The Best Places For Kayaking And Canoeing In Phoenix AZ

Laura Williams

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Photo by Taryn Manning on Unsplash

The Valley of the Sun is an excellent place for kayaking and canoeing enthusiasts of all levels of experience, from beginners to experts. There are many places to paddle, whether looking for a serene lake setting or a raging river. You can even find kayaking and canoeing places in downtown Phoenix’s heart! Here are some of the best places to go, kayaking and canoeing in the Phoenix area.


Kayaking and Canoeing in Phoenix

If you are looking for a place to canoe or kayak in Phoenix, you have several options. Some of the best places for kayaking and canoeing in Phoenix are the Salt River, the Verde River, and Lake Pleasant.


Salt River

Salt River - Photo Source
Salt River – Photo Source

The Salt River is great for kayaking and canoeing, with plenty of rapids to keep things interesting. The river runs through the cities of Phoenix, Tempe and Mesa, so there are plenty of places to launch your kayak or canoe. You can also take a river tour with a company like Salt River Rafting. This massive river is perfect for a day of kayaking or canoeing, and you’re sure to have a blast.

Book your Salt River kayaking or canoeing adventure on Viator

Verde River

Verde River - <a href="https://www.phoenixwithkids.net/discovering-lower-verde-river-with-kids/">Photo Source</a>
Verde River – Photo Source

The Verde River is an excellent place for kayaking and canoeing in Phoenix, AZ. The river has various sections that offer other challenges for different skill levels. The Verde River is also great for seeing diverse wildlife, including birds, fish, and reptiles. You can rent a kayak or canoe from a company nearby and explore the river at your own pace.

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Lake Pleasant

Lake Pleasant Regional Park - Photo Source
Lake Pleasant Regional Park – Photo Source

Located just north of Phoenix, Lake Pleasant is great for kayaking and canoeing. The lake has two main areas – the Westside and the Eastside – which offer different experiences. The Westside is more open and has smoother water, while the Eastside is more rugged with more giant waves. There are also plenty of places to camp, hike, and picnic around the lake, so it’s an excellent spot for a weekend getaway.


Saguaro Lake

Saguaro Lake
Saguaro Lake – Photo Source

Saguaro Lake is a great place for kayaking and canoeing, with plenty of coves and inlets to explore. The lake is also great for fishing, swimming, and camping. There are plenty of places to launch your kayak or canoe, and you can rent one from the nearby marina.


Gila River

Gila River - <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gila_River">Photo Source</a>
Gila River – Photo Source

The Gila River is one of Arizona’s most popular kayaking and canoeing spots. The river offers a variety of challenges, from calm stretches to whitewater rapids. There are also plenty of places to camp and hike along the river, so it’s a great spot for a weekend getaway.


Canyon Lake

Canyon Lake - Photo Source
Canyon Lake – Photo Source

Canyon Lake is an excellent place for kayaking and canoeing, with plenty of coves and inlets to explore. The lake is also great for fishing, swimming, and camping. There are plenty of places to launch your kayak or canoe, and you can even rent one from the nearby marina.


The Salt River Lakes

The Salt River Lakes is a great place for kayaking and canoeing, with three different lakes to choose from – Apache, Roosevelt, and Canyon. The lakes offer other challenges, from calm waters to whitewater rapids. There are also plenty of places to camp and hike around the lakes, so they’re great for a weekend getaway.

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Bartlet Lake

Bartlet Lake - Photo Source
Bartlet Lake – Photo Source

Bartlet Lake is an excellent place for kayaking and canoeing, with plenty of coves and inlets to explore. The lake is also great for fishing, swimming, and camping. There are plenty of places to launch your kayak or canoe, and you can even rent one from the nearby marina.


Tempe Town Lake

Tempe Town Lake
Tempe Town Lake – Photo Source

You can kayak or canoe on Tempe Town Lake with a boating permit. The lake is located in the heart of Tempe and is a great place to paddle around and take in the city views. You can also go fishing, stand-up paddle boarding, or sailing on the lake.


McCormick Lake

Mc Cormick-Stillman Railroad Park is home to McCormick Lake, an artificial lake perfect for kayaking and canoeing. The park has a train museum, hiking trails, playgrounds, and picnic areas. You can rent a kayak or canoe from the park office or bring your own.


McKellips Lake

McKellips Lake is a small, man-made lake located in Mesa, AZ. The lake is famous for fishing, but you can also kayak or canoe around it. There are a few places to launch your kayak or canoe, and you can rent one from the nearby marina.


Lake Powell

Located in northern Arizona, Lake Powell is one of the state’s most popular kayaking and canoeing spots. The lake has plenty of coves and inlets to explore, and plenty of places to camp and hike around the lake. You can even take a river tour with a company like Canyon Voyages.


Conclusion

Canoeing and kayaking in Phoenix are great ways to experience the desert landscape. There are many great places to paddle, and the city has many canals and waterways to explore. Phoenix has something to offer whether you’re looking for a leisurely float or a challenging whitewater run.

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So get out there and enjoy the waterways of Phoenix!

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