When people picture Arizona, they usually imagine cactus, red rock, and heat that hits you the second you step outside. But the state hides a surprising number of lakes surrounded by tall pine trees, cool air, and scenery that looks more like Colorado than the Sonoran Desert.
Some of these spots sit at elevations high enough to bring snow in winter and comfortable temperatures in summer. Whether you want to fish, paddle, camp, or just sit by the water and breathe cooler air, these lakes deliver a mountain escape without leaving the state.
Here are seven Arizona lakes that will make you forget you are anywhere near a desert.
1. Big Lake, White Mountains
Sitting at nearly 9,000 feet in the White Mountains of eastern Arizona, Big Lake is one of the coolest places in the state during summer. The surrounding forest of spruce and pine makes it hard to believe you are in Arizona at all.
Anglers come here for the rainbow, brook, and cutthroat trout that fill the water. The lake is stocked regularly, so fishing stays popular through the warmer months.
Several developed campgrounds sit near the shoreline, along with a store and boat rentals during the season. Because of the high elevation, the area is typically open late spring through fall and can see snow in winter.
I like this one for anyone who wants classic mountain camping with cool nights and starry skies. Bring a jacket even in July, because temperatures drop quickly after sunset up here.
2. Woods Canyon Lake, Mogollon Rim
Perched along the Mogollon Rim at about 7,500 feet, Woods Canyon Lake is one of the most visited spots in the Rim Lakes area. Ponderosa pines wrap the shoreline, and the cool air makes it a favorite summer escape from Phoenix heat.
The lake stays busy with trout fishing, and a marina near the shore offers boat rentals and a small store during the season. Only electric motors are allowed, which keeps the water quiet and calm.
A trail loops around the lake for easy walking, and several campgrounds sit nearby in the surrounding forest. The drive up along State Route 260 is scenic on its own.
Weekends fill up fast, so arriving early is smart if you want parking near the water. Snow usually closes access in winter, making this a spring through fall destination.
3. Lake Mary, Flagstaff
Just southeast of Flagstaff, Upper and Lower Lake Mary stretch out beneath tall pines at around 6,900 feet. The cool climate and forested setting feel worlds away from the low desert.
Upper Lake Mary is the larger and more reliable of the two, popular for boating, kayaking, and fishing for species like northern pike, catfish, and walleye. Lower Lake Mary depends heavily on seasonal runoff and can shrink or dry up in low-water years.
The Lake Mary Road corridor is a scenic drive lined with meadows and forest, and it connects to plenty of camping and hiking options nearby.
Because Flagstaff sits at high elevation, summers here stay comfortable while the desert bakes. I would save this stop for a day trip when you want water access close to town without a long drive.
4. Fool Hollow Lake, Show Low
Sitting at about 6,300 feet near Show Low, Fool Hollow Lake mixes high-country pines with wide-open water in a well-maintained state recreation area. The pine forest and cool elevation give it a mountain feel year round.
The park offers a modern campground with electric hookups, a boat launch, and picnic areas, making it easy for families and RV travelers. Fishing is a big draw, with trout, catfish, and other species stocked in the lake.
Because it is a state park, there is a day-use fee, but the facilities are clean and well organized. Wildlife sightings are common in the surrounding forest and along the shoreline.
What sets this one apart is the balance of comfort and nature. You get real mountain scenery without giving up amenities, which makes it a solid pick for anyone easing into camping.
5. Lynx Lake, Prescott
Tucked into the Prescott National Forest at around 5,500 feet, Lynx Lake surprises visitors with its thick pine surroundings and mild climate. It sits just a short drive from downtown Prescott, so it is easy to reach.
The lake allows electric motors and small watercraft, and a store near the shore rents kayaks and paddle craft during the season. Trout stocking keeps anglers happy through much of the year.
A walking trail circles the water, offering easy views and shady spots to rest. The area also has a history tied to old gold mining in the surrounding hills.
Picnic areas and a cafe near the marina make it convenient for a relaxed half day outdoors. I like this stop for travelers who want a quick mountain lake experience without committing to a full backcountry trip.
6. Luna Lake, Alpine
Out near the tiny town of Alpine in far eastern Arizona, Luna Lake sits at roughly 8,000 feet in a wide green valley. The setting of meadows, wetlands, and forest feels more like the northern Rockies than the Southwest.
The lake is known for trout fishing and quiet paddling, with a campground on the shore during the open season. Birdwatchers do well here, since the surrounding wetlands attract waterfowl and other wildlife.
Alpine itself is one of the highest towns in the state, so the air stays crisp even in midsummer. Winter usually shuts down access as snow settles into the high country.
Its remote location keeps crowds thinner than the busier Rim lakes. That makes Luna a good choice when you want peace and space rather than a packed shoreline.
7. Rainbow Lake, Lakeside
Right in the heart of the community of Lakeside in the White Mountains, Rainbow Lake gives you mountain scenery without needing to venture far into the forest. Homes and cabins line parts of the shore, blending small-town life with pine country.
The lake supports fishing and small-boat use, and the surrounding area at around 6,700 feet stays cool through the summer. Its location makes it easy to combine with dining and lodging in the Pinetop-Lakeside area.
Unlike some of the more remote lakes on this list, Rainbow is convenient and accessible, which is part of its appeal. You can enjoy the water and still be minutes from town.
For visitors basing a trip in the White Mountains, this is a relaxed spot to fish or take in the pine-framed views. It rounds out a region packed with high-country lakes worth exploring.
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