Kayaking in Arizona may not seem like a fantastic idea at first… it’s all desert landscape here, right? Wrong! Many mighty rivers pass through even places far away from the Grand Canyon! You must forget the desert for a moment as you take a paddle through Arizona, which is both beautiful and brilliant.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your gear, and let’s discover the best places for kayaking in Arizona.
1. Blue Ride Reservoir
Blue Ridge Reservoir sits just south of Flagstaff, Arizona, in the midst of a gorgeous national forest, and you can have a ride on the reservoir, which stretches over a couple of miles. You may ride here to simply survey the forests that sit on the edges of the area, and you may come here if you wish to hike or camp on the shorelines of the river as the kayak makes its way around the perimeter.
The Blue Ridge Reservoir is a fun place to visit because it makes you feel the majesty of this area while helping remove you from the city that sits over an hour to the north. You may find that many places to kayak are in this region south of Flagstaff, and the reservoir is one of the simpler places to camp and kayak.
2. Upper Salt River
Salt River sits northeast of Phoenix, Arizona, in the middle of a national forest, and it is a tributary of the Gila River, which flows to the Southwest of the state. This river snakes through the forest for a couple of hundred miles, and the upper portion of the river is quite exciting because the rock formations are much larger and more foreboding.
You may or may not pass through the whole river in one day, especially because there are so many rapids that are better suited to whitewater kayaking. You must plan your trip around this river to last many days because you may kayak the upper river for quite a while before making your way to the lower part of the river and the river basin.
There is a chance for you to complete this run at Lake Roosevelt during your time kayaking in Arizona, or you may come to the Lower Salt River for smooth sailing at the end of your boat trip.
3. Lower Salt River
Lower Salt River is a much calmer and meandering river that passes through a national forest in Arizona. The river is northeast of Phoenix, and you may drive an hour or more to get to different parts of the river. This river is exciting because it allows you to ride for quite a long time in comfort while the forests cover you on all sides.
You may choose to camp on the banks of the river just as you would on the upper portions, but you have a much softer and safer ride here in the lower sections. The Lower Salt River ends up in Lake Roosevelt, and you may love this part of the river because it is so much calmer than many other spots.
4. Knoll Lake
Knoll Lake sits in the lower portions of Arizona’s Coconino National Forest and is fed by rivers in the area that have trout. It’s another great spot for kayaking. You may come to Knoll Lake because you have already spent time in the Blue Ridge Reservoir, but Knoll Lake is a different experience. Knoll Lake is a beautiful place that has natural rock formations on the shoreline, and it’s particularly atmospheric in the summer.
You may choose to camp around the edges of this lake, or you may take some of the rivers and streams out of the lake to other parts of the forest. Knoll Lake is fairly tranquil, and it leads to other sleepy spots on the river.
Knoll Lake has a wonderful location that you will enjoy because you do not need to go too far to get here. Traveling south of Flagstaff may be quite difficult because the forests are so large, but Knoll Lake catches your attention early in the trip.
5. Woods Canyon Lake
Woods Canyon Lake lies on the western edge of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, and it exists in the same general area as the Blue Ridge Reservoir and Knoll Lake. This lake sits in the canyon, as you would expect, and you have a view of some lovely higher elevations because of the location of the lake.
Woods Canyon Lake offers you the same camping opportunities as the other locations on this list, but the views are often better because you have sunk into the canyon, where the trees reveal many views of places that sit higher above you.
You get many lovely pictures here, and you are falling into a place that leads you deeper into the forests of this part of the state.
6. Willow Springs Lake
Willow Springs Lake is located even further south of Flagstaff, and it is shaped in a hooked shape that provides you with many interesting adventures. You may choose this location because it could take days to explore the full perimeter of the lake.
The lake has many camping areas, and you will find that the outer edges of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest are even more remote and quiet.
You must be committed to kayaking here because this place is so large. However, you may camp here every time you stop on the shore. The lake is surrounded by trees, and the weather is quite temperate.
Come to this lake because you want to see something that strikes your fancy, explore both sides of the lake because they are like two different worlds, and remember that you may travel even deeper into the forests if you like.
