Arizona: where desert meets water.
Have you ever imagined paddleboarding through canyons, surrounded by cacti?
The best places to paddle board in Arizona await your discovery.
Grab your board, and let’s explore Arizona’s unique waterscapes together. Ready for an adventure?
📹 Video
Table of Contents
🗺️ Map
Where to Paddle Board in Arizona
Please note: While we strive for accuracy, always verify details before paddling. If you spot an error or if you're a local official wanting to make a correction, please comment below. Thanks!
#1 Lake Powell
- 🏖️ Location Type: Lake
- 📍 Access Point: Wahweap Marina (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, can be windy at times
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring through Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Bass, catfish, carp
- 🏞️ Landmarks & Views: Glen Canyon, sandstone cliffs, slot canyons
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Be cautious of other boat traffic, adhere to restrictions in national parks
Lake Powell, located on the Arizona-Utah border, is the second largest man-made reservoir in the United States. Its incredible sandstone cliffs and clear blue waters create an unforgettable paddle boarding experience.
Explore the labyrinth of hidden canyons and bays, creating expansive vistas and unique views. Don’t forget to check out nearby Antelope Canyon, a popular destination for paddleboarders.
#2 Saguaro Lake
- 🏖️ Location Type: Lake
- 📍 Access Point: Saguaro Del Norte Recreation Area (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Generally calm waters, occasional winds
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring through Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Bass, catfish, waterfowl, herons
- 🏞️ Landmarks & Views: Saguaro cactus-studded shorelines, panoramic desert vistas
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for other boaters, adhere to local regulations
Saguaro Lake is a desert oasis located in the heart of Tonto National Forest near Phoenix. Surrounded by stunning saguaro cacti and incredible desert landscapes, it provides an idyllic setting for a truly unique paddleboarding experience.
Paddleboarders can explore the shoreline, view the majestic saguaros, and relax in the serene waters of the desert lake.
#3 Canyon Lake
- 🏖️ ️Location Type: Lake
- 📍 Access Point: Acacia Recreation Site (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Generally calm waters, occasional wind gusts
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring through Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Bass, catfish, herons, eagles
- 🏞️ Landmarks & Views: Rugged cliffs, desert flora
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Beware of boat traffic, adhere to local regulations
Canyon Lake, part of Tonto National Forest, offers paddle boarders a chance to navigate through its rocky terrain and enjoy the stunning desert views. The clear water and towering cliffs provide a tranquil atmosphere for all skill levels.
Spend your day exploring secluded inlets, or take in the breathtaking views of the rugged cliffs as you paddle along this quintessential Arizona lake.
#4 Tempe Town Lake
- 🏖️ ️Location Type: Lake
- 📍 Access Point: Tempe Beach Park (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm water, mild wind
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Year-round
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Ducks, geese, great blue herons, turtles
- 🏞️ ️Landmarks & Views: City skyline, surrounding parkland
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for other watercraft, follow local rules and restrictions
A unique urban paddling experience, Tempe Town Lake offers paddle boarders an oasis in the heart of the bustling city. Surrounded by picturesque parklands and the iconic Tempe skyline, this popular spot provides an accessible and enjoyable paddleboarding destination for locals and visitors alike.
Take advantage of the calm water to practice your skills or attend one of the many paddleboarding events, lessons, or fitness classes available in the area.
#5 Salt River
- 🏖️ Location Type: River
- 📍 Access Point: Water Users Recreation Site (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Gentle currents, mostly calm conditions
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring through Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Wild horses, herons, eagles, otters
- 🏞️ Landmarks & Views: Tonto National Forest, cacti-studded shores, Red Mountain
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Be cautious of rafters and tubers, follow river etiquette
The Salt River provides a picturesque and tranquil setting for paddleboarding through Arizona’s breathtaking desert scenery. With opportunities to spot wild horses and an array of birdlife, this slow-moving river offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Paddle through isolated stretches of the Tonto National Forest for an immersive experience, and witness the striking beauty of the Arizona desert.
#6 Lake Havasu
- 🏖️ ️Location Type: Lake
- 📍 Access Point: Lake Havasu State Park (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Generally calm water, afternoon breezes are common
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring through Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Bass, catfish, herons
- 🏞️ ️Landmarks & Views: London Bridge, scenic desert landscapes
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for other boats, adhere to local regulations
Located on the Arizona-California border, Lake Havasu is a popular destination for water sports enthusiasts. Paddle boarding on the lake offers panoramic views of the surrounding desert, as well as the iconic London Bridge, which was relocated from England in 1968.
Explore the innumerable coves and inlets as you navigate this scenic desert oasis, perfect for all skill levels.
FAQ
Where can you paddle board in Arizona?
Top places for paddle boarding in Arizona include Lake Powell, Saguaro Lake, Roosevelt Lake, and Lake Havasu.
Do paddle boards need to be registered in Arizona?
No, paddle boards are not required to be registered in Arizona.
When is the best time to paddle board in Arizona?
The optimal time to paddle board in Arizona is from late spring through early fall, when temperatures are warmer.
