Lyman Lake State Park
Spending a week at Lyman Lake State Park wasn’t something I was sure I wanted to do. I tried to talk Jessie out of this stay multiple times. Although as we wrap up our time here I am thankful that we stayed the whole time. Hudson even told us, this has been his favorite so far.
We spent the week soaking up sunshine, letting the kids roam on bikes, fishing at the lake, and enjoying the kind of downtime that’s easy to overlook in everyday life.
Fishing quickly became the excitement on Sunday . There was something simple and relaxing about waking up, grabbing the rods, and heading down toward the water. Some moments were exciting for the kids, watching their lines closely and celebrating every catch, while other times it was more about slowing down and enjoying the quiet. Either way, the lake kept drawing us back.
Between fishing sessions, we spent time biking around the campground and exploring the area. The kids loved having the freedom to ride. It wasn’t about constantly moving from one thing to the next. It was about enjoying the small moments together.
We also spent time exploring some of the history around the area. Who knew, that this place in the middle of know where Arizona had such history! One afternoon we hiked out to see the ancient petroglyphs nearby. Standing in front of markings that have survived for hundreds of years has a way of making you slow down and appreciate where you are. We also made the drive out to Rattlesnake Point Pueblo to explore the old pueblo ruins and take in the wide-open views across the landscape. It’s hard not to imagine what life looked like there long before roads, campgrounds, and RVs existed.
Of course, we still made our way through the small Memorial Day weekend car show the park hosts each year. It added a fun local feel to the weekend, and the kids enjoyed wandering through the classic cars and trucks before eventually making their way back toward the bikes and the lake.
Not every day was sunny though.
One day a thunderstorm rolled through the area and completely changed the pace of the trip. Dark clouds rolled over the lake, the wind picked up, and before long the rain was pounding outside. Instead of trying to fight it, we leaned into it. We spent the day inside playing cards, watching movies, relaxing, snacking way too much, and listening to the storm outside. It was a much needed break from the hot sun. The kids enjoyed it!
Stops like this remind us that not every adventure has to be jammed pack full to be meaningful. Sometimes the best memories come from simple days spent together — fishing at the lake, riding bikes around camp, exploring old history, watching storms roll through, and ending the day tired from sunshine and fresh air.
Our week at Lyman Lake State Park wasn’t packed with major attractions or nonstop activity, but it gave us exactly what we needed: time together, slower days, and a chance to simply enjoy where we were.
old clay pottery
Sign found before hiking up to the Petroglphys
Petroglphys
