Restriction: Santa Catalina Mountains’ Rose Canyon Lake closes for two years to boaters and swimmers

The Coronado National Forest has renewed its order of closure for Rose Canyon Lake on Mount Lemmon. The renewal only restricts swimming, boating, and similar water activities on the lake as the Forest Service aims to protect fish and other wildlife.

Rose Canyon Lake making Tucson headlines

Tuscon’s KGUN released this story with more details: Do you love Rose Canyon Lake? Good news: it’s not closed!

KOLD in Tuscon also reported on the USDA Forest Service’s announcement: Boating, swimming ban for Rose Canyon Lake extended through 2025

Local station KVOA reported: Rose Canyon Lake closed for two years

Permitted Recreation at Rose Canyon Lake

Campers, hikers, and fisherman can continue to enjoy outdoor recreation at Rose Canyon Lake:

• Shore fishing
• Hiking around and near the lake
• Camping at Rose Canyon Campground
• Exploring nearby trails

According to SNOFLO.org, Rose Canyon Lake is regularly stocked with Rainbow Trout, and Largemouth Bass and Sunfish can also be caught here.

Popular trails near Rose Canyon Lake

Mount Lemmon and the Santa Catalina’s offer fantastic outdoor recreation for all kinds of enthusiasts. Here are a some trails close to Rose Canyon Lake and Campground that you should consider when enjoying nature in the area:

• Lizard Rock Trail, a moderate half-mile out-and-back that will take you to the top of Lizard Rock from the highway-side trailhead. The light-traffic trail offers sweeping views of the Santa Catalina Mountains.
• Maverick Spring Trail, a hard 4.2-mile out-and-back trail popular to hikers and trail runners.
• Lemmon Drop, a hard 18-mile point-to-point trail especially used by mountain bikers. From the trailhead near Rose Canyon Campground, this challenging route winds down into Tucson.
• Incinerator Ridge Trail to Barnum Rock and Leopold Point, a 2.2-mile out-and-back that is considered moderate for most hikers. This trail is known for seasonal wildflowers and mountain views.
• Incinerator, Brush Corral and Green Mountain Loop, a 4.1-mile loop trail regarded as a challenging route with scenic views and wildlife. Don’t forget about the buddy system!

As always, check with local trail and park management for the most current trail conditions.