Arizona may be located in the Sonoran Desert, thus you would anticipate that it would have a significant water shortage. However, despite being so dry, it boasts some fantastic kayaking spots. There are many unusual areas to kayak in Arizona, from rivers to urban lakes. These locations are listed here as information about some of the best places for kayaking in Arizona, not in any particular order.
Therefore, we’ve compiled a list of the top places for kayaking in Arizona to serve as inspiration for your upcoming kayaking vacation.
Both novice and more experienced kayakers can find plenty of beginner-friendly locations with calm water and stunning vistas in Arizona.This article will discuss some of the best locations in the desert for kayak launches. Arizona has many wonderful kayaking locations.
Blue Ridge Reservoir
One of the better possibilities for kayaking in Arizona with beautiful scenery is Blue Ridge Reservoir on the Mogollon Rim. Located 6,700 feet above sea level, it offers breathtaking views of the canyon walls and woodland.
For novices or those who don’t want to exert themselves too much, its tranquil and narrow waters are perfect. We really adore it since there is minimal traffic and no motor boating on the lake.
Therefore, you’ll have enough of room to practice your paddling technique or to casually glide across the water. Blue Ridge Reservoir is well worth a visit for its serene ambiance and beautiful vistas.
Watson Lake
A few miles from Arizona’s Prescott city centre are Watson Lake. The distance from the Phoenix region to this is between one and two hours by car.
Although this stunning lake is surrounded by granite boulders, it is simple to launch your kayak onto the water. Many residents in the Phoenix area travel here frequently to escape the summer heat.
Other activities available at Watson Lake include rock climbing, hiking, and fishing, to name a few. This lake is defined by the rock formations, and kayaking there is breathtaking.
Lone Rock Canyon
Without Lone Rock Canyon, a list of the top places for kayaking in Arizona wouldn’t be complete. It has a lot to offer whether you want to take a guided trip or go kayaking alone.
The seas are often fairly tranquil, giving you more time to enjoy the breathtaking vistas. It’s best to go early in the day when the seas are quiet if you’re a novice.
Its stunning cliffs are the perfect place to get away from the city and appreciate nature. There are also chances for cliff diving on the canyon walls for adrenaline seekers, but you should only do this in absolutely safe areas.
Lake Pleasant
Lake Pleasant should be at the top of your list if you’re seeking for a kayaking spot close to Phoenix.
It’s actually a man-made lake that was built in the 1920s by the Carl Pleasant Dam, and like other man-made reservoirs, it includes cliffs on each side and gorges that are perfect for kayaks and canoes.
The lake may become rather crowded because it is a well-liked location for local visitors and kayakers, but since it is 11.5 miles long, there are plenty of places to explore all the way around it.
There are various camping areas along with stunning vistas and chances for riding, boating, and hiking for anyone wishing to make a journey out of it.
Lower Salt River in Mesa
The Lower Salt River in Mesa is a favorite spot for people in Arizona. It boasts a lot of flora, enormous cliffs, stunning waterways, and picturesque vistas. Because there is so much desert animals to observe, it may get busy, especially in the summer.
Beginners searching for a convenient location to hone their kayaking abilities can consider this location due to its tranquil and mild waters.
Along the whole length of the river, there are several other things to enjoy as it is also a part of the Tonto National Forest.
Lake Powell
Without a doubt, kayaking in Lake Powell is an exhilarating activity. If you want a kayaking experience that is genuinely one-of-a-kind, the vast lake with 170 miles of water should be at the top of your list or very close to it.
You may spend many days touring the 1,900 miles of beach.
You may kayak through several spectacular locations at the lake, such as Antelope Canyon and Lone Rock Canyon (which we previously discussed).
There are several options for authorized kayak trips, paddleboard rentals and fat tyre bike rentals for those who like more structure.
Big Lake
Big Lake is a little-known treasure in the White Mountains of northern Arizona. The 450-acre lake lives up to its name and fishermen love it since it has a thriving trout population and serves as a central location for fishing.
It is one of the top locations for kayaking in Arizona.
Big Lake doesn’t permit gas engines which although may be an inconvenience to some people, it is a great way to maintain the tranquility and calm nature of the waters.
All around the lake you’ll see beautiful scenery including views of the mountains and vast forests. The lake’s 9000-feet elevation makes it easy to view the beautiful surroundings and is one of the best places to get away from the stressful city life.
Knoll Lake
The next lake on the list is Knoll Lake, a magnificent mountain lake in Arizona. With a lake that is 50 feet deep and a surface size of 75 acres, there is a lot to explore.
Adventurers seeking to escape the city and go hiking will love Knoll Lake because of its convenient location in a remote forest.
Ponderosa pines are abundant in the forest that encircles the lake, adding to its allure and serenity.
The Grand Canyon
In addition to being one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Grand Canyon is also among the most breathtaking places in the world to go kayaking.
You will always remember your kayaking adventure along the Colorado River, from the breathtaking scenery to the whitewater rapids.
If you intend to kayak through the Colorado River as it flows through the Grand Canyon, you should be capable of Class 4 whitewater. Before kayaking there, you’ll also need to obtain a permit.