7. Black Canyon Lake
Black Canyon Lake sits on the far southern edge of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, and it punches even farther to the edge of the forest where the high plains and deserts begin. Black Canyon Lake sits in the Black Canyon, where the tree cover is extremely heavy.
Black Canyon Lake may be a part of a much longer trip that takes you farther and farther into the forest, where you will see all the beauty and wildlife of Arizona.
You are investing in a location that allows you to camp in complete comfort, and you are so far away from the mother end of the forest that you may not see nearly as many people here.
8. Bear Canyon Lake
Bear Canyon Lake sits a bit higher in the Coconino National Forest, and the shape of this makes it more of a straight shot than a lake that you circle. You may choose a location on this lake that you believe is best for hiking or camping, and you may kayak its full length if you want to have an adventure that leads you down to some lower elevations.
Ensure that you have tried Bear Canyon Lake when you want a place that is easy to cross during your time kayaking in Arizona because it is not too wide. You may go out on the lake every day to fish or simply to take in the sights, and it is quite simple to get back to the shore at the end of your ride.
9. Lake Roosevelt
Lake Roosevelt was created as part of a dam project on the Salt River, and it is quite flat and tranquil for most of the year. You may see the mirrored reflections off the river when floating during the day, and the lake has a nice oblong shape that allows you to explore the edge of the lake for days at a time. You are northeast of Gilbert and not that far away from civilization when coming to Lake Roosevelt.
This is a wonderful camping location for the family, it may be a part of a much longer Salt River journey up and down this national forest.
10. Lake Powell
Located in Northern Arizona, Lake Powell offers a breathtaking adventure through the stunning landscape of the winding Lower Antelope Canyon, in crystal-clear waters and with dramatic red rock formations along the shoreline. A visit to this serene spot allows visitors to explore hidden coves, natural arches, and iconic spots like Antelope Canyon and the Rainbow Bridge.
Discover Lake Powell alone at your own pace, or join one of the guided kayaking tours offered by Lake Powell Paddleboards and Kayaks.
11. Colorado River
The Colorado River, which we’ve already mentioned, is a popular destination in Arizona because it offers a peaceful yet exhilarating way to experience the region’s natural beauty, with emerald-green waters winding through towering canyon walls and rugged desert landscapes. Popular routes on the Colorado River include the stretch below the Glen Canyon Dam, where calm waters provide a relaxing day on the water.
Guided kayaking tours on the Colorado River are readily available, offering inexperienced kayakers expert instruction, safety tips, and fun stories about the area’s geology and history. These tours cater to all skill levels, with options ranging from half-day to full-day adventures, ensuring everyone can enjoy this unforgettable journey.
12. Fool Hollow Lake
Kayaking on Fool Hollow Lake in Arizona offers a peaceful escape into nature, with calm waters surrounded by lush pine forests and diverse wildlife. This scenic spot is perfect for paddlers of all skill levels, providing a serene environment to discover its quiet coves and enjoy the fresh mountain air.
Kayakers who don’t have their own gear can rent it through local outfitters, especially during the warmer months. Some rental services even offer delivery to the lake, making it easy to get on the water and start your adventure without hassle.
Swimming is also allowed in Hollow Lake, but there aren’t any sandy beaches, and the shore is rocky, so be sure to bring water shoes to protect your feet.
Get to Know Arizona on a Kayaking Adventure
Arizona is one of the most beautiful places in the world, as it mixes canyons, reservoirs, and lakes to make the most wonderful kayaking spots. You may know it as a desert region, but there are plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures of the on-water kind (and it offers amazing views and the perfect weather conditions to boot!).
From Northern Arizona to the south of the state, you will fall in love with “The Grand Canyon State” as you go on a kayaking adventure through each location on this list. You may not have known how lovely this hidden gem of a state could be. However, kayaking in Arizona is an adventure you simply must discover for yourself, so grab your friends and your gear and get ready to have the time of your life!
Want to go on kayaking adventures further afield? Check out our article on the best places to kayak in the USA.
