Even though Arizona is known for its vast desert, it is home to 128 lakes providing multiple bodies of water to take your kayak and/or paddle board for a day out on the water. Below is a list of recommended lakes for a great day on the water soaking up that Arizona sunshine.
Saguaro lake
- Location: Apache Junction, AZ
- Passes: I recommend purchasing a Tonto National Forest pass prior to making your trip out to Saguaro lake.
- Or you can purchase a pass when you arrive (usually $10-$13)
- Or you can buy an Annual Tonto National Forest Pass ($80/year)
- Or you can buy an Annual National Parks Pass ($80/year and covers national parks as well!)
- Put In Spots: (click on blue links for google maps locations)
- Saguaro Lake Marina
- After going through the entrance, stay to the left and park at the very end of the parking lot. Then make your way to the end of the pavement, past the bathrooms, where you will be able to put in safely on a small dock.
- Butcher Jones Beach Site
- This beach is actually a beach! Very family friendly! It offers a small sandy/rocky area along the shore providing a great spot to put in your kayak, paddle boards, tubes, etc. to enjoy a great day out on the water.
- If you want a great parking spot on the weekend then get there EARLY (prior to 8-9am)
- Saguaro Lake Marina
canyon lake
- Location: Tortilla Flats, Arizona
- Passes: I recommend purchasing a Tonto National Forest pass prior to making your trip out to Saguaro lake.
- Or you can purchase a pass when you arrive (usually $10-$13)
- Or you can buy an Annual Tonto National Forest Pass ($80/year)
- Or you can buy an Annual National Parks Pass ($80/year and covers national parks as well!)
- Put In Spots:
- Favorite Spot: Dirt Parking Lot, 33.538650, -111.441785, left side, directly after crossing the first bridge. A quick trek down to the water, where you are able to explore the canyon behind the metal bridge. It’s just gorgeous!!
- Acacia Recreation Site, great shoreline with a large no-wake, no-boater zone so that you are safe to swim. Another great spot to put in your kayak. Multiple pavilions and trees for shade.
- Boulder Recreation Site, another great spot to spend a day in the water with a few pavilions, beach spots, and easy water access. Another favorite of ours as it has an awesome canyon you can kayak/paddle through with beautiful canyon walls.
Salt river
- Location: Mesa, Arizona.
- Multiple sites to put in but expect to drive two cars to shuttle back and forth
- Head to our post “Floating the Salt River” for more information on how to make the most out of your salt river trip.
- Passes: I recommend purchasing a Tonto National Forest pass prior to making your trip out to the Salt River.
- Or you can purchase a pass when you arrive (usually $10-$13)
- Or you can buy an Annual Tonto National Forest Pass ($80/year)
- Or you can buy an Annual National Parks Pass ($80/year and covers national parks as well!)
The Salt River is one of Zack and I’s favorite kayaking/paddle boarding destinations as it is “closer” to home providing a fun day seeing the wild salt river horses, birds, fish, occasional river otter while enjoying cooling off in the cool water.
lake pleasant
- Location: Morristown, Arizona
- Passes: Purchase at the Service Stations. Link for more information.
- Put In Spots: LOTS of spots to put in around the lake. You can pull off the side of the road and set up for the day, just make sure there isn’t any “No Parking” signs.
- We like going to Lake Pleasant Access Rd. 33.865689, -112.315525
- We like to drive to the end of Desert Tortoise Rd, 33.862571, -112.297023
- Other stuff to do
- Lake Pleasant Marina: restaurants, boat/kayak/paddle boarding rentals, H2-WHOA fun slides, and much more. Visit Pleasant Harbor website for more information.
- If planning to make a lake day out of your trip I highly recommend bringing some sort of shade as there is NO large trees or natural shady areas to hide under.
blue ridge reservoir
- Location: Clint’s Well, Arizona
- Pass: Not Required
- Details: Gorgeous reservoir in the forest with incredible rock cliffs. Can get very busy on weekends so if you’re planning to make a weekend trip, GO EARLY (before 8am). Also, weather can be very unpredictable so bring a rain jacket and a normal jacket as it can get very chilly quickly.
- Camping Options? If you are looking for camping ideas, AZ Wonders put together a great post about recommended campsites close to blue ridge reservoir.
Black canyon water trail
- Location: Arizona/Nevada Border
- Start: Willow Beach Marina
- Pass: Yes, Either obtain at entrance station or purchase an Annual National Parks Pass
- Details: This is an EPIC kayaking/paddle boarding adventure that is worth carving out a few days and camping along the way to hoover dam! See my post DIY: Kayaking to Hoover Dam for more details!
- Highlights: The famous Emerald Cove, Arizona Hot Springs (and other hot springs), Hoover Dam.
