Kayaking Blue Ridge Reservoir

Retroactive posting (posting after the fact as if it happened today.)

We've been wanting to go kayaking on Blue Ridge Reservoir since we got the kayaks. Well, Dad & Alvin wanted to. I'm still scared of the place.


Okay, I went. It WAS scary. The water, the canyon, they're just OLD. The feelings there are deep and strong and silent. It's the kind of water that could swallow you whole and nobody would ever know. I stayed in the sun.


We figured that we kayaked about 6 miles round-trip. We were gone the better part of the day yesterday, after cleaning crayfish and before eating trout. The way back was against the wind. Hard against it.

We fished, trolling, but didn't even get a bite. Nobody who was fishing did. There were several kayaking and boating groups. No shore fishing since there is no shore! I think it was worth it. We stayed far far away from the dam.


Here's what EatStayPlay.com has to say about Blue Ridge Reservoir:

Courtesy of EatStayPlay.com Blue Ridge Reservoir looks more like a canyon-bound river than a lake. Nestled between forested canyon walls it provides picturesque water recreation in a secluded, wooded setting. It is an excellent place to boat fish when high winds make other area lakes too rough for access.Fishing is a popular activity here, rainbow trout are stocked by the Arizona Game and Fish Department during summer months. Because of the steep terrain, there is no shore fishing at Blue Ridge Reservoir.Blue Ridge Reservoir is also a popular spot to kayak or canoe. Facilities: Blue Ridge Reservoir provides toilets and a parking area.Rock Crossing Campground is 4 miles from Blue Ridge Reservoir on Forest Road 751. It provides 35 single unit campsites with tables, fire rings, and cooking grills. Blue Ridge Campground is also in the area. It provides drinking water and toilets (self-composting). Reservations: Reservations are not needed or accepted to use Blue Ridge Reservoir. Best Time To Visit: Blue Ridge Reservoir is not accessible in the winter. The lake is only open during the summer months. Fees: No fees are charged. Accessibility: This lake is not handicap accessible. Rules: Boat motors are limited to a maximum of 8 horsepower. No parking on boat ramp or other posted no parking areas. In many areas, the road is limited to one-way access and there is no room to go around parked cars. Directions: To reach Blue Ridge Reservoir from Flagstaff, Drive 55 miles south of Flagstaff to Clints Well on Forest Highway 3 (Lake Mary Road). Turn northeast (left) about 4 miles on AZ Highway 87 to Forest Road 751 then southeast about 6 more miles to the reservoir. All roads are paved except Forest Road 751 which is graveled and suitable for passenger cars in most weather. Forest Road 751 is closed and the reservoir is not accessible in winter.