Canyon Lake Marina Cliffs — cliff jumping spot in Fort McDowell, Arizona
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Canyon Lake Marina Cliffs

Fort McDowell, Arizona · map view — photos in the app

About this spot

Known locally as 'Dog Rock,' this stretch of cliffs sits near the Canyon Lake Marina off the Apache Trail (AZ-88) in Tonto National Forest; reach it by paddling or boating from the Boulder Recreation Site beach, passing under the bridge into the marina cove. Jump heights here run smaller than the taller 45-85 ft formations found across the lake, with several lower ledges suited to different comfort levels — wear grippy water shoes, since the rock is uneven and slick when wet. Cliff-jumping fatalities have occurred at Canyon Lake and access here isn't officially sanctioned, so scout depth and current before jumping. Note: local reporting indicates Canyon Lake is scheduled to close for roughly 16 weeks starting mid-September 2026 for dam/safety maintenance — confirm current access before visiting.

Safety first. Cliff jumping is inherently dangerous and can cause serious injury or death. Conditions — water depth, submerged hazards, and access — change constantly. CliffScout is community-sourced reference information, not a guarantee a spot is safe. Always assess the conditions yourself before jumping, and never jump where you're unsure. You assume all risk.

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