Kayak And Canoe Around Arizona

Adapted From An Article By Rudri Bhatt Patel For Visit Arizona

In Arizona, there are so many opportunities to get out on the water-from the lakes of the Mogollon Rim to the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon. Here are ten of the top spots to canoe and kayak.

1. Lake Pleasant, Morristown

Lake Pleasant, located 45 minutes northwest of Phoenix, is a favorite venue for those on paddle craft. Canyons and cliffs rise over the six-mile lake, islands dot the middle of it and slot canyons hide on the northeast side. There are many Arizona landscapes to explore on a kayak or canoe at Lake Pleasant, so set aside a full day for boating. This is also a popular place for power boaters too so staying close to the shoreline is recommended.

2. Watson Lake, Prescott

Watson Lake near Prescott welcomes kayakers to calm waters and up-close views of the Granite Dells. These boulders-rippled into shape by erosion-are 1.4 billion years old and rise from the water and line the lake's shores. Half the fun of kayaking and canoeing Watson Lake is navigating these rock formations in your boat. If you don't own a craft, Prescott Outdoors has watercraft rentals.

3. Lower Salt River, Mesa

For city dwellers who want close-to-town kayaking and canoeing, they can the Lower Salt River - not to be confused with Upper Salt River located within the Fort Apache Indian Reservation and requires a permit from the Tribe. Kayakers launch from the north end near Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch; here boaters can get glimpses of wild horses, deer and other wildlife of the Tonto National Forest, as well as wildflowers on Bulldog Cliffs. There are some rapids at the beginning of the river, but for the most part, this is a comfortable ride even for beginners. Boaters exit the river at the southern end near Phon D Sutton, a popular take-out spot; they will need two vehicles for drop-off and pick-up as there's no shuttle service.

4. Colorado River, Lees Ferry

The Colorado River may be synonymous with the epic Grand Canyon, but other incredible sites await along the powerful river. To kayak the Colorado, boats launch at Lees Ferry, 42 miles from Page in northern Arizona. From here, they paddle upstream. The flow is steady on this kayak adventure and people find they need to use some muscle to keep their vessel from floating back to the ramp, but the amazing vistas through Glen Canyon and by Horseshoe Bend are well worth the effort. Look up to see the shifting colors of the sandstone walls; look down into the clear water to see rainbow trout.

5.Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area, Show Low

Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest has welcome temperatures in the mid-80s even during the hottest months of summer. As far as kayaking and canoeing in Arizona go, Fool Hollow Lake offers clear waters perfect for all skill levels. The 150-acre lake sits in the shade of the world's largest belt of ponderosa pines and the boat-motor restrictions mean no boat wakes. During the summer, kayak and canoe rentals are available at J&T's WildLife Outdoors; check the current entrance fee for The Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area.

6. Canyon Lake, Mesa/Apache Junction

There are so many attractions at Canyon Lake located in the Tonto National Forest: the jagged red-rock cliffs, the secluded coves at the east end of the lake, the bighorn sheep that clutch the cliffside, the wildflowers that pop up along the shoreline in spring. No matter what they decide is Canyon Lake's best attribute, boaters can see it all from a kayak or canoe. The lake's waters can get a little choppy, so keep close to the edges for easy boating. (Tonto Pass is required.)

7. Big Lake, Springerville

Although the pretty blue waters of Big Lake Recreation Area, located 25 miles south of Springerville at an elevation of 9,000 feet, are popular with anglers - thanks to its plentiful supply of rainbow, brook and cutthroat trout - Blue Lake is also considered one of the best places to kayak in Arizona. This hidden jewel is tucked away in the White Mountains and its serene waters sprawl over 450 acres. Blue Lake has it all: peaceful waters, scenic vistas, and a remote, away-from-it-all locale. To get to Big Lake from Springerville, travel 5 miles west to AZ-261, then travel 18 miles to FR-113. Turn left. Drive 2 miles to FR-115 and turn right at the entrance.

8. Lake Powell, Page

There are excellent reasons that Lake Powell is popular with watercraft of all sizes; the lake is 180 miles long and contains more than 96 side canyons just waiting for exploration. It's these canyons where boaters in smaller vessels like kayaks and canoes go when they're looking to get away from the lake's commotion. Favorites include Antelope Canyon, Labyrinth Canyon with its maze of sandstone walls, and Lone Star Canyon. The water welcomes both experienced kayakers and beginners, and Kayak Lake Powell offers guided kayaking tours into the canyons and boat and standup paddleboards (SUP) rentals. Rent a houseboat through Lake Powell Resorts & Marina for an on-the-water stay.

9. Blue Ridge Reservoir, Happy Jack

Perched on the Mogollon Rim, Blue Ridge Reservoir offers calm waters for relaxed paddling in Arizona. The lake looks more like a river - between canyons and without much shoreline or beach - wandering through the pine-studded scenery. There's little traffic along the reservoir and motorboats aren't allowed, so for kayakers in search of solo time, Blue Ridge is perfect. No permit is required to put in. To reach Blue Ridge Reservoir, drive 55 miles south of Flagstaff to Clints Well on FR- 3 (Lake Mary Road). Turn left on AZ-87 and go 4 miles to FR-138. Follow this to the Blue Ridge Campground and Blue Ridge Reservoir.

10. Patagonia Lake, Patagonia

Patagonia Lake State Park is a kayaking and canoeing favorite and has been called a "watery oasis" in the middle of Southern Arizona's mostly desert region. The lake was formed by damming nearby Sonoita Creek. As boaters paddle Patagonia Lake, they may see birds that call this area home, such as great blue herons, Inca dove, vermilion flycatcher and various species of hummingbirds. For quiet waters, kayakers should head to the lake's east end, where no-wake regulations are in place. Patagonia Lake also offers boat-in-only campsites, which line the shores and are wonderfully remote and private.

For More Information

Visit https://www.visitarizona.com/like-a-local/top-spots-to-canoe-and-kayak-in-az/

About the Writer

Rudri Bhatt Patel is a former attorney turned writer and editor. Prior to attending law school, she graduated with an MA in English with an emphasis in creative writing. She is the co-founder and co-editor of the literary journal, The Sunlight Press, and her work has appeared in The Washington Post, Business Insider, Civil Eats, Saveur, Dame Magazine, Brain, Child Magazine, ESPN, Phoenix New Times and elsewhere. Find her work at www.rudribhattpatel.com.