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Arizona
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State of Arizona Parks

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USA Parks
Arizona
Northern Region
Lyman Lake State Park
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LYMAN LAKE STATE PARK
LYMAN LAKE STATE PARK
11 U.S. 180
Saint Johns, Arizona   85936
(lat:34.3568 lon:-109.3772) map location

Phone: 928-337-4441
Created as an irrigation reservoir by damming the Little Colorado River, Lyman Lake State Park is a 1,200-acre park that 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.
Nature of the Area
The forest at the park provides critical winter homes for Rocky Mountain Elk, Bald and Golden Eagles, and Mule Deer. Other birds in the park include Osprey, Egrets, Sandhill Cranes, and Mountain Bluebirds. Reptiles found in the park include the Plateau Striped Whiptailand Sagebrush Lizard. Stop by the Visitor Center for a birding checklist.
History of the Area
Created as an irrigation reservoir by damming the Little Colorado River, Lyman Lake State Park is a 1,200-acre park that 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.
Passes
Arizona offers a non-commercial standard pass for weekday use at all parks, including weekends at most parks and the non-commercial premium pass which includes weekend and holiday access to the parks. Boyce Thompson Arboretum is not included in either annual park pass. You can find additional Arizona Annual State Park Pass informataion and order online by visiting the ARIZONA ANNUAL STATE PARK PASS web page.
Camping
Camping 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, a cement patio with a large barbecue grill, picnic tables, heater, evaporation cooler, fire pit, boat dock, and fishing cove. The area is fenced off from the rest of the park. Tent camping sites and 11 full hook up sites with water, sewer, and electric are available for overnight camping. No hot water or showers are available at the building, but use of the campground showers is allows. Check out time is 2 pm. A non-refundable reservation deposit for one or more nights is required. Day use park entrance fees are in addition to the reservation fee. There is a minimum requirement of 6 paid camping units per night to reserve this area.

Reservations are on a first-come first-served basis. Reservations will be accepted for the following year beginning January 1st. Reservation fees must be received within 10 calendar days or another reservation can legally be accepted. Checkout time for day use is 10 pm.

Camping Cabins

Four one-room log camping cabins are available by reservation. They overlook Lyman Lake with covered wood porches and comfortable features. Cabins are furnished with 2 bunk beds with mattresses, a full size bed with mattress, 1 table, 4 chairs, electricity, light, heat, air conditioning, and a lockable door. Campers must supply their own linens. They are accessible by car and RV and equipped with electric hook-ups outside. Picnic tables and charcoal grills make for a well-equipped outdoor setting. Restrooms and showers are within walking distance. Cabins are available year-round. Cabins sleep up to four people, with a maximum capacity of six people. The park will provide two additional cots free of charge.

RV Camping Sites

61 available sites. 38 hookup sites (13 include sewer) and 23 non-hookup sites.
Swimming
This park has a desginated swimming area with no lifeguard on duty. Swimming is taken at your own risk.
Boating
There are two boat ramps at the park. One is a double wide, the other is a single lane. There are no restrictions on boat sizes. Canoes, kayaks, and other non-motorized watercraft may launch at either boat ramp.


Location
Lyman Lake State Park is

Day Use Area
Group Ramada: 1,089 sq. ft. picnic ramada located in the day use area. It has a large central barbecue pit/grill, picnic tables, electric outlets, lights, water spigots, horseshoe pits, and a volleyball court. Restrooms and a store are close-by. This area can accommodate large groups. Check out time is 10 pm. A non-refundable reservation fee is required. Day use park entrance fees are in addition to the reservation fee. There is a minimum of 6 paid entrance fees per day to reserve this area.

Pointe Ramada: 289 sq. ft. picnic ramada located near water, close to the store, with 2-3 picnic tables, a barbecue grill, fire ring, and access to the nearby volleyball court and restrooms. Check out time is 10 pm. A non-refundable reservation fee is required. Day use park entrance fees are in addition to the reservation fee.

Store Ramada: 256 sq. ft. picnic ramada located just west of the store has 1 picnic table, a barbecue grill, and access to the nearby volleyball court and restrooms. Check out time is 10 pm. A non-refundable reservation fee is required. Day use park entrance fees are in addition to the reservation fee.
Picnicking
There are 16 Picnic Areas with shaded ramadas located at the park for day use visitors.
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.
Area Attractions
Apache County Historical Society Museum

The rich history of this area is preserved in the Apache County Historical Society Museum. Open 9 am ? 5 pm. Guided tours upon request. Visitor Center in St. Johns, Arizona (928) 337-4737. 10 miles from Lyman Lake.

Casa Malpais National Historic Landmark

The pueblo was built about A.D. 1250 and was inhabited for perhaps the next 120 years, both the Hopi and Zuni claim affinity. Open year-round, tours of the site offered daily. Fees apply. Springville, Arizona (928) 333-5375. 18 miles from Lyman Lake.

Little House Museum

A truly unique museum featuring a collection of local history located 7 miles west of Eagar on South Fork Road, three miles south of highway 260. Summer hours May 15 through Labor Day, closed on Wednesday. Call (928) 333-2286. 30 miles from Lyman Lake.

Petrified Forest National Park

With one of the world's largest and most colorful concentrations of petrified wood, multi-hued badlands of the Painted Desert, historic structures, archeological sites, and displays of 225 million year old fossils, this is a surprising land of scenic wonders and fascinating science. 53 miles from Lyman Lake.

Pueblo of Zuni, New Mexico

Among the largest of the still inhabited or "living" pueblos in the Unites States. Visitors are welcome daily dawn to dusk. Photography by permission only. Kachina dances during the summer months. Located in Zuni, New Mexico. For more information call (505) 782-4481. 69 miles from Lyman Lake.

El Morro National Monument, New Mexico

(Inscription Rock)A massive rock formation which rises more than 200 feet above the plains, the base contains hundreds of petroglyphs and the chiseled names of numerous explorers. Open daily 9 am ? 5 pm. Self-guided tours. Fees apply Visitor Center phone number (505) 783-4226. 100 miles from Lyman Lake.

Canyon de Chelley National Monument

Reflecting one of the longest continuously inhabited landscapes of North America, the cultural resources of Canyon de Chelly include distinctive architecture, artifacts, and rock imagery while exhibiting remarkable preservation integrity that provides outstanding opportunities for study and contemplation. Canyon de Chelly also sustains a living community of Navajo people, who are connected to a landscape of great historical and spiritual significance. 150 miles from Lyman Lake.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
June 14 Wonderful Park
park review stars; one to five Lyman Lake is one of our favorite parks. It has great amenities and is well taken care of. The staff is very friendly and take great pride in Lyman Lake.
May 2 Good Photography options by Jim Evans
park review stars; one to five Some of the best petroglyphs in area.
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