Gila County Sheriff's officials say that the body of 6-year-old Willa Rawlings was recovered around 2:30 p.m. near the Indian Point area on the north side of Roosevelt Lake. She had been missing since her family's truck got caught up in the rushing water of Tonto Creek on Nov. 29.
The Gila County Sheriff's Office said Friday a body had been found several miles from the site where the vehicle carrying 6-year-old Willa Rawlings, her parents, their three other children and four nieces had been swept away. Her body was identified several hours later, officials said.
General Notes: Arizona Game and Fish Department stocks sections of Tonto Creek periodically, beginning mid-April until late August.
Tonto Creek Campgrounds are open with restrictions to help prevent the spread of COVID-19; please note a few listed below: The trailheads for Horton Creek Trail 285 and Derrick Trail 33 are located in the Upper Tonto Creek campground. Both of these trails access the Highline National Recreation Trail (#31).
The Tonto Basin Ranger District will implement a public safety recreation closure order along Roosevelt Lake to protect recreational visitors beginning Oct. 9, 2020. This order will be effective on October 9, 2020, at 6 a.m. and shall remain in effect until March 15, 2021, or until rescinded, whichever occurs first.
Both
Roosevelt and Apache
Lakes, as well as the surrounding desert and montane ecosystems, present a variety of wildlife and bird-watching opportunities.
At a Glance.
| Operational Hours: | Daily from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Closedall Federal Holidays) |
|---|
| Closest Towns: | Globe, AZ; Tonto Basin, AZ; Punkin Center, AZ |
Located two hours northeast of Phoenix by car, Roosevelt Lake is a welcoming destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Camping, fishing, boating (including water-skiing and jet skiing), swimming, hiking, climbing, hunting, picnicking, photography, and the mountain and desert scenery share most visitors' to-do lists.
Lake Roosevelt is great for swimming and is accessible from a number of places for swimming. In addition, you can access some swimming areas from the Forest Service campgrounds located around the Lake.
Due to extreme conditions, all fires at Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area are prohibited effective 12:01 am, Thursday, July 30, 2020 until further notice. No open flames are permitted. For the most current information regarding the fire ban in the Recreation Area, please call 509-754-7893.
Fishing season is open year-round, except for sturgeon, which are subject to special rules and seasons. White Sturgeon, Rainbow Trout, Kokanee, Walleye and Smallmouth Bass are the star attractions.
From Mesa: Take State Hwy. 87 (Beeline Highway) north for about 60 miles to the junction of State Hwy. Turn right and follow State Hwy. 188 for 26 miles to the lake.
