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Explore many ecosystems on Arizona’s Saguaro Lake via a sight-seeing cruise
Arizona has many lakes, most of which are man-made, formed by the creation of dams and reservoirs. Saguaro Lake, approximately 40 miles east of Phoenix, is one such lake, created by the construction of Stewart Mountain Dam on the Salt River. The lake is about 110 feet deep at its deepest point and has over 22 miles of shoreline, home to several different ecosystems. A ninety-minute narrated cruise on the Desert Belle is a great way to explore the lake and its ecosystems.
Saguaro Lake shoreline includes areas with rocky crags, deciduous trees, cacti and marshland.
Looking toward slot canyon on Saguaro Lake
Saguaro Lake is a popular spot for a number of water activities, including boating, kayaking, sailing, skiing, jet skiing and fishing. The Arizona Game and Fish Department stocks the lake with walleye, largemouth and yellow bass, rainbow and brown trout, catfish and crappie.
Boater on Saguaro Lake
Saguaro growing along shoreline of Saguaro Lake. it never ceases to amaze me how cacti can grow almost anywhere.
Many types of birds make their habitat in the Saguaro Lake area. You may also spot wildlife along the shore. Unfortunately I did not see much wildlife on the cruise I was on and have no pictures to share.
The Desert Belle is a two-level boat with bathrooms and a snack bar. Seating is available on an open deck or a more enclosed area on the lower level. The guide speaks over an intercom system and talks about floral and fauna along the way, pointing out items of interest. I found the cruise to be a pleasant, relaxing and informational outing.
Desert Belle boarding time
The Desert Belle sails from Saguaro Lake Marina two to three times a day, depending on the day and the season. To guarantee a seat, it is recommended that tickets be purchased in advance on the Desert Belle website.
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6 Comments
Susan cooper
March 8, 2015 at 10:51 pmWhen you think of Arizona it’s certainly not a land of lakes like Minnesota that comes to mind. Guess that is why they are all man made. Looks like a good place for fishing.
Donna Janke
March 10, 2015 at 11:08 amSusan, I’ve seen people fish on the lake but I don’t know what or if they caught anything.
jacquie
March 9, 2015 at 7:30 amThis looks so refreshing! I guess I always think desert when I think Arizona, and the idea of lakes there seems strange! Goes to show how we get ourselves into a fixed way of thinking:)
Donna Janke
March 10, 2015 at 11:09 amJacquie, that is so true about getting into a fixed way of thinking. So much about this area in Arizona surprised me when I first visited.
Corinne
March 10, 2015 at 6:15 amIt looks like a nice way to cool off…but I have to say, it needs a few trees!
Donna Janke
March 10, 2015 at 11:23 amCorinne, there were a few trees in places, but not so much along the rocky shores I photographed.