Coronado National Forest

Riggs Flat Lake

Riggs Flat Lake is located at the end of Swift Trail, a road that winds along the top of the Pinaleño 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 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.

Location:  Riggs Flat Lake is located in the Pinaleño Mountains 42 miles southwest of Safford.

Access:  From Safford, drive south 8 miles on US 191 to AZ 366.  Turn right (southwest) onto 366 and drive 29 miles to the Columbine Work Center.   Continue along Forest Roads 803 and 287 about 5 miles to the campground.  The last 12 miles of this road are narrow and winding.  The lake is accessible from April 15 through November 14, weather permitting.

Campground Season:  April 15 through November 14, weather and fire conditions permitting.

Elevation:  8,600'

Attractions:
Stocked monthly during summer months with rainbow trout, annually with brown and brook trout
Scenic mountain setting
Boating permitted (electric motors only)
Nearby campground
Forest trails

Facilities:
Boat ramp, small boats only
26 individual sites
Tables and fire grills (at campground)

Notes:

• No drinking water available; bring your own.
• 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.
• No fish cleaning station available.
• Lakeshore Trail #340 (0.6 miles) and Jesus Babcock Trail #321 (1.1 miles) are located in the vicinity of the lake.

For further information contact:  Safford Ranger District.