Photo: John Menard from Phoenix, USA / CC BY-SA 2.0

Fishing 1,843 ft Bortle 5 Solitude: 50/100 (secluded)

This newly expanded reservoir has 114 miles of shoreline for family recreation uses. The reservoir boasts a 10-lane boat ramp; parking for 200 vehicles. Recreational facilities concentrated primarily on the reservoir's western shore. About 450 picnic sites, 165 campsites ranging from tent to primitive to improved camping with full utility hookups, 14 group-use areas, 4 overlooks, a full-service marina equipped to handle 1,000 boats, and 7 miles of trails. The lake also has a visitor center an overlook as well as a desert education center. Along with hiking, biking and watersports, sportfishing is very popular and numerous species inhabit the lake including white bass, largemouth bass, striped bass, channel catfish, and black crappie. A state-issued license is required. Contact/Entry Station phone number is 928-501-1710. New Waddell Dam and Lake Pleasant are features of the Central Arizona Project .

Near New River, AZ in Arizona

What to Pack for Lake Pleasant #2 (N, 0mi), Maricopa

The right gear makes all the difference — here's a packing list tailored to this area.

Every item on this list exists because of specific conditions at Lake Pleasant — Grassland terrain, Semi-Arid, and local wildlife.

Essential

Water (minimum 2L) — Water sources marked on maps may be seasonal or dry; carrying enough to complete your route prevents a dangerous shortfall.
Navigation (map/GPS/compass) — Getting lost is the leading cause of backcountry search-and-rescue calls; reliable navigation prevents the situation entirely.
Sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen) — Prolonged sun exposure causes headaches, fatigue, and heat exhaustion that can cut a trip short or create a medical emergency.
First aid kit — Remote locations mean longer response times for help; a first aid kit bridges the gap between injury and professional care.
Extra food — High-energy snacks weigh little but provide crucial fuel if you need to bushwhack out or wait for conditions to improve.
Headlamp with extra batteries — Hands-free light is essential for navigating uneven terrain, setting up camp, or signaling for help at night.
Fire starter — Waterproof matches or a ferro rod weigh almost nothing and can be the difference between a cold night and a survivable one.
Emergency shelter (space blanket) — Wind and rain strip heat faster than most people realize; a compact emergency shelter blocks both.
Knife or multi-tool — A multi-tool handles problems you can't predict: jammed zippers, tangled line, first-aid tape cutting, or gear fixes on the trail.
Extra clothing layer — A lightweight fleece or puffy stuffs small but provides critical insulation if temperatures drop unexpectedly.

Wildlife Gear

Hiking buddy (avoid solo) — A companion can help with first aid, signaling, and decision-making if a wildlife encounter turns serious.
Noise maker — Group noise is especially important in dense brush or near berry patches where bears may be feeding and less alert.
Gaiters — Thick gaiters deflect fangs before they reach skin, buying critical time in areas with rattlesnakes or copperheads.
First-aid snakebite kit — Knowing how to immobilize a limb, mark swelling progression, and avoid harmful folk remedies can improve outcomes.

Seasonal Gear

Spring: Camera, Wildflower field guide
Fall: Camera, Binoculars (foliage viewing)

Activities & Best Time to Visit Lake Pleasant #2 (N, 0mi), Maricopa

The Grassland terrain here lends itself to a range of outdoor activities throughout the year.

Outdoor recreation at Lake Pleasant centers on boating, with the May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep months offering the best conditions.

With a photography score of 45/100, Lake Pleasant offers Decent dark sky (Bortle 5) and 3 excellent meteor showers worth capturing.

Activities

boating — Boating provides a different perspective on shorelines and wildlife.
fishing — Fishing blends patience and skill with peaceful waterfront settings.
ice_fishing — Ice fishing requires proper gear and careful attention to ice safety.
ice_skating — Ice skating combines recreation with crisp seasonal air.
photography — Golden hour and dramatic weather can transform ordinary scenes into striking images.
picnicking — Picnicking turns a scenic overlook or shady grove into a memorable gathering spot.
rv_camping — RV camping blends outdoor living with modern amenities.
sightseeing — Sightseeing highlights iconic vistas, waterfalls, and unique rock formations.
swimming — Swimming adds refreshing fun to a day outdoors.
walking — Walking lets you slow down and notice details — wildflowers, birdsong, shifting light through trees.
wildlife_viewing — Early mornings and dusk offer the best chances to quietly spot native wildlife.

