Rose Canyon Lake

Very pretty Lake. If you wait until the camp ground opens for the season then you can drive very close to it. Good hike while the gate is closed until opening season.

Great Location about half an hour outside of Tucson. Set on granite and mica in a ponderosa pine forest, temperatures are usually 20-25 degrees cooler than in town. The area around the lake can be slippery due to the eroding granite, take hiking boots or outdoor style shoes to make it easier. There is a store for affordable snacks and helpful friendly park staff with warm smiles. Great place for all ages, walking to the lake can be a bit tiring so pace yourself for the 1/4 mile uphill walk back to the parking loop/picnic area.

Peaceful, and people are nice. Rainbow trout mostly. Family fun. The drive is beautiful. Did not get too burned from the fires last year (2020). Still has big tall trees!
Lots of Mosquitoes though, so be prepared. Use Peppermint essential oil in your sunscreen, but keep it away from your nose and eyes! Works great.

Perfect get away for half a day or couple weeks

Amazin scene must visit if you I Tucson