Central Arizona Project

The Central Arizona Project is a canal system that carries water from the Colorado River about 340 km to urban and rural areas across central and southern Arizona. The system uses canals and pumping stations to move water across changing terrain.

Planning for this project started in the 1960s when Arizona fought for water rights from the Colorado River, and construction began in 1973. Completion of the main route in 1993 marked the end of this massive engineering effort.

The network shaped how Arizona residents see themselves as a community that took control of its water future through bold infrastructure choices.

The best time to visit is October through April when temperatures are more comfortable for exploring the canals and access points. Information about public areas and viewpoints is available through local visitor centers or the project website.

The system requires 14 pumping stations to lift water up to 900 meters uphill at certain points, making it one of the state's largest electricity users. This massive power requirement is what made settlement possible in Arizona's driest regions.