In Arizona, you can kayak on lakes, rivers, and streams. The difficulty of these waterways varies. People usually go kayaking during the fall because the weather is cooler and the leaves change color.
Arizona is abundant with kayaking opportunities. Kayakers can paddle through the entire Grand Canyon, from one rim to the other, while enjoying the natural rock formations.
Kayaking In Arizona
There are rivers that depend on the melting of snow and rainfall during certain times of the year. The rivers in Arizona are suitable for kayaking.
These rivers receive plenty of sunlight throughout the year. Kayaking at this location would be ideal because of the beautiful surroundings.
Kayaking in Valley Lakes, Arizona
Lake Pleasant Regional Lake offers kayakers the opportunity to rent kayaks at ports like Scorpion Bay and Pleasant Harbor. There is an outdoor retailer named Cabela’s that is renowned for having gear and equipment on sale for kayakers.
The Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department can help you organize a trip or event for a group. The Precision Marine company rents out kayaks at Saguaro Lake, which is situated within the Tonto National Park.
If you want to kayak at Roosevelt Lake, you will need to bring your own kayak as the marina does not rent kayaks.
Roosevelt Lake is a popular motorboat destination and a great place to ride personal watercraft. Paddlers can find calm waters on the east side of the lake.
Mountain Lakes, Arizona
It’s one of the largest natural lakes in Arizona. Big Lake is a large natural lake located in the White Mountains of Arizona, at an elevation of 9,000 feet.
If you’re looking for a lake that is mostly used by kayakers, then Big Lake would be a good choice. Smaller boats with motors keep the lake free from larger vessels.
Kayakers here don’t need to compete with big boats. The US Forest Service has several campgrounds located near the lake. The lake is full of trout. Upper Lake Mary is narrow and long, and is located south of Flagstaff.
Water skiers and powerboats are used by kayakers, while kayaks, canoes, and sailboats are common. Campgrounds and ramps can be found in the vicinity.
Recreational Areas
You are allowed to powerboat on Lake Mead National Recreational Area and Glen Canyon National Recreational Area. There are plenty of quiet coves that kayakers can explore. You won’t have to pay a fee to launch your kayak.
There are staff members in areas that aren’t as congested with larger boats that can offer you information and directions. You have to be careful because there may be a lot of invasive muscles in Lake Mead. The National Park Service recommends doing a comprehensive visual and physical inspection.
Answered: The Top 5 Best Places To Kayak In Arizona (AZ)
Although Arizona is land-locked, it is still a popular tourist destination because of its many desert attractions. Arizona is home to some of the most outstanding kayaking locations in the country. If you are new to kayaking, you shouldn’t be discouraged by your lack of experience.
1. Blue Ridge Reservoir, Happy Jack, Arizona
2. Big Lake, Apache County, Arizona
3. Lone Rock Canyon, Page, Arizona
4. Lake Pleasant
5. Lower Salt River, Mesa, Arizona
Arizona has several lakes with still water that a beginner can easily handle. Before embarking on your first kayaking adventure, you must first learn the basics of kayaking safety. If you’re a beginner kayaker looking for a place to start your journey in Arizona, here are five great options.
Book About Paddling in Arizona
The book provides step-by-step instructions for paddling in Arizona, as well as details about the different routes you can take. This book is a guide to finding rivers and lakes in Arizona that are kayak-friendly, as well as ponds, reservoirs, backwaters, and whitewater rivers.
The accompanying maps, photos, and geographical and hydrological information about Arizona make this guidebook an essential tool for your next trip. Tyler Williams, a famous contributor to outdoor magazines, has written an awesome book.
Lakes In Arizona For Kayaking
Blue Ridge Reservoir, Happy Jack, Arizona
Arizona kayakers will find some of the most amazing sights in this place. This amazing reservoir is located on the Mogollon Rim. Large canyon walls and forestry surround the lake.
It is located about 6,700 feet above the ground.
The Blue Ridge Reservoir is an excellent location for kayaking. In addition to kayaking, you can enjoy stunning views in all directions.
Peaceful waters, limited traffic, surround the Blue Ridge Reservoir. Motorized water vehicles aren’t allowed on the lake. Therefore, you will have plenty of space for kayaking.
Lone Rock Canyon, Page, Arizona
This kayak spot is definitely one of the most memorable in the country. Beautiful scenery and serene waters make kayaking a prevalent pastime. Those who enjoy thrills can Cliff dive along the canyon walls.
Lake Pleasant
Do you love Metro Phoenix? Or, do you live close by Metro Phoenix? Lake Pleasant is close to Metro Phoenix. And, it’s one of the closest water bodies. This is a very popular kayaking destination for locals. People from different states come to Lake Pleasant to have a good time.
For explorers, the 11.5-mile lake is a treasure trove. A local tour is the perfect way to spend a couple of hours getting lost. It only takes a couple of minutes of paddling.
You can also enjoy the experience of kayaking in the most beautiful location. The Phoenix area has plenty to offer. You can take some of Arizona’s beauty with you.
Lower Salt River, Mesa, Arizona
At Lower Salt River, you can enjoy an unforgettable kayaking experience unlike any other in Arizona. This popular lake features stunning views and the opportunity to explore calm waters. To the locals, the Lower Salt River is very important.
The Lower Salt River has all of the components you would expect to find in an area with lush greenery and large, stunning cliffs. If you’re looking to see a wild horse, heading to the shoreline will give you plenty of opportunity, as there is an abundance of wildlife there.
The Lower Salt River provides an opportunity for kayakers to improve their fishing skills. The Lower Salt River is located in the Tonto National Forest, which makes it a unique location. The smooth water and stunning scenery are a perfect match.
