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Canyon Lake - Point Campground Overlook, AZ

Guide 6 Triplogs  1 Topic
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50 6 1
Statistics
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Difficulty 2.5 of 5
Route Finding 2 of 5
Distance Round Trip 1.2 miles
Trailhead Elevation 1,667 feet
Elevation Gain 355 feet
Accumulated Gain 375 feet
Avg Time Round Trip 2 hours
Kokopelli Seeds 3.08
 Interest Off-Trail Hiking & Peak
 Backpack Possible - Not Popular
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Photos Viewed All MineFollowing
9  2022-06-18 mikemcg
15  2019-02-02
Canyon Lake Kayak Hike to Point CG Overlook
ddgrunning
12  2018-09-03 AZLumberjack
5  2014-12-14 Lucyan
2  2009-11-14 ssk44
7  2009-11-07 ssk44
Author
author avatar Guides 20
Routes 12
Photos 2,343
Trips 298 map ( 840 miles )
Age 51 Male Gender
Location Gilbert, AZ
Associated Areas
list map done
Phoenix Region
Historical Weather
Trailhead Forecast
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Preferred Jan, Feb, Dec, Mar → NOON
Seasons   Early Autumn to Late Spring
Sun  6:02am - 6:47pm
1 Route
 
1 Alternative
 


Surf & Turf II
by ssk44

 
Overview
Point Campground Overlook is a sweet little off-trail hike that makes a great lunch destination. The overlook is perched on an overhanging cliff edge that is approximately 250 feet above the water below. Access to the designated trailhead is by boat or, in my case, kayak. The trip from the boat ramp involves a short 1.75-mile paddle to the first cove on the right just after the narrow channel that heads out from the bay near the dam. On the south side of the cove is a lovely area for pulling out kayaks onto a grassy bench just above the waterline. However, boats will need to tie up out on the gravel point to the northwest.


Hike
Although this is an off-trail route, the hike is relatively easy with minimal cat claw to fight with, manageable loose rubble rock, and only moderate incline. I prefer to hike along the slope that follows the south side of the drainage heading up from the lake. If you keep your eyes open, there is a faint trail working its way along the slope. While climbing up from the lake, you will see a large pronounced butte that you will keep to your left. About halfway up the hill, you will see two routes heading up to the skyline with a small butte between the two. Take the high skyline route that heads to the right. The low route will work, but it is less direct and involves scrambling up a boulder pile. After you have made your way through the high skyline pass, you will come out onto a small open mesa. Head east/northeast down a hill along the left side of a rock bluff to the cliff overlook above "Point Campground". You will know you're at the correct spot because it's the highest point along the edge and has a long flat bench across the top. The cliff has a significant overhang at one part that protrudes out far enough to hide boats that are sitting below you. This location is very severe and must be treated with respect. See maps for further clarification.
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Summary
This is a beautiful spot to relax and soak in the views. It's a great afternoon hike that is not often visited. Combining kayaking and hiking on lakes like Canyon and Apache must be experienced to understand how special it is. Kayaking has a way of cleansing the soul. Being able to combo up a rewarding off-trail hike is the icing on the cake. The possibilities are endless...

2009-11-09 ssk44
  • S_45579-9357_1257806106-06.jpg S_45579-9357_1257806106-07.jpg
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WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.

 Permit $$
Information is listed below


 Directions
or
 Road
Paved - Car Okay

To hike
From Mesa
Take Highway 88 (Apache Trail) to Canyon Lake. !!Purchase a "Tonto Pass" before heading out to the lake!! With kayaks, put in at either the picnic area or the main boat ramp. Paddle approximately 1.75 miles up-lake to the designated trailhead ("TH" Lat. 33 degrees/33'/22.41"/N & Long. 111 degrees/25'/18.31"/W).
page created by ssk44 on Nov 08 2009 2:30 pm
 90+° 8am - 6pm kills
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