
Riggs Lake
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Campground
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Reservable Sites
Check by phone
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Accessible
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Organization
Overview
About Riggs Lake
Overview Riggs Flat Lake is located at the end of Swift Trail, a road that winds along the top of the Pinaleno Mountains. It is a small picturesque lake, 11 acres in size, set in alpine forest and meadow. Its cold waters are stocked during the summer with rainbow, brown and brook trout, and anglers report that the fishing is usually good. Best baits for the rainbows are corn, cheese, garlic cheese, salmon eggs, and worms. The brown and brook trout are taken on artificial lures and flies as well. Small boats are permitted on the lake, but most people fish from the shoreline. If the big ones aren’t biting, there is always plenty of scenery to enjoy. In addition to the views of the lake and the surrounding forest, West Peak is visible from the vicinity of the lake. So are Aravaipa Valley and the Galiuro Mountains to the west if you don't mind taking a short hike to get to an overlook. Recreation Day use: A Coronado National Forest or Interagency (America the Beautiful) pass must be displayed. Day use passes can be purchased at the site for $8. For visitors who do not want to use facilities, there is a small fee-free parking area outside of the campground. A valid Arizona fishing license and trout stamp (available at outdoor stores around the state) is required for all anglers 14 years of age and older. Six trout is the daily limit and the possession limit. Using live bait fish is prohibited. Fishing season is May to October, day and night. Boats are permitted on the lake, but only single electric motors may be used. Facilities Day use: A Coronado National Forest or Interagency (America the Beautiful) pass must be displayed. Day use passes can be purchased at the site for $8. For visitors who do not want to use facilities, there is a small fee-free parking area outside of the campground. A valid Arizona fishing license and trout stamp (available at outdoor stores around the state) is required for all anglers 14 years of age and older. Six trout is the daily limit and the possession limit. Using live bait fish is prohibited. Fishing season is May to October, day and night. Boats are permitted on the lake, but only single electric motors may be used. contact_info This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (928) 428-4150. Nearby Attractions
- Map coordinates are available for trip planning.


Our Take
What makes Riggs Lake special
Riggs Lake is a genuine hidden treasure in southern Arizona's Pinaleno Mountains, perched at over 8,600 feet where ponderosa pine and spruce replace the desert floor far below. The small campground wraps around an 11-acre alpine lake that feels impossibly out of place in a state known for saguaros and sand. Stocked with rainbow, brown, and brook trout, the lake draws anglers who appreciate a short walk to the water and reliable bites, especially in spring and early fall. Sitting at the end of Swift Trail, the winding scenic drive up Mount Graham is half the experience — you climb through five distinct ecological zones in about 30 miles. Sites are limited and intimate, so arrive midweek for the best selection. Summers bring comfortable days and cool nights, a welcome escape from Tucson's triple-digit heat just two hours south. Birders love it here too, as the sky island ecosystem hosts species found nowhere else in the region. Riggs Lake is perfect for anglers, nature lovers, and anyone seeking a mountain retreat in unexpected Arizona terrain.
Reservations & Contact
Plan your stay
Phone
928-428-4150
samantha.malone@usda.gov
Getting There
From Safford, drive south 8 miles on US 191 to AZ 366. Turn right (southwest) onto 366 and drive 29 miles to the Columbine Work Center. Continue along Forest Roads 803 and 287 about 5 miles to the campground. The last 12 miles of this road are narrow and winding.
FAQ
Common questions
Everything you need to know before your trip to Riggs Lake.
How do reservations work for Riggs Lake?
Reservation availability for Riggs Lake can vary by season and campsite type. Check the contact and access section before booking.
What campsite types are available at Riggs Lake?
Campsite type details are limited right now. Check back as this listing is enriched.
Where is Riggs Lake located?
See this page for location details and directions.
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