Joe: It's very safe. Heck, the Phoenix area is rowdier! Seriously, nothing to worry about since you'll be heading out to a rural setting once you leave Hermosillo (6hrs from PHX). Once you leave Hermosillo, you head east for 2 hrs. where you will go to the dam side (not damn side :lol: ).You'll have to go in through the dam since the lake is at approx. 10% of capacity right now. Word of caution: It gets a little dicey launching a big boat even here. I leave my 20' home and take up to a 18' max.
Bottomline: Yes, it's safe. Total travel time since it will be your first will be between 8-10 hrs. This depends on your stops for food. I can provide you with contacts and greater detail about the lake. Email me and I'll be glad to help! I'll be heading there soon and I'd be glad to take you.