Best months: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Terrain: Grassland — Rolling plains or prairies provide wide visibility and expansive skies.

Wildlife Safety at Lake Pleasant #2 (N, 0mi), Maricopa

Most wildlife encounters are positive, but a few potential hazards are worth knowing about.

A danger score of 20/10 means Lake Pleasant requires low preparation compared to the average trail.

Danger rating: 20/100 (based on terrain difficulty, wildlife presence, weather exposure, and remoteness) low

Mountain lions
Venomous snakes

UV risk: high (Southern latitude (34N))

Photo score: 45/100

Decent dark sky (Bortle 5)
3 excellent meteor showers
Fall foliage
Spring wildflowers

Venomous Snakes

Watch your step — are present in the Grassland habitat around Lake Pleasant.

Watch where you step and place hands
Stay on trails
Wear boots and long pants in snake country
Do not reach under rocks or logs
If bitten: stay calm, immobilize limb, seek medical help immediately
Do NOT: cut wound, suck venom, apply tourniquet, ice, or alcohol

Nature & Wildlife at Lake Pleasant #2 (N, 0mi), Maricopa

The Grassland terrain here supports a rich ecosystem worth noticing as you explore.

The plant life here ranges from Frémont Cottonwood in the canopy to California poppy and Coulter's lupine along the trail edges.

Trees (1)

Frémont Cottonwood — It grows along desert streams and floodplains.

Wildflowers (2)

California poppy — Finely divided blue-green foliage forming low mounds.
Coulter's lupine — The plant grows in open disturbed soils.

Shrubs (4)

Brittlebush — Leaves are soft and pale gray, contrasting with long-stemmed golden blooms.
Creosote Bush — Bright yellow flowers bloom after rain.
redberry juniper — Foliage is gray-green and aromatic.

Other Plants (5)

saguaro
Buckhorn Cholla
California Barrel Cactus
Teddybear Cholla
stinknet

Mammals (4)

Desert Cottontail — Lean body suited to arid habitats.
Mule Deer — Coat ranges from tawny brown in summer to gray-brown in winter.
Collared Peccary — Short legs and compact muscular body.
Coyote — Narrow muzzle and upright ears.

Birds (30)

House Sparrow — Plain brown female with buff eyebrow
Great-tailed Grackle — Brown female
Hooded Merganser — Brown female with shaggy crest
Brewer's Sparrow — Faint facial markings
Black-throated Sparrow — Gray face with white stripes

Reptiles (5)

Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake — Black-and-white banded tail ending in a rattle.
Common Side-blotched Lizard — Distinct dark blotch behind the front legs on each side.
Desert Spiny Lizard — Males may show blue patches on the underside.
Gopher Snake — Head is slightly broader than the neck and often patterned with dark facial markings.
Western Whiptail — Usually brown to black with six to eight light longitudinal stripes.

Amphibians (1)

Red-spotted Toad

Insects (6)

Empress Leilia
Western Honey Bee
Queen
American Snout
Sleepy Orange

Other Wildlife (1)

Desert Blonde Tarantula

Nature Bingo at Lake Pleasant #2 (N, 0mi), Maricopa

Can you spot them all? Check off each species as you find it on your visit.

Wildlife Challenge

Cactus Wren (bird)
Desert Cottontail (mammal)
Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake (reptile)
Red-spotted Toad (amphibian)
saguaro (plant)

Botany Challenge

Achnatherum Pinetorum
Aquilegia Coerulea Var. Pinetorum
Arabis Holboellii Var. Pinetorum
Asclepias Engelmanniana
Echinocereus Engelmannii
Almutaster

Lake Pleasant #2 (N, 0mi), Maricopa Climate & Sun

Month-by-month climate and daylight information for Lake Pleasant.

With 12.3 inches of annual precipitation and an average of 70.7°F, Lake Pleasant has Semi-Arid conditions.