Woods Canyon Lake
The Mogollon Rim, sometimes known as “the rim,” is where Woods Canyon Lake is situated. It is a small but well-known lake.
At an elevation of about 7,500 feet, this is a trendy destination to escape the summer heat.
The lake is located about 30 miles east of Payson, Arizona, and is easily reachable. It takes around two hours to get there from Phoenix.
The lake is a well-liked fishing location, and it gets busy in the summer. Beautiful scenery surrounds the lake, including a lush forest that is not typical in Arizona. The little lake known as Woods Canyon Lake is ideal for kayaking.
Lake Havasu
There are numerous excellent kayaking spots on and near Lake Havasu, which is well known as a spring break destination.
Paddling is excellent in Topock Gorge and Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge. There is a designated kayak and canoe launch facility on Lake Havasu’s northern edge.
The stretch between Parker Dam to Site Six (marina and boat launch) is fantastic for paddling. Additionally, there are places to camp along the road. Beware of boat traffic.
The optimum time is during the off-season. The summers in Lake Havasu are very hot, so make travel arrangements accordingly. In the summer, leave early, dress appropriately, and bring lots of water.
Tempe Town Lake
Tempe Town Lake is easily accessible from practically any place in the greater Phoenix area thanks to its convenient location.
Right next to Arizona State University is where the lake is and it is best for kayaking in Arizona. This is the pinnacle of urban paddling.
A launch is simple. A short distance from the parking lot, on the north side of the lake, there is a boat ramp. Kayaking, SUPing, canoeing, rowing, sailing, and other forms of paddling are common.
At the lake, you can rent equipment or bring your own. The lake does occasionally become crowded as a result of its location.
To utilize the lake, all watercraft must have a permit. One of the best kayaking spots in the metro region is Tempe Town Lake.
Emerald Cove
A gem of the Southwest is Emerald Cove. The emerald shimmer that reflects when the sun hits the sea just so gives Emerald Cove its name.
South of Hoover Dam, on the Colorado River, is a small area. The closest kayak launch site to Emerald Cove is Willow Beach Marina.
To kayak the river, no permit is required. You need a permit if you launch from Willow Beach because it is a component of the Lake Mead National Recreation Area.
The best times to visit are March–April or October–November because the temperature can get very hot during those months.
Sundays and Mondays are the best days to paddle to Emerald Cove because powerboats aren’t permitted on the river between Hoover Dam and Willow Beach on these days.
A kayaker’s paradise, Emerald Cove provides some of the best kayaking in Arizona.
Willow Springs Lake
About two hours northeast of Phoenix is Willow Springs Lake, another lake on the Mogollon Rim. Just a short distance away from Woods Canyon Lake lays Willow Springs Lake.
It’s a lovely getaway from the sweltering summer heat in the Valley of the Sun.
You can witness a variety of wildlife, including bald eagles, at the lake, which is easily accessible. Willow Springs Lake shore fishing can get crowded, so bringing a kayak is a good idea.
Willow Springs is a lovely lake to kayak on, and you can explore several of its fingers. For a pleasant weekend, there is lots of parking and campsites nearby.
Apache Lake
A great place to go kayaking, fishing, and exploring is Apache Lake. About 65 miles northeast of Phoenix sits the lake. You may kayak through a number of coves and observe animals, such as javelina and large horn sheep.
Between Canyon Lake and Roosevelt Lake is Apache Lake. Because it’s more difficult to get than some of the other lakes in the area, it gets a little less traffic.
The drive is a little bit of an adventure because you cross a dirt road with some hairpin curves halfway. If you want to take the path less taken, Apache Lake in Arizona is a terrific area to kayak.
Roosevelt Lake
Roosevelt is a sizable lake with plenty of room to paddle. Roosevelt used to be the world’s largest artificial lake.
The trip takes a while from Phoenix, it takes around two hours. The Cholla Boat ramp is a fantastic location from which to launch your kayak.
You can attempt kayak fishing at Roosevelt, which is a well-liked fishing location. Because water can occasionally be released through the dam, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on the lake level.
The wind can also be blustery at times. Roosevelt Lake is an excellent site for kayaking in Arizona if you’re up for a scenic drive.
Saguaro Lake
Beautiful desert lake Saguaro Lake is named after the well-known cactus. Although it is not a far trip from Phoenix, the summer months can be busy.
The lake has amenities like boat ramps, restrooms, picnic tables, and a marina. A few miles north of the marina, in Butcher Jones Recreation Area, is a great place to launch your kayak.
Make sure you are equipped with plenty of water and sun block because it gets hot in the summer. Occasionally getting out of your kayak and going for a swim is really refreshing.
Conclusion
Even though it might not seem like the best choice to go kayaking in Arizona at first, the state has a tone of incredible paddling spots to offer.
The Grand Canyon is not the only choice, despite being one of the most well-known.
The rivers receive plenty of sunlight year-round and are dependent on rainfall and melted snow, making them ideal for kayaking. On your upcoming vacation, best of luck and be careful.