Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Fishing & Camping at Woods Canyon Lake, AZ

WOW! After almost four years of living in Arizona, I have finally found my favorite place in this state! Northeast of the Phoenix metro area are actual woods. Forest! Acres beyond acres of trees for miles on end. I couldn't believe it when I saw it. It reminded me a bit of northern California where I'm from, and I loved it. There's just something so peaceful for me about the mountains and tall trees surrounding me. It gives me a huge sense of connection to life itself. It's energizing, rejuvenating, and comforting all at the same time.

After reading an article on the White Mountains in Arizona Highways magazine, Drew and I wanted to head out and camp there. Before driving that far east though, we decided to stop by Woods Canyon Lake and camp in the Aspen Campground for a night. We loved it so much there that we decided to save the White Mountains for another trip. Below are a few images from our little camping and fishing excursion -less than two hours away from where we live, and oh so much cooler. (Square images = Instagram, Horizontal images = DSLR)

We found the perfect campsite at the Aspen Campground.
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Aspen Campground, AZ

I left my hiking shoes out by the tent and found this little blue caterpillar hanging out.
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Our first day, we hiked the Horton Creek trail. BEAUTIFUL!!! I can't believe I've been missing out on this little piece of heaven all this time I've been living here. But I'm glad the discovery has finally been made. Will definitely be back.
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The top left image of the two butterflies was right at the beginning of our hike. A sign of good things to come!
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Evening came and we got our rods ready. Woods Canyon Lake. Couldn't ask for a better place to fish.
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Woods Canyon Lake

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Before we headed home the next day, we walked along the rim trail. What a view from up there! Hello...why doesn't this area get more love? When people think of Arizona, they think cactus. But mountains & forests? Check!
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After this short trip, I am so excited to head up to the White Mountains now. If anyone has any suggestions on where to go, feel free to share them in the comments section. I'd love to know! 




6 comments:

Nic said...

Ray and I go to Pinetop every year... it's a bit farther out, I think a 3 hour drive, but we love it there.

ldao said...

Thanks Nicole! Hopefully we'll be able to head out there sometime this summer. I've heard so much about the White Mtns here & I think it's about time Drew & I go see it!!!

northierthanthou said...

Looks like a really beautiful place to camp.

Anonymous said...

Definately a great place to enjoy nature! Heard the mosquitos were bad in some areas, you have any issues?

ldao said...

No mosquito bites at all! And I am definitely mosquito magnet if they're around!

Unknown said...

Do you remember what site number you had?? Were going in August and that looks perfect!

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