Arizona Paddling helps you discover all the beautiful lakes, hidden coves, and winding desert rivers worth exploring. It’s a collection of real paddling spots across the state, from calm mountain lakes near Greer to desert reservoirs along the Colorado River. Each location includes maps, photos, launch details, and honest notes from time on the water.
Whether you’re new to kayaking or planning your next weekend trip, you’ll find everything here to make it simple:
Arizona has more places to paddle than most people realize. Clear water, red rock walls, pine forests, and miles of open sky, all within a few hours’ drive. The goal of this site is to make those experiences easier to find and enjoy responsibly.
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Explore a few favorites to get started on your next adventure
Large lake with hidden coves surrounded by burros and Sonoran desert trails. Perfect for boating, fishing, and hiking adventures in the heart of the desert. The scenic views and abundant wildlife make this a must-visit destination for nature lovers.
Narrow canyon walls and breathtaking desert views along the historic Apache Trail. Experience the stunning beauty of Arizona's iconic landscape from the water. The dramatic rock formations and crystal-clear waters create a picturesque setting for outdoor enthusiasts.
Calm, shaded water in high country pines. A serene escape offering fishing, kayaking, and peaceful nature immersion away from the desert heat. The tranquil atmosphere and beautiful pine forest surroundings make this an ideal spot for relaxation and recreation.
Emerald coves, hot springs, and steep cliffs along the majestic Colorado River. Perfect for kayaking and scenic exploration of this dramatic landscape. The unique geological formations and natural hot springs provide an unforgettable experience for adventurers.
Arizona has no naturally occurring large lakes. All major lakes, like Powell, Roosevelt, Pleasant, Bartlett, and others, are man-made reservoirs created by dams. The state’s only two major year-round rivers are the Verde River and the Colorado River. The Salt River is technically accessible for paddling year-round, but the best time is generally from April to October as water levels can fluctuate. Most other Arizona rivers are seasonal or dry most of the year.
Arizona has no naturally occurring large lakes. All major lakes, like Powell, Roosevelt, Pleasant, Bartlett, and others, are man-made reservoirs created by dams.
The state's only two major year-round rivers are the Verde River and the Colorado River. The Salt River is technically accessible for paddling year-round, but the best time is generally from April to October as water levels can fluctuate. Most other Arizona rivers are seasonal or dry most of the year.
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The deepest lake in Arizona is Apache Lake, reaching depths of around 266 feet. It’s part of the Salt River chain east of Phoenix, surrounded by steep canyon walls.
Lake Mead is the largest man-made lake in Arizona, covering more than 247 square miles when full. It was formed by the Hoover Dam on the Colorado River.
Many paddlers choose Watson Lake in Prescott for its surreal granite formations, or Canyon Lake for its dramatic desert cliffs and blue-green water.
Lynx Lake near Prescott and Blue Ridge Reservoir in Coconino National Forest are often praised for clear, clean water and non-motorized use.
Mormon Lake near Flagstaff is Arizona’s only natural lake. It’s shallow and often seasonal but historically the state’s only true natural body of water.
Yes, at higher elevations. Lakes like Luna Lake, Hawley Lake, and Big Lake can freeze over in winter, sometimes thick enough for ice fishing.
Plans have been discussed for the proposed Butte Dam near Florence, which would create Butte Lake on the Gila River. It remains in planning stages and is not yet built.
The Verde River is Arizona’s only remaining year-round, free-flowing river. It’s a popular spot for kayaking, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
Yes. The Verde, San Pedro, Black, and parts of the Santa Cruz and Gila Rivers still flow naturally in places, though many are seasonal.
The Colorado River forms Arizona’s western border and continues into Mexico. It’s the last major river flowing out of the state.
Yes, mostly in limestone and karst regions. Subsurface water flows beneath areas near Kartchner Caverns and Mammoth, feeding underground channels and aquifers.
Big Lake in the White Mountains stays cold most of the year due to its elevation above 9,000 feet. Summer surface temperatures often remain in the 50s or 60s.
Lynx Lake and Lake Mary near Flagstaff are among the cleanest for swimming. Lake Powell also offers clear water in its canyon stretches.
Yes. The Salt River wild horses roam the Tonto National Forest near Saguaro Lake, often visible from shore or while paddling the Salt River.
No permit is required for non-motorized kayaks or paddleboards in Arizona. Some tribal or national park areas may require day-use or access permits.
Yes. State law requires one U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jacket per person on any boat, including kayaks. Children 12 and under must wear it while underway.
Parker Canyon Lake, near the Mexican border in the Huachuca Mountains, is Arizona’s southernmost recreational lake.
The deepest lake in Arizona is Apache Lake, reaching depths of around 266 feet. It’s part of the Salt River chain east of Phoenix, surrounded by steep canyon walls.
Lake Mead is the largest man-made lake in Arizona (and the U.S.), covering more than 247 square miles when full. It was created by the Hoover Dam on the Colorado River.
The three largest are Lake Mead, Lake Powell, and Roosevelt Lake. Each is a major reservoir used for recreation, power generation, and water storage.
Lynx Lake near Prescott and Blue Ridge Reservoir in the Coconino National Forest are often noted for their clear, clean water. Both are non-motorized and well-maintained.
Mormon Lake, near Flagstaff, is Arizona’s only natural lake. It’s shallow and often dries up in drought years, but it’s historically the state’s only true natural body of water.
Yes, but only in higher elevations. Lakes like Luna Lake, Hawley Lake, and Big Lake in the White Mountains can freeze over in winter, sometimes thick enough for ice fishing.
Yes. Plans have been discussed for the Proposed Butte Dam near Florence, which would create Butte Lake on the Gila River. It’s not yet built, but occasionally resurfaces in state water planning.
The Verde River is the state’s only remaining year-round, free-flowing river. It’s a popular destination for kayaking, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
Yes. The Black River runs through the White Mountains and forms part of the border between the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest and the Fort Apache Reservation. It’s a clear, remote river with excellent fishing and occasional paddle stretches.
Yes, though many are dammed or diverted. The Verde, San Pedro, Black, and parts of the Santa Cruz and Gila Rivers are natural watercourses that still flow seasonally or year-round in certain reaches.
The Colorado River is the state’s defining river, forming Arizona’s western border before crossing into Mexico. It’s the last major river flowing out of the state.
Yes, mostly in karst and limestone areas. Subsurface rivers and aquifers run beneath parts of northern and southeastern Arizona, especially near Kartchner Caverns and Mammoth.
Big Lake in the White Mountains is among the coldest, with surface temperatures staying in the 50s and 60s much of the year due to its high elevation (over 9,000 feet).
Lynx Lake and Lake Mary near Flagstaff are often recognized for clean swimming water, while Lake Powell offers remarkably clear water in many canyons when levels are stable.
Yes. The most famous herds are the Salt River wild horses, which roam the Tonto National Forest near Saguaro Lake and the Salt River.
Generally, no permit is required for non-motorized kayaks or paddleboards in Arizona. However, some locations like tribal waters or national parks may require access or use permits.
Yes. Arizona law requires one U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jacket per person on any boat, including kayaks. Children 12 and under must wear it at all times while underway.
Arizona has over 90 rivers and streams, though most are intermittent. Major rivers include the Colorado, Salt, Verde, Gila, San Pedro, Santa Cruz, and Little Colorado Rivers.
Parker Canyon Lake, near the Mexican border in the Huachuca Mountains, is the southernmost recreational lake in Arizona.
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