Climate type: Semi-Arid

Annual avg temp: 70.7°F

Annual precipitation: 12.3 in

With an average annual temperature of 70.7°F and 12.3 inches of precipitation, Lake Pleasant has hot, dry conditions. Summer highs average around 90°F, while winter lows drop to 54°F.

Best months to visit: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Oct, Nov, Dec.

Winter 54°

1.8"

Spring 67°

0.4"

Summer 90°

1.0"

Fall 73°

0.8"

Month	Avg Temp	Precip
Jan	54°F	1.8 in
Feb	56°F	1.9 in
Mar	61°F	1.4 in
Apr	67°F	0.4 in
May	76°F	0.2 in
Jun	85°F	0.0 in
Jul	90°F	1.0 in
Aug	89°F	1.7 in
Sep	84°F	0.9 in
Oct	73°F	0.8 in
Nov	62°F	0.8 in
Dec	53°F	1.4 in

Daylight & Sun Times

Daylight ranges from 9.9 hours in winter to 14.4 hours in summer — a difference of 4.5 hours.

Summer: 5:17 AM – 7:41 PM

Winter: 7:26 AM – 5:21 PM

Winter Solstice: Sunrise 7:26 AM, Sunset 5:21 PM Golden hour from 4:43 PM

Summer Solstice: Sunrise 5:17 AM, Sunset 7:41 PM Golden hour from 7:04 PM

Spring Equinox: Sunrise 6:41 AM, Sunset 6:36 PM Golden hour from 6:03 PM

Fall Equinox: Sunrise 6:11 AM, Sunset 6:37 PM Golden hour from 6:04 PM

Lake Pleasant #2 (N, 0mi), Maricopa Trip Planning & Access

Ready to visit? Here's what to know about getting here and what it'll cost.

Trip planning for Lake Pleasant starts with the 32-mile route from Phoenix.

Nearest city: Phoenix (32 mi)

Estimated fuel cost: $8 (28 mpg, $3.5/gallon)

Carbon footprint: 25.9 kg CO2 (round trip by car)

Visitor Friendliness

Visitor friendliness: families (excellent), dogs (likely_allowed), elderly (highly_suitable).

Dogs: likely_allowed — No restrictions found
Families: excellent
Elderly: highly_suitable
Strollers: excellent (100/100)
Beginners: Perfect for beginners (Easy difficulty - perfect for beginners (+20), Good information available (+5))
Accessibility: Generally accessible to most visitors (100/100)

Places Near Lake Pleasant #2 (N, 0mi), Maricopa

If you're in the area, these nearby destinations are worth considering too.

From campgrounds to trails to scenic attractions, 12 destinations surround Lake Pleasant.

Nearby Trails

Jim Creek Trail, Yavapai 20.16 mi
Tip Top Trail, Yavapai 20.52 mi
Lane Mountain Trail, Yavapai 20.59 mi
East Fort Trail, Yavapai 20.9 mi
Horsethief Lookout Trail, Yavapai 20.92 mi

Nearby Campgrounds

Horsethief Cabin Campground, Yavapai 20.66 mi
Hazlett Hollow Campground, Yavapai 21.29 mi
Turney Gulch Group Campground, Yavapai 21.56 mi

Stargazing & Night Sky at Lake Pleasant #2 (N, 0mi), Maricopa

If you're staying past sunset, the stargazing conditions here are worth planning around.

For anyone who stays past sunset, the Bortle 5 conditions here reward patience with constellations and bright planets.

Bortle 5 Suburban sky

Constellations

Look for Ursa Minor, Cepheus — all visible from this location depending on the season.

Ursa Minor — This compact constellation contains Polaris at the end of its handle, a reliable guide to true north.
Cepheus — Named for a mythological king, this constellation sits beside Cassiopeia and is circumpolar in northern latitudes.

Meteor Showers

For meteor viewing, the Geminids (December 13-14) offers the best show at this location.

