Quick Details
This special event includes two parts:
A classroom session where participants can learn about bighorn sheep in their natural history, management and historical significance will be held prior to the Dolly Cruise on the lake. Please contact the Mesa office of the Arizona Game and Fish Department at 480-981-9400 for details and to register for the limited seating.
The viewing portion of the event is aboard the Dolly Steamboat where the group will tour Canyon Lake to view wild bighorn sheep.
Reservations are required directly with the Dolly Steamboat, as boat capacity is limited.
Bighorn sheep can be observed year round on Dolly. Observations in the spring time can be successful during most of the day and the comfortable temperatures allow greater enjoyment of Canyon Lake. However, early mornings in June and July are the times of year when bighorn sheep stay pretty close to the water due early in the morning due to the heat. The mating season is also underway and the hotter it is, the better the opportunity is to see bighorn sheep along the water’s edge.
Adult
Ages 13 and over
$ 55
Child
Ages 5-12
$ 35
Small Child
Ages 1 to 4
$ 25
A 3 hour lake cruise to view bighorn sheep at Canyon and with Arizona Game and Fish Biologists and members of Arizona Desert Bighorn Sheep Society.
The water level of Canyon Lake will be lowered for approximately 16 weeks beginning September 16, 2026, to allow for critical dam safety inspections and maintenance. During this period, Tonto National Forest will close the lake, including all boat ramps and public access points.
As a result, the Dolly Steamboat will temporarily suspend operations starting August 30th. While we will miss sharing Canyon Lake with our guests during this time, we look forward to welcoming you to once again experience the breathtaking beauty, wildlife, and scenic wonders that make Canyon Lake such a special destination at the beginning of January 2027.
Though we will be away for a short time, Canyon Lake’s beauty will be waiting! We look forward to reintroducing you to the magic of this breathtaking and stunning desert oasis in January 2027.
Reservations are required as boat capacity is limited.
This special event includes two parts:
The first evening is a classroom session where participants can learn about bighorn sheep in their natural history, management and historical significance. To participate, please call 480-981-9400.
The second morning is aboard the dolly Steamboat where the group will tour Canyon Lake to view wild bighorn sheep.
“June and July are the times of year when bighorns stay pretty close to the water,” said John Dickinson, former wildlife manager in the Canyon Lake District. “The mating season is underway and the hotter it is, the better opportunity to see the sheep along the waters edge.”