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Parker Canyon Lake
 25 miles SE of Sonoita, AZ
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Max Depth: 81-90ft/25-27m
Average Viz: 5-10ft/2-3m
Entry Type: Shore
Bottom Composition: Clay/Muck
Aquatic Life: Might See Something
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Rating: 2.00 by 2 divers
Summer: 66-70°F/19-21°C
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Parker Canyon Lake is a shore accessible fresh water dive site, located in 25 miles SE of Sonoita, AZ. This dive site has an average rating of 2.00 out of 5 from 2 scuba divers. The maximum depth is 81-90ft/25-27m. The average visibility is 5-10ft/2-3m.
This medium-sized 132 acre lake is located in rolling hill country surrounded by distant mountains. For those who like to fish, Parker Canyon Lake offers both cold and warm water species, including stocked rainbow trout and resident bass, sunfish, and catfish. To make landing those wily lunkers a bit easier, there is a fishing pier and a paved boat ramp at the lake, as well as a lakeside paved area and a graveled path along some of the best catfishing shoreline. There is also a concessionaire-operated country store at the lakeshore where you can pick up some last minute supplies, buy a fishing license, or rent a boat.
Bird watchers and just plain nature lovers will also find much to enjoy at Parker Canyon Lake. A five mile trail leads around the shoreline never getting more than a few steps from the water. The Parker Lakeshore Trail offers excellent vantage points from which to enjoy the ducks and other waterfowl that are invariably bobbing on the lake’s clear waters. Some of those points even have benches and interpretive signs. Bald eagles and osprey are regularly sighted in this area, as are spring warblers and hummingbirds in season. On the terrestrial side, Coues whitetail deer can frequently be seen browsing among the oaks and grasses that surround the lake and in the two campgrounds near its shores. Coatimundi, javelina, and roadrunners, three animals that are about as southwestern as you can get, make occasional appearances as well.
Location: 25 miles southeast of Sonoita in the scenic Canelo Hills.
Access: From Tucson, travel east on Interstate 10 to State Route 83 (exit 281) and turn south 50 miles through Sonoita to Parker Canyon Lake.
Season: Open year round.
Elevation: 5,400’
Attractions: Boating (motors limited to 10 hp) Fishing for trout, bass, and catfish Camping and picnicking Mercantile & Marina Store Oak-grassland setting Watchable wildlife Lakeside trail Facilities: Fishing pier, paved boat ramp and courtesy dock Restroom Lakeview Campground (Coronado National Forest) Handicap access to most facilities Parking for vehicles, motor homes, boat trailers