Picacho Reservoir, reservoir in Pinal County, Arizona, US
Picacho Reservoir is a small water body near Coolidge in central Arizona covering about 50 acres with an average depth of 10 feet (3 meters). The water level fluctuates significantly with rainfall and irrigation demands, sometimes disappearing entirely during droughts, while the shoreline is lined with cattails, rushes, and low desert vegetation.
The reservoir was constructed in the 1920s as part of the San Carlos Irrigation Project to store and control water flow for nearby farms and communities. Sediment and vegetation have accumulated over the decades, reducing its original capacity and creating the marshy conditions seen today.
The reservoir reflects the region's long dependence on water management and irrigation, with its name tied to the Picacho area's early farming heritage. Visitors today experience how the landscape adapts to seasonal changes, with fishing and bird-watching becoming part of the local rhythm of outdoor recreation.
The reservoir is easily accessible by car from Coolidge and requires no special equipment to visit, though there are no major facilities like cafes or restrooms on site. Bring your own supplies and check water conditions before visiting, as the lake can be completely dry during drought periods.
The reservoir can disappear entirely during drought years, transforming from a body of water into dry grassland, making it a dynamic landscape that changes dramatically from season to season. This cycling between wet and dry states creates shifting habitats for fish, frogs, and migratory birds.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