Start planning your Lake Powell kayak trip with this complete guide!
Why Kayak Lake Powell?
Situated on the border of Utah and Arizona, Lake Powell is a 200-mile long reservoir that is filled with a number of secluded beaches and remote canyons.
The lake is enjoyed by many through renting a houseboat or motorboat. These however, can be expensive and don’t allow access to the calmer remote areas of the reservoir, like Labyrinth Canyon. We recommend kayaking Lake Powell because it is a great way to explore everything this area has to offer. You’ll also get a little exercise, to boot!
I enjoyed my Labyrinth Canyon kayaking trip on Lake Powell because of the free beach camping, mysterious canyons, and quiet paddling.
Lake Powell Map
Lake Powell is a reservoir located on the Utah / Arizona border in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. The area covers approximately 254 square miles and contains dozens of tributaries, canyons, and waterways to explore.
The best place to start kayaking in Labyrinth Canyon is Page, Arizona, where there are several Visitor Centers and launching points on Lake Powell. The closest international airports to Page are in Las Vegas and Phoenix, both of which are 280 miles away.
How to Plan an Overnight Labyrinth Canyon Kayak Trip
1. CHOOSE YOUR STARTING POINT
There are several places where you can dock your boat or put your boat in the water near Lake Powell. We started our trip in Page, Arizona. There are two large marinas, a couple of kayak rental companies, and other services here, which made it a convenient launching point for us.
The two largest marinas near Page are Wahweap Marina, where we launched from, and Antelope Point Marina. We chose to launch at Wahweap because it was the most convenient option for us and we could hire a water taxi to get us to Labyrinth Canyon to start our trip (more on water shuttles below).
2. RESERVE A LAKE POWELL KAYAK RENTAL
If you need a kayak, you’re in luck! There are several places in Page, Arizona, where you can rent a kayak. We rented two kayaks from Kayak Lake Powell for a reasonable price. There was plenty of room in each kayak to store gear, including tents, sleeping bags, clothes, water, and food.
If you’re planning on kayaking overnight, I would recommend avoiding sit-on-top kayaks as they aren’t as efficient to paddle and don’t have storage compartments for gear.
The following services are included with a kayak rental: a life jacket, a paddle, and free delivery to Antelope Point Marina. You can make reservations for their shop online or by calling in.
If you would prefer a guided kayaking trip, Kayak Lake Powell also offers trips to Labyrinth Canyon. We ran into another group of people who were also on a guided tour and they looked like they were enjoying themselves.
3. BOOK A WATER SHUTTLE TO LABYRINTH CANYON
To get to Labyrinth Canyon for a quick overnighter, you must be transported to the mouth of the canyon by a motorboat.
Aramark and Antelope Point both offer full-day and half-day trips There are two marinas that provide water shuttles to Labyrinth Canyon on Lake Powell: Aramark Executive Services out of Wahweap Marina and Antelope Point Marina. Both Aramark and Antelope Point offer full-day and half-day trips.
It’s a 20-mile, hour-long ride from Wahweap to the mouth of Labyrinth Canyon. Approximately 12 miles and 45 minutes away from Antelope Point Marina is the mouth of Labyrinth Canyon.
A water taxi will cost you about $150-$200 dollars an hour. Although it is expensive, it could be worth it if you have a lot of people with you.
4. CHOOSE YOUR CAMPING SPOT
You can camp anywhere along the shoreline once you’re out on Lake Powell. Primitive camping is offered in most undeveloped sites for free, with no additional services. You also don’t need a permit or reservation.
Although you are not required to carry out all of your waste, you are required to carry out poop and toilet paper. If you want to properly dispose of your waste while hiking, you can use a National Park-approved Waste Bag Containment System, which is also known as a wag bag.
You just have to carry the bag with you and throw it in the trash when you’re done.
A campfire is allowed, but you must bring your own wood. Dig a pit in the sand below the high water line and make sure your fire does not get taller than 4 feet or wider than 4 feet.
If you are interested in camping at Lake Powell, but are not sure about the rules and regulations, you can read more about it here.
Alternative Lake Powell Kayaking Routes
If you don’t want to pay for a water taxi to get to Labyrinth Canyon, you can still enjoy an overnight kayak trip on Lake Powell by paddling yourself. The cheapest and most practical option is to drive from Page to Lone Rock Campground or Wahweap Marina and then paddle across the lake to Wiregrass Canyon and Lone Rock Canyon.
There are many options for camping and exploring different geological features in both of these areas.
Then camp on one of the many locations along the shore. launch at Antelope Point, kayak over to the mouth of Navajo Canyon, and camp on one of the many locations along the shore camping at the mouth of the canyon and then exploring it as a day trip.
If you’re unsure about which route to take, the staff at Kayak Lake Powell are experts and can give you a lot of advice about where to go on Lake Powell and what to see. I would suggest discussing the different kayaking route options when you call to reserve your kayaks depending on your time and financial constraints.
Best Time to Visit Lake Powell
Make sure to check the weather conditions before your trip. You’ll want to watch out for winds and thunderstorms. It would not be enjoyable or safe to kayak on the lake when the water is very rough.
Spring: I visited Lake Powell in mid-May and got perfect weather. The water was warm enough to take a quick dip in, despite the lack of wind and the warm daytime temperatures. If you were to tip over, you would want to be wearing a wet suit. Hypothermia does happen and it is serious.
In the spring, the water level is lower, allowing you better access to the back of the canyons. The chance of rain is lower than later in the summer.
