USDA Forest Service · Arizona
Riggs Lake
USDA Forest Service · Arizona, United States
- Sites
- 1
- Hookups
- 1 with water, 1 no hookups
- Season
- April 15 to November 14
- Group sites
- Yes
- Drinking water
- Yes
- Restrooms
- Yes
- Pets
- Yes
- Elevation
- 8,825 ft
- Dark sky
- Bortle class 1
- Cell coverage
- T-Mobile none · AT&T none · Verizon none (carriers' 4G LTE filings to the FCC, 2025-12; not measured here)
- Access road
- RIGGS FLAT ACCESS (NFSR 287) · improved native material · suitable for passenger cars
- Lake
- Coronado National Forest
- Phone
- 928-428-4150
- Activities
- Backpacking, Birding, Boating, Camping, Day Use Area, Fishing, Hiking, Photography, Picnicking, Wildlife Viewing
About
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
Nearest first aid - Mt. Graham Community Hospital in Safford.
Boat ramp, fee charged for some activities, picnic tables, toilets, parking
Contact Info
This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (928) 428-4150.
Nearby Attractions
Weather, month by month
| Month | Typical high | Typical low | Coldest night | Hottest day | Years with a night below 32°F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 43° | 24° | 13° | 57° | 11 of 11 |
| February | 46° | 25° | 11° | 62° | 11 of 11 |
| March | 50° | 28° | 15° | 72° | 9 of 11 |
| April | 62° | 35° | 23° | 75° | 7 of 11 |
| May | 68° | 43° | 30° | 80° | 1 of 11 |
| June | 80° | 55° | 41° | 89° | 0 of 11 |
| July | 80° | 58° | 51° | 88° | 0 of 11 |
| August | 74° | 54° | 46° | 86° | 0 of 11 |
| September | 72° | 51° | 43° | 82° | 0 of 11 |
| October | 63° | 41° | 28° | 75° | 2 of 10 |
| November | 53° | 33° | 16° | 65° | 9 of 10 |
| December | 46° | 25° | 14° | 58° | 10 of 10 |
Mid-month figures from 2016–2026 of daily weather at this spot (ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo, CC BY 4.0), in °F. Typical is the median; coldest and hottest are the extremes seen.
Nearby campgrounds
- Soldier Creek Campground · USDA Forest Service · 3 mi
- Cunningham Campground · USDA Forest Service · 5 mi
- Upper Hospital Flat Group Site · USDA Forest Service · 6 mi · 1 sites
- Treasure Park - East · USDA Forest Service · 6 mi · 1 sites
- Treasure Park - North · USDA Forest Service · 6 mi · 1 sites
All public campgrounds in Arizona · Every state and province · Facts read from the operator 2026-02-25. Confirm fees, rules and current status with the operator before you go.