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Arizona is known for being hot. Like, really hot. So you can’t blame locals for trying to find new ways to cool off from the heat. One such method that is becoming increasingly popular is paddleboarding. This water sport combines strength and adventure and is a great way to seek refuge from the heat. Here are a few go-to spots for a fun-filled day of paddleboarding in Arizona.
The best place to paddleboard is also one of the busiest places in Arizona. Lake Havasu has been a go-to getaway spot for Arizonans for decades. But while the masses flock there for a spring break adventure, you can get in your own kind of adventure by paddleboarding. Lake Havasu is a larger reservoir on the California-Arizona border. The lake may be busy, but it encompasses 648,000 acres and plenty of room for exploration. You can paddle through a channel, make friends on the lake, and enjoy the (mostly) cool air on a tour of Lake Havasu. One of the most renowned spots on the lake is the Topack Gorge. It’s filled with crystal clear water that gets a healthy flow from the Colorado River. The gorge is also home to some of the most amazing scenery in Arizona with surrounding canyons, valleys, and beaches.
There is no wrong way to enjoy Bartlett Lake. This reservoir is located just one hour from Phoenix and gets plenty of visitors looking to enjoy some much-needed time on the water. It has over 2,800 acres of boatable surface, meaning you’ll find plenty of crowds playing on boats, jet skis, and water skis. Bartlett Lake is also located in the thick of the Tonto National Forest. It’s surrounded by beautiful scenery and wildlife—making for a truly unforgettable paddleboarding experience on the water. Speaking of water, Bartlett Lake’s water comes from the Verde River and is regarded as some of the freshest in the state. At Bartlett Lake Marina, you’ll find Go Stand Up Paddle Board Arizona, where you can rent paddleboards for reasonable rates!
Bigger isn’t always better. In the case of Lake Powell, however, the lake’s size is a distinct advantage. It’s over 180 miles long and encompasses nearly 2,000 miles of shoreline. That means no two paddleboard trips to Lake Powell are the same. You can experience huge canyons, red rock cliffs, and beautiful blue water at a moment’s notice. Located on the Utah-Arizona border in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, this lake has over 90 canyon sections open for exploration. Lake Powell is also home to some of the most breathtaking scenery in the state. You’ll meander through tall sandstone rock formations and towering canyons on a trip. You can also make a pit stop at the nearby Horseshoe Bend—one of the most photographed areas on the Colorado River. Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas offers stand-up paddleboard rentals at a daily rate of $90.
It’s natural to expect the best from a place named “Lake Pleasant.” Fortunately, this central Arizona lake lives up to its reputation. Lake Pleasant offers myriad opportunities for a fun-filled day on the water. It’s a family-friendly destination and a popular spot for fishing, boating, and kayaking. Add paddleboarding to the list. The 10,000-acre lake may get crowded with Valley residents, but there’s plenty of room for boarding opportunities. The Lake Pleasant Regional Park, located in Morristown, is also popular for its diverse and rare flowers.
Forget about Vegas. Sin City may have the famous Las Vegas strip, but the nearby Black Canyon has some legendary paddleboarding. Black Canyon is located at the base of the famous Hoover Dam. During a trip, you can venture through various caves and canyons. You’ll be enthralled by the surrounding desert terrain as you travel from Gold Strike Canyon to Lone Palm Canyon and beyond. The calm water flow also makes this a great place for beginners to test their skills. The surrounding canyon is also home to desert bighorn sheep that add some adventure to an already exciting paddleboard trip.
