Lake Roberts — which is both a manmade mountain lake and a charming lakeside community — is often referred to as the emerald of the Gila Forest. The lake and community are both a poplar destinations for fishermen, picnicers, visitors to the nearby Cliff Dwellings and motor tourists on the Trail of the Mountain Spirits Scenic Byway.

The gleaming water of Lake Roberts beckons fishermen to the 75-acre lake with promises of trout, small mouth bass and catfish. An broad assortment of birds nest here and majestic bald and golden eagles spend their winters near the lake.

Two short hiking trails, Purgatory and Pictograph, are also near the lake and the “Vista Ruins,” an interpretive Mimbres pit house site, is on the west side of the lake.

Lakeside communities offer great dining and lodging opportunities.