Home > Travel > State Parks > Arizona > Lyman Lake State Park

Brief History...
Created as an irrigation reservoir by damming the Little Colorado River, this 1,200-acre park encompasses the shoreline of a 1,500-acre reservoir at an elevation of 6,000 feet. It is fed by snowmelt from the slopes of Mount Baldy and Escudilla Mountain, the second and third highest mountains in Arizona. Water is channeled into this river valley from a 790-square-mile watershed extending into New Mexico.

Because of its size, Lyman Lake is one of the few bodies of water in northeastern Arizona with no size restrictions on boats. The west end of the lake is buoyed off and restricted as a no wake area (5 mph). This allows the angler a chance at a variety of fish without the proximity of speedboats and water-skiers. The fishery consists of walleye, channel catfish and largemouth bass. The large remainder of the lake is open for all other types of water sports.

Lyman Lake really comes into its own during the spring, summer, and fall. Summer days, with temperature highs in the 80's to low 90's, are perfect for fishing, swimming, leisure boating, water-skiing, hiking or just plain relaxing.

Trails

Trail Guidelines

• Stay on the marked trail.
• Do not climb on prehistoric walls or into excavated rooms. You could easily damage the walls or hurt yourself.
• It is illegal to damage prehistoric walls, or to collect any pottery, stone tools, or other artifacts in the Park.
• Artifacts found on the ground can be examined and must be returned. Even small pot sherds and pieces of stone are useful to archaeologists when left in their original locations.
• Take plenty of water. You may stay longer than expected.
• There are no restrooms on the trails.

Rattlesnake Pointe Pueblo Trail: Rattlesnake Point Pueblo was a medium-sized village that was home to about 15 families between AD 1325 and 1390. It was one story tall and had between 80 and 90 rooms. The pueblo was built and occupied by the ancestors of the Hopi, and perhaps other, Pueblo Indian groups. When occupied, the architecture would have resembled that of historic pueblo villages. The pueblo sat on a long ridge overlooking the Little Colorado River. The fertile floodplain along the river was almost certainly farmed by the people living at Rattlesnake Point. Complete trail guide offered in visitor center. Rooms from this 14th century ruin can be viewed from a short trail. Tours are available through the Ranger Station on a seasonal basis.

Historic villages, including Rattlesnake Point Pueblo, and the Lyman Lake rock art have continuing significance to contemporary Hopi people. They understand these sites as homes of their ancestors during their migrations and the petroglyphs as signs left by those migrating through the area. We ask that you help preserve these important pieces of heritage.

Peninsula Petroglyph Trail: This 1/4-mile self-guided trail is accessible from the campground and is open during daylight hours every day. The trail requires a mild climb.

Ultimate Petroglyph Trail: This 1/2-mile, steeper trail on the east side of the lake can only be accessed by boat. Tours are available through the Ranger Station on a seasonal basis. Trail ends at Ultimate Rock, a large petroglyph-covered boulder.

Group - Use Facilities

Facilities: Group Building, Group Ramada, Pointe Ramada.

Amenities: Group Building-1,128 sq. ft., fully enclosed building with two restrooms, a storage room, folding tables and chairs, indoor/outdoor lighting, electrical outlets, water, cement patio w/large barbecue grill, picnic tables, heater, evaporative cooler, fire pit, boat dock, and fishing cove. Tent camping sites and eleven full hookup sites with water, sewer, and electric are also available for overnight camping. The area is fenced off from the rest of the park. Group Ramada- 1,089 sq. ft. picnic ramada located in the day use area, large central barbecue pit/grill, picnic tables, electric outlets, lights, water spigots, horseshoe pits, volleyball court, and a restroom and store are close-by. Pointe Ramada- 289 sq. ft. picnic ramada located near water, close-by store, 2-3 picnic tables, barbecue grill, fire ring, volleyball court access, and nearby restrooms.

Maximum Group Size: Please contact the park for details.

Picnic Areas: Yes

Group Use Area: Reservations are on a first come first serve basis. Reservations will be accepted beginning January 1st of the current year. Reservation fee must be received within 10 calendar days or another reservation can legally be accepted.

Restrictions: Prefer to have 5-6 vehicles to justify tying up group building for overnight reservations. No hot water or showers at the group building, but use of the campground showers is allowed.

Hours: Checkout time for day use is 10pm, checkout time for overnight is 2pm

Group Use Fees: Day use - $5/vehicle, Camping - Hookup - $19 per night per vehicle, Non-hookup - $12. Group Building - Day use reservation fee - $25 (non-refundable), vehicle day use fee is also required. Overnight use reservation fee for one or more nights - $50 (nonrefundable), camping and vehicle day use fees apply. Group Ramada non-refundable deposit - $10, day use park entrance fees apply.

Contact Name and Phone Number: Park Staff – (928) 337-4441

General Rules

• Keep pets on a leash.
• Damaging or removing the natural rocks, vegetation or public property is prohibited.
• Obey all hunting and fishing regulations.
• Off-road vehicles allowed in designated area.