Navajo Nation — Wheatfields Lake Dispersed Camp

Wheatfields Lake sits at around 7,300 feet in the Chuska Mountains east of Canyon de Chelly, flanked by tall ponderosa pine — a world apart from the red-rock desert below. The forest service-style feel up here catches most canyon-country travelers off guard. Pull-offs along the lake’s dirt perimeter road are well-used by Navajo Nation locals fishing for stocked trout, but there’s enough room to spread out and it stays cool even in midsummer. No developed facilities; pack out everything.

Access is via AZ-12 south from Tsaile — paved all the way to the lake turnoff, with a short dirt spur to the shore. Any rig can get here in dry conditions. A Navajo Nation recreational use permit is required for camping; purchase at the Navajo Nation Parks and Recreation office in Window Rock or Chinle before arriving. Fire restrictions apply — check current status with the permit office.

Ponderosa-rimmed mountain lake in the Chuskas.