Arizona’s Hidden Lakes and Waterfalls—Perfect Nature Escape

Most people think Arizona is just hot, dry, and dusty. But when I explored the different parts of the state, I found a calmer, cooler side that many don’t know about. You might know Arizona for its red rocks and desert, but there are also peaceful lakes with trees around them, and even waterfalls that appear after a good rain. My visit to these places really surprised me and changed how I felt about Arizona.

Top Hidden Lakes in Arizona

Ashurst Lake (Coconino National Forest)

Ashurst Lake was my first stop. I took forest roads to get there. They were in pretty good shape, but also dusty and a little rough in spots. Because the lake is so high up (over 7,000 feet), it feels much cooler than the hot desert below. What I noticed most was the wind; it just kept blowing. I saw a few people camping by the water, and others were fishing for trout. It wasn’t packed with people, but it wasn’t totally empty either. There were only simple toilets and fire rings, but the big, open views of everything around were beautiful. Despite this, don’t forget to put the essentials in your travel backpack.

Knoll Lake

My next stop was Knoll Lake, near the Mogollon Rim. This spot was much calmer and more private than Ashurst. If you want to go there, you’ll take Forest Road 300, which is a rough drive and not open in winter. I went to the lake on a weekday in June, and it was wonderfully calm. There were hardly any people around, so it was really quiet. All I could hear was the soft wind and the fish jumping in the water. There were no loud boats or noisy people. My small inflatable kayak was perfect. It’s not a secret place, but it’s far enough away that it stays pretty peaceful. I would not say it’s a secret spot, but you have to drive a ways to get there, and it stays very calm.

Bear Canyon Lake

Bear Canyon Lake was a real surprise for me. You have to walk to the water because cars can’t go all the way to the lake. You’ll need to walk down a hill for about half a mile to reach the lake, and the walk back up is really steep! I packed a small bag and arrived early in the morning. Some people were already fishing. You won’t find any fancy places to camp there; just simple spots out in nature. The water was very clear, and the atmosphere felt calm and natural. If you want to have some time with yourself in a peaceful spot, you have to do a little hike for this. 

Seven Falls

If you go on the Seven Falls hike in Sabino Canyon, especially when it’s raining or snowed, you are gonna love this place for sure. When I visited in spring, the waterfalls were flowing well, but they weren’t huge. You’ll need to bring a lot of water, as there’s no shade after the first mile. The pools at the waterfalls are not deep, but they’re perfect for cooling your feet. If you want to avoid a lot of people and enjoy the views, try to go early in the morning.

Ribbon Falls

I found a really cool spot in the Grand Canyon called Ribbon Falls. It’s about a 6-mile walk from Phantom Ranch, away from the main North Kaibab Trail. What makes it special is its bright green mossy hills where the water falls. You don’t expect to see something so green in the canyon. It’s also cooler and shadier there. If you love to visit places where few people go and are calmer, then this place is worth visiting, because it was one of the most peaceful places I visited in the park.

Fossil Creek Waterfall

I went to Fossil Creek, which is a really cool place, but you need a special pass to visit from April to October now. When I went, the parking lot was full. But the walk to the waterfall was quick and easy. The waterfall isn’t huge, maybe 25 feet tall. But the water is an amazing, bright blue because of all the minerals in it. You can swim there, but be careful because the rocks are very slippery.

Final Words

I was also one of those people who used to think that Arizona is all about the desert. But when I went there and explored its lakes and waterfalls, my perspective totally changed. You have to believe me, Arizona is more than just a desert. You can find everything from cold mountain lakes to hidden waterfalls in sandy areas. And when you find these spots, it’ll also be a part of your adventure. When you plan your trip properly and visit when it’s not the busy time, you’ll enjoy your trip to the fullest. All you have to do is make your travel backpack ready, and you’ll see a side of Arizona most people never do! After visiting Arizona, you should also consider visiting waterfalls in Hawaii, and you’ll thank me later.

Content contributed by Elsie, a passionate travel blogger who explores the world one city at a time. Through her stories and tips, she shares hidden gems, cultural insights, and travel inspiration to help others make the most of every journey. Follow her adventures and get inspired to explore beyond the map.  “https://travelbackpack.co/“. She can be reached at: [email protected]