Scottsdale → Bartlett Lake via Carefree Hwy
Fully paved · Slingshot-appropriate roads only
Scottsdale → Bartlett Lake · ~90 miles round trip
Bartlett Lake
A turquoise desert reservoir tucked into the Tonto National Forest — 45 minutes from Old Town, a world away from the city.
Check Availability on TuroDistance
~90 miles round trip
Drive Time
1.5–2 hrs with stops
Rental Rec.
Half day (4–6 hrs) or full day
Road Type
Fully paved — all roads suitable for the Slingshot
Difficulty
Easy — all paved roads
Best Season
Oct–May; summer mornings possible
Scottsdale's Closest Desert Lake Escape
Bartlett Lake sits at the confluence of the Verde River and Tonto Creek, about 45 miles northeast of Scottsdale in the Tonto National Forest. The reservoir is a vivid turquoise against the desert brown — saguaro-covered hillsides dropping to the water, with the Mazatzal Mountains rising behind.
The drive from Scottsdale follows Scottsdale Road north through the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, then east on Bartlett Dam Road through open desert. The paved route takes you to the Bartlett Dam overlook with sweeping views of the reservoir and the Verde River canyon below. The payoff is a quiet, uncrowded lake with dramatic desert scenery.
This is an ideal half-day route — close enough for a morning escape, dramatic enough to feel like a real adventure. Combine it with a Fountain Hills loop on the return for a full day.
The Route
Starting point: Old Town Scottsdale (exact pickup address provided after Turo booking)
Scottsdale → Carefree Highway (AZ-74)
Head north on Scottsdale Road through the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Turn right (east) on Carefree Highway. About 25 miles, 30 minutes.
Carefree Highway → Bartlett Dam Road
Turn right on Bartlett Dam Road (Forest Road 19). The road heads southeast through open desert and saguaro forest on paved road.
Bartlett Dam Overlook
The 1939 dam offers panoramic views of the reservoir and the Verde River canyon below. Pull over for photos — this is one of the best viewpoints on the route.
Bartlett Lake Views
The lake is visible from the dam road and surrounding overlooks. The Verde River arm of the lake is particularly scenic — narrow canyon walls, clear water, and desert wildlife.
Return to Scottsdale
Return the same way, or loop back via AZ-87 (Beeline Highway) south through Fountain Hills for a different return route.
Best Stops
Bartlett Dam Overlook
The 1939 dam offers views of the reservoir and the Verde River canyon below. Pull over on the dam road for photos — the scale of the landscape is impressive.
Verde River Views
The northern arm of the lake where the Verde River enters is the most scenic section — narrow canyon walls, clear water, and desert wildlife.
Saguaro Hillsides
The hillsides around the lake are dense with saguaro cactus — some of the best saguaro scenery in the Scottsdale area. Morning light is exceptional.
Fountain Hills (return)
Add Fountain Hills to your return route — the world-famous fountain runs on the hour, and the McDowell Mountain views are excellent.
What You Need to Know
All Paved — Slingshot Appropriate
The route to the Bartlett Dam overlook and lake views is fully paved. All roads on this route are appropriate for the Polaris Slingshot.
Tonto Pass
A Tonto National Forest Recreation Pass ($8/day or $20/week) is required for parking at the lake. Purchase at the entrance kiosk or online at recreation.gov.
Fuel and Food
No fuel at the lake. Fuel up in Scottsdale before departure — use premium unleaded, 91 octane or higher. Bring food and water. The nearest fuel on the return is in Carefree or Fountain Hills.
Cell Service
Limited cell service on Bartlett Dam Road and at the lake. Download offline maps before departure.
Weather
The lake sits at about 1,700 feet elevation — similar to Scottsdale. Summer mornings are manageable but midday heat is intense. Spring and fall are ideal.
Suggested Half-Day Itinerary
7:00 AM
Pick up Slingshot in Old Town Scottsdale
7:15 AM
Head north on Scottsdale Road to Carefree Highway
7:45 AM
Turn east on Bartlett Dam Road
8:30 AM
Arrive Bartlett Dam overlook — lake and canyon views
9:00 AM
Explore Verde River arm views, photography
10:00 AM
Begin return — option to loop via Fountain Hills
11:00 AM
Fountain Hills fountain (runs on the hour)
12:00 PM
Return Slingshot in Old Town Scottsdale
Book Your Bartlett Lake Drive
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