Contact Information
Rt. 2 Box 712
Safford, AZ 85546
520-428-6760
Located at the foot of Mount Graham, Roper Lake is a haven for recreationists. Desert vegetation, a peaceful lake and a view of Mount Graham frames a beautiful picture for visitors to enjoy. Guests can pitch a tent on the lake's shore, and enjoy a dip in the natural hot springs. A rock-lined hot tub created by park rangers is filled by natural hot springs. There are two different sections to the park: the main unit, Roper Lake, and the Dankworth Ponds unit, three miles south. Roper has 30 lake surface acres, a boat ramp, the hot springs, swimming, a day use island, beach, and campsites. Dankworth Ponds has 15 lake surface acres with picnic Ramadas, and Indian Village, and a playground.
Roper is a stocked lake, making it a great place for kids to make their first catch. It is also a good place to learn to sailboard. Boats are limited to only small electric motors. Five miles of hiking trails throughout the park offer some good hiking and sightseeing opportunities.
Additional park facilities include picnic areas with tables, grills and Ramadas, campgrounds with showers and hookups, a fishing jetty, restrooms and a group use area. Dankworth Ponds unit also has interpretive signs, a reconstructed Indian village, and a playground. A level fishing pad is provided for wheelchair access.
Roper Lake State Park offers opportunities for fishing, camping, picnicking, hiking, swimming, boating in small electric powered boats and sailboarding.
Roper Lake has a high elevation of 3,900 feet and as such should not experience the harsh desert climate of low elevation sites. However, during the summer months visitors can still expect very hot temperatures with afternoon thunderstorms possible especially in July and August. Daytime high temperatures can exceed 105 degrees. Winter brings moderate temperatures to the low elevations, with warm days and cool to cold nights. Winter is a good time to experience these normally snow free areas. Fall and spring are transitional periods and can also be nice times to visit these desert regions. Be prepared for cool temperatures at higher elevations and dress in layers for your travels in this state of varying climates.
