Chevelon Lake

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Chevelon Lake

Coconino County, AZ - Chevelon Canyon Lake is a small reservoir located in northern Arizona, about 15 mi (24 km) west of the city of Heber. It is one in a series of small, canyon-bound lakes located on the Mogollon Rim, collectively referred to as the Rim Lakes. It is among the most difficult to access in the region. Hiking is required. It is also the second reservoir on Chevelon Creek, downstream from Woods Canyon Lake.

Chevelon Canyon Lake is small and moderately deep, having an average depth of 35 ft (11 m) and a surface area of 208 acres (84 ha). The long, narrow lake is formed by an earthen dam impounding the Chevelon Creek in the eponymous Chevelon Canyon. It was constructed in 1965 as part of a flood control and recreational project.

The lake, in spite of its relative proximity to the town of Heber, is only accessible via 30 mi (48 km) of unpaved forest road, much of which is difficult or impossible to pass due to heavy winter snowfalls between November and April. There is no direct road access to the lake, the final .75 mi (1.21 km) segment being closed to vehicular access and requires a short hike. As the road does not access the lake, boating is limited to small, light canoes or personal flotation devices that can be carried in.

Amenities are limited to primitive campsites. In spite of the lake's remoteness and lack of access, it is a premier fishing location due to its stock of rainbow and brown trout. The facilities are maintained by Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest division of the USDA Forest Service.

Fish species include Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout.