Situated atop the Mogollon Rim in the Coconino National Forest, C.C. Cragin Reservoir has a storage capacity of 15,000 acre-feet. SRP acquired C.C. Cragin (formerly Blue Ridge) Reservoir from Phelps Dodge Corporation in February 2005 as part of the Gila River Indian Water Rights settlement.
The C.C. Cragin project consists of a number of facilities, including an electrical transmission line and a generating plant. The majority of the project is located in the Coconino and Tonto national forests.
In addition to satisfying obligations to the Gila River Indian Community, C.C. Cragin will be used to supplement SRP shareholders' water supply and to assist with improving the water supply situation in northern Gila County in accordance with the Arizona Water Settlements Act.
To meet its need for additional water, Phelps Dodge built Show Low Lake in 1952 and C.C. Cragin Reservoir in 1965. Phelps Dodge and SRP entered a water-exchange agreement in 1962 to cover diversions and exchanges of water from these facilities.
This agreement confirmed each party's respective water rights in the watersheds of the Salt, Verde and Gila rivers. In addition, it provided SRP with the opportunity to acquire C.C. Cragin Reservoir and its water production facilities — fulfilling Phelps Dodge's obligations under the 1962 agreement to offer the reservoir to SRP.
Phelps Dodge and SRP agreed that if SRP acquired the reservoir, a portion of the water would be delivered to the Gila River Indian Community as part of the Comprehensive Gila River Settlement.
To meet its need for additional water, Phelps Dodge built Show Low Lake in 1952 and C.C. Cragin Reservoir in 1965. Phelps Dodge and SRP entered a water-exchange agreement in 1962 to cover diversions and exchanges of water from these facilities.
This agreement confirmed each party's respective water rights in the watersheds of the Salt, Verde and Gila rivers. In addition, it provided SRP with the opportunity to acquire C.C. Cragin Reservoir and its water production facilities — fulfilling Phelps Dodge's obligations under the 1962 agreement to offer the reservoir to SRP.
Phelps Dodge and SRP agreed that if SRP acquired the reservoir, a portion of the water would be delivered to the Gila River Indian Community as part of the Comprehensive Gila River Settlement.
C.C. Cragin Reservoir, more commonly known as Blue Ridge Reservoir, can be found about 60 miles south of Flagstaff on a graveled forest road near the town of Happy Jack. See the best ways to enjoy this narrow, winding, tree-lined body of water.
Things to do
Hit the water
Calm, flat waters make this reservoir a destination for kayaking, canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding.
Boating
Boats under 10 horsepower are allowed and the lake is stocked with a variety of trout by the Arizona Game and Fish Department.
Camping
Although there is no designated camping at the lake, you’ll find campsites at Rock Crossing Campground just 3 miles away.
