7 Arizona Kayaking Spots That'll Show You A Magical Side Of The Desert

An emerald cove, jade waters, & budget-friendly adventures!😎💚
Contributor

You can get a taste of lake life right in the desert! If your job description says "adventurer," then these places to kayak in Arizona should be on your bucket list. Grand Canyon State is filled with magical destinations; you have to know where to look. 

If you have your own kayak, you can save some serious cash when you go on these trips. 

Editor's Choice: You Can Rent Or Buy RVs In Canada At A Huge Discount This Year

It's okay if you don't, though, there are so many outfitters where you can rent all kinds of water vessels!

From paddleboards and boats to jet skis, you can rent everything and more.

The best part? Many of these basins are only a road trip away from the Valley, so you know you don't have to go too far to get a taste of life on the water.

Who's ready to paddle?

Watson Lake

Price: $3

Address: 3101 Watson Lake Rd., Prescott, AZ

Why You Need To Go: Paddle along this boulder-filled lake for a scenic and fun adventure. 

Emerald Cove Via Willow Beach

Price: Varies

Address: 25804 Willow Beach Rd., Willow Beach, AZ

Why You Need To Go: You can opt for a guided tour or bring your own kayak for a budget-friendly journey. 

Salt River

Price: $8+

Address: 12000 N. Bush Hwy., Mesa, AZ

Why You Need To Go: There's a chance that you can spot some majestic wild horses on the river bank.

Lake Powell

Price: $30+

Address: Page, AZ

Why You Need To Go: Paddleboarding, kayaking, and swimming, you can do it all here!

C.C. Cragin (Blue Ridge) Reservoir

Price: Varies

Address: Happy Jack, AZ

Why You Need To Go: This stunning oasis will feel like you're cruising down the Amazon

Big Lake

Price: Varies

Address: Springerville, AZ

Why You Need To Go: Escape the city and get a taste of lake life in this enchanting area. 

Bartlett Lake 

Price: Varies

Address: 20808 E. Bartlett Dam Rd., Carefree, AZ

Why You Need To Go: Only a short drive from Phoenix, this is an excellent place to soak up the sun and have fun. 

Have you visited any of these dreamy spots yet?

We strongly advise that before you go swimming or visit any location, you check the most recent updates on potential hazards, security, water quality, and closures. If you do plan to visit a location, respect the environment.

The White House released an AI video insulting Canada and Brady Tkachuk is firing back

The video depicts the Ottawa Senators captain calling Canadians "maple syrup eating f---s."

Ontario man accused of assaulting a crossbow-wielding home intruder has charges withdrawn

"If a guy breaks into your house and he has a crossbow ready to kill you, it's free game," Premier Doug Ford said.

A Canadian hospital was just ranked the second-best in the world

It's the highest placement ever for a Canadian hospital.

Trump's trade rep says Canada will have to accept higher tariffs & send back US jobs

Trump reaffirmed his commitment to tariffs in his State of the Union address Tuesday.

Canada is predicted to see zero population growth in 2026 after massive immigration cuts

Temporary work and student visas have been cut nearly in half.

Carney travels to India as Sikh Canadians warn about threats from the Indian government

Canadian Sikhs are calling on Carney to take a firmer stand on India.

Canada just pledged $8M in food aid for Cuba amid US fuel blockade

A U.S. oil blockade has triggered a humanitarian crisis in Cuba.