Parker Canyon Lake is a cool summer getaway. "The fishing is pretty good and the temperature is a lot nicer than in Tucson," said Kurt Bahti, an Arizona Game and Fish Department field supervisor.
It's usually about 10 degrees cooler than Tucson at the lake, which is nestled at 5,400-feet elevation in the rolling oak- and juniper-covered hills near the Huachuca Mountains.
With 132 acres of surface area, Parker Canyon Lake is the largest lake in the Coronado National Forest, but its looks are deceiving. The view from the parking lot shows only the main section of the lake, but a couple sizable coves help create a lot of shoreline.
The five-mile Lakeshore Trail that encircles the lake mostly skirts the water, but there are a few steeper sections up bluffs that provide sweeping views. There are benches along the self-guided nature trail, but many visitors opt for shady spots under the cottonwood trees.
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Bring a blanket or a towel for a comfortable place to kick back on the mostly dirt shoreline.
On a recent Sunday, a few people waded and splashed in the water, though Bahti reminds visitors to be careful of underwater fishing line, hooks and lures.
The Game and Fish Department stocks Parker Canyon Lake with trout in the winter, but other fish, such as bass, pike, bluegill, redear sunfish and catfish, have been introduced illegally. There are limits of six each for trout and bass and 25 for catfish, but bluegill, redear and pike are unlimited.
"The only thing we ask if you catch a pike, you kill it," Bahti said. "It's hurting the bass population and the trout because they eat them."
Many people choose the shore and the fishing pier to cast a line, but a paved ramp makes launching boats a breeze for those who want to try their luck in deep water. Motorboats are most popular, but canoes and kayaks are also common. The small concession store offers small boat rentals as well as last minute snacks and supplies.
Parker Canyon Lake can be a day-trip destination, but if you want to spend more time at the lake than in the car, check out the campgrounds.
Nature lovers should consider staying the night because wildlife is more active in the evening. During the day, a Great Blue Heron made a stunning appearance gliding over the water, and plenty of waterfowl had babies in tow. But it wasn't until after most human activity died down that a half-dozen deer emerged to lazily graze along the shore at sunset.
Game and Fish '07 calendar photo contest
● The Arizona Game and Fish Department is holding its first photo contest for the 2007 wildlife calendar. Winners' photographs will appear in the calendar, and prize money will be awarded.
How to enter: Entries must be submitted with an official entry form by Aug. 1. Go to azgfd.gov/photocontest online for more information.
The Star's photo contest ends Aug. 31
● The Arizona Daily Star Vacation Photo Contest is accepting submissions through Aug. 31. Entries must include water in some way. We'll publish a selection of top photos the first Sunday after the Labor Day holiday weekend in September.
How to enter: Upload your photo online at StarNet, the Star's Web site. Go to go.azstarnet.com/galleries online and upload your photo with a "tag" of "vacationcontest." (A tag is a label that describes the photo's topic.) To view photos that have been uploaded so far, log on to go.azstarnet.com/vacationcontest
Clip 'n 'Go
Parker Canyon Lake
Drive: From Tucson, travel east on Interstate 10 to Exit 281 and turn south on State Route 83. After about 50 miles, at the main intersection in Sonoita, go straight and drive another 30 miles on the well-marked paved road to Parker Canyon Lake.
Facilities: Free parking. Bathrooms. The small concession-operated store is open 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays. It's closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Shopping can also be done in Sonoita.
Bring: Hat, sunscreen, water and snacks, blankets or towels, swimsuits, fishing gear, boating gear, camping gear, sleeping bags and warm overnight clothes — overnight temperatures can get downright nippy.
Camping: Lakeview Campground has 65 campsites, including a few RV sites, but there are no hookups and vehicles are limited to 32 feet in length. First come, first serve for $10 per night self-pay at the campsite. Larger groups can reserve the Rock Bluff group site by calling the Sierra Vista Ranger District at 1-520-378-0311. Both sites have tables. Rock Bluff has grills. Follow all posted rules regarding campfires, smoking and other uses of fire.
Boating: Motors must be 8 horsepower or less.
Fishing: A one-day license is $12.50. A one-year license is $18 for everything except trout — the trout stamp is an additional $10. Get it at www1.wildlifelicense.com/az/ or call 628-5376 for more information.