Theodore Roosevelt Lake

Theodore Roosevelt Lake sits about 80 miles (130 kilometers) northeast of Phoenix in the Sonoran Desert, stretching 22 miles (36 kilometers) between steep rock walls. The water fills a narrow valley framed by reddish cliffs and slopes dotted with cactus, while the horizon is bounded by the Mazatzal Mountains to the north.

The dam was built between 1905 and 1911 as the first major federal irrigation project in the American West. President Theodore Roosevelt dedicated the structure in 1911, after which the reservoir was named in his honor.

The surrounding Tonto National Forest provides recreational opportunities through designated hiking trails, camping areas, and fishing locations for outdoor enthusiasts.

Several ramps and marinas provide access for boats, while rental shops offer equipment for water sports and fishing. Summer temperatures often reach 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius), so spring or fall visits offer more comfortable conditions.

The water level fluctuates widely depending on season and irrigation demand, revealing broad shoreline zones of pale sediment that form rings around the water. When the level drops, old structures and bridge remnants from before the dam appear above the surface.