If the dam is releasing water, even at low amounts it is very difficult for vehicles to cross the Verde River leaving the dirt roads on the east side to you. However, you can push your bike across the catwalk underneath the spill way . When water is being released over the spill way, as it was in 1995, this crossing becomes an event of note. From the dam go south on Forest Road 479 by the ranch, around the end of the mountain. After several miles the lake appears on your left.
Several roads lead down to the lake.
When full the lake shore is exceptionally beautiful north of Chalk Mountain . There is one stream crossing that can have water in the springtime. Deadman's creek drains most of the central Matazal mountains. After crossing Deadman's creek, Chalk mountain appears on the left. Cheer up the next several miles are flat and fast.