis available for rental at this time. However, if you have your own ski boat or jet ski this is a great place to bring it.

If you are up for some fishing there are Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, Crappie, Catfish and Bluegill waiting to be caught. Bartlett Lake Marina has all the supplies you need to go fishing.

Two hiking trails are available on Bartlett Lake: the Palo Verde Trail, and Jojoba Trail. Both have negligible altitude gain and offer lovely views of the Lake. Remember that desert trails get dangerously hot in the summer months so go early and bring lots of water if you decide to go during that time of year.

How to Get There

Although only 15 direct air miles away from Fountain Hills, you will have to drive almost 45 miles to get to Bartlett Lake. From Fountain Hills you must either take Shea to the 101 and then exit and go North on Pima Rd up to Cave Creek. If you are looking for a back-roads route, take Fountain Hills Blvd out of town to the north, and once through Rio Verde, turn left on E Rio Verde Dr which eventually turns into Dynamite Blvd. Turn right when you reach Pima.

Regardless of which initial route you take, once you reach Cave Creek Rd, turn right and head to the northeast and travel for 5 miles or so until you reach Bartlett Dam Rd and then turn right. Take this paved road to Bartlett Lake.

Related Links:

• Get Map and Directions to Bartlett Lake
• Bartlett Lake Marina
• Bartlett Dam
• Water Levels at Canyon Lake and other SRP Lakes
• Tonto National Forest
• Hike Arizona Website with hundreds of trails

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