Riggs Lake

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, and only single electric motors may be used. A valid Arizona fishing license and trout stamp is required for all anglers 14 years of age and older, six trout is the daily limit and the possession limit, and using live bait fish is prohibited. Fishing season is May to October, day and night. 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. The site has a boat ramp, picnic tables, toilets and parking. For day use, a Coronado National Forest or Interagency (America the Beautiful) pass must be displayed; for visitors who do not want to use facilities, there is a small fee-free parking area outside of the campground. The nearest first aid is Mt. Graham Community Hospital in Safford.