Hidden Lake - Help Rebuild a West Valley Gem

In light of the recent weather, local dam releases have drastically increased water levels. Though these releases were necessary to preserve the integrity of the dams, the amount of water released unfortunately overfilled many local waterways including Hidden Lake. On the morning of March 24, despite countermeasures the lake had available, the water rose by over 12' within a span of a few short hours. Available staff raced against the clock to save what equipment we could but our bar & music equipment remained and we were unable to retrieve those and many other items. Our bar structure will need to be rebuilt and most likely relocated. The acres of 1/4 minus (gravel) and thousands of square feet of turf will also need to be replaced. We are a small business and do not have the financial ability to replace all of these things at the speed at which we are needing them to be done.

Hidden Lake exists to create unforgettable memories for our community, and the friends and family it encompasses. Through healthy, active, outdoor recreation, as well as through the execution of special events; our goal is to share our love for the environment around us, our passion for living life to the fullest, and our enthusiasm for having fun.

We have always been a place inspired by and made to inspire fun. A passion for water recreation birthed a fishing escape and lakeside bar that organically grew over time to become Phoenix's West Valley premier outdoor event and wedding destination. Hidden Lake is a private 120-acre outdoor recreation destination, located in Maricopa County, Arizona, just west of the Phoenix Metro area. It consists of 60+ acres of trophy fishing waters, a beautiful wedding location, a private event center, and a live music venue that is bordered by thousands of acres of protected riparian areas.

From the moment of arrival, the lake captures your attention, a breathtaking body of water unexpected among Arizona's dry topography. With lakeside seating perfectly positioned and a stage suspended above the shoreline, you can't help but be drawn to the water. A good time getaway for friends, families and fishing enthusiasts we provide a diverse array of events; food trucks, a wide variety of drink offerings and entertainment spell out fun for the whole family. The backyard, laid-back, come-as-you-are vibe, makes everyone feel like family. Whether you're here for a signature event, a gorgeous wedding, a private event, a Sunday Funday, or just to enjoy recreation on the lake, every experience is an invitation to leave your worries behind and enjoy lakeside liveliness. Hidden Lake works hard to maintain a safe, clean environment for hard-core anglers, nature enthusiasts, and families to enjoy.

Valley residents and outdoor enthusiasts, Richard and Jennifer Mladick, purchased the property in 2016. To the couple's great dismay, Hidden Lake had become a garbage dump for locals and a prime site for illegal target practice and hunting. With a desire to begin a new movement, advocate unplugging from technology and reintroduce society to nature and create a unique place for families to enjoy each other, the parents of four closed the lake property and embarked on a habitat restoration and cleanup effort.

To date, the Mladick family has eliminated more than 200 tons of trash, planted over 250 native trees and blocked potential trespassers and poachers from vandalizing the awe-inspiring land. Today restoration efforts continue around the property but their efforts of re-establishing the environment have already been successful as guests may see various animals and at any given time over 100 species of birds call Hidden Lake home.

In May 2020, Jennifer lost Richard to an untimely death. She has vowed to continue on her husband's legacy and continue to work towards their goals and dreams. Jennifer's family fuels her passion for the continuing development of Hidden Lake. She would love to continue to share Hidden Lake with all of the families and community who have continued to join us throughout the years.