Geminids — peaks December 13-14 (excellent)
Cold December air often means clear skies—look overhead after midnight for bright, slow-moving meteors.
Quadrantids — peaks January 3-4 (excellent)
Bundle up—January nights are frigid, but dark skies can produce bright fireballs.
Perseids — peaks August 11-13 (excellent)
Peak activity typically builds after midnight when Perseus climbs higher.
Eta Aquariids — peaks May 5-6 (good)
Southern U.S. observers often get better rates due to the radiant's position.
Delta Aquariids — peaks July 28-29 (fair)
This steady shower rewards patient observers in dark, moonless conditions.

Planets

Planets visible to the naked eye from this location:

Venus — The brightest planet, often called the Morning or Evening Star
Jupiter — The largest planet, bright and steady in the night sky
Saturn — Famous for its rings, visible as a golden steady light
Mars — The Red Planet, recognizable by its reddish-orange hue

Equipment Guide

Naked eye: Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Mars, Mercury (with care)
Binoculars: Jupiter moons, Uranus, Saturn rings (barely)
Small telescope: Saturn rings, Jupiter bands, Mars surface features, Neptune

Viewing Tips

Check planets rise/set times for your specific date
Planets appear along the ecliptic (zodiac path)
Planets don't twinkle like stars - steady light
Venus and Jupiter are unmistakable - brightest objects after Moon
Use a stargazing app to confirm planet positions
Best viewing: when planet is highest in sky (transit)

Best Viewing Months

Evening: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
Morning: Jul, Aug, Sep

Seasonal Highlights at Lake Pleasant #2 (N, 0mi), Maricopa

Each season brings something different to this area.

From wildflower blooms in spring to fall foliage in autumn, Lake Pleasant rewards visitors in every season.

Spring Wildflowers

Peak bloom: March - April

Check local park websites for bloom reports

Fall Foliage

Peak color: October 15 – November 5

Best trees for color: Maple, Oak, Aspen

Higher elevations peak 1-2 weeks earlier

Bird Migration

Spring peak: March - April

Fall peak: October - November

Best spots: Wetlands, coastlines, mountain ridges

Indigenous Land at Lake Pleasant #2 (N, 0mi), Maricopa

Long before trails were marked and campgrounds built, this land was home to Indigenous peoples.

This area's history extends far beyond recreation — it is the traditional territory of Akimel O’odham (Upper Pima), Hohokam, Yavapai Apache.

Territories

Languages

1 Indigenous languages are associated with the peoples of this area: Yavapai.

Yavapai

Data from Native Land Digital

Lake Pleasant #2 (N, 0mi), Maricopa Geology & Natural History

Beyond the trails and wildlife, Lake Pleasant sits within a landscape shaped by millions of years of geological processes. Here's what researchers and surveys have documented about this area.

Bedrock Geology

Rock Type: Middle Miocene to Oligocene volcanic rocks
Formation: Peach Springs Tuff; Apache Leap Tuff
Lithology: Major:{basalt,andesite,dacite}, Minor:{rhyolite}
Age: Cenozoic

Mineral Deposits

Deposit Sites: 371
Richness: Exceptional
Minerals Found: Gold, Copper, Silver, Tungsten, Mica, Manganese, Feldspar, Lead

Endangered Species

Species at Risk: 1478
ESA Endangered: 29
ESA Threatened: 16
Conservation Score: 100/100

Temperature Records

Record High: 120°F (1995-07-28)
Record Low: 11°F (2011-02-02)

Wildfire History

This area has a relatively low wildfire risk, but always follow posted fire regulations.

Recorded Fires: 54
Largest Fire: Castle (27,878.6 acres)
Most Recent: 2024
Fire Risk: Extreme

Watershed

Watershed: Upper Castle Creek
Water Quality (Good): 0%
Impaired: 0%

Meteorite Landings

Meteorites Found: 1
Largest: Trilby Wash (0.8 kg)

Reported Phenomena

UFO Sightings: 1 (NUFORC)
Haunted Places: 1 (Shadowlands)
Eeriness Score: 17/100

Lake Pleasant #2 (N, 0mi), Maricopa Safety & Conditions

Conditions change fast outdoors — bookmark these official sources for your visit.

The data above tells you what's typical — these links tell you what's happening at Lake Pleasant right now.

Flood zone: Not in a flood zone

Nearest weather station: CAREFREE 13.2 W, AZ US (10.6 mi)