6 Best Places to Paddle Board in Bartlett Lake, AZ

Discover the serene beauty of Arizona’s desert oasis.

Looking for the best places to paddle board in Bartlett Lake?

Get ready to glide over calm waters surrounded by breathtaking desert landscapes.

Join us as we unveil the top paddleboarding spots nestled in the picturesque Bartlett Lake. Adventure awaits!

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Planning Your Paddle in Bartlett Lake

Season figures are averages of the daily maximum temperature in the ERA5 climate archive for 2019 to 2024. Every spot below can carry its own rules on top of these.

Season: average daily highs stay above 59 °F right through the year, so there is no closed season. July is the warmest month, averaging 101 °F.
Rules and licences: The US Coast Guard treats a paddleboard as a vessel as soon as you leave the immediate swimming or surfing area. From that point a wearable life jacket for every person on board is required, together with a sound signal, and a white light after dark. Individual states add their own rules on top, so check the state boating agency before a longer trip.

Where to Paddle Board in Bartlett Lake

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 Bartlett Lake Marina

🏖️ ️Location Type: Lake
📍 Access Point: Bartlett Lake Marina (Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, mild wind
☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Bass, bluegill, carp, birds
🏞️️️ Landmarks & Views: Tonto National Forest, rolling desert hills
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Wear a life jacket, beware of possible boat traffic

Bartlett Lake Marina is an excellent access point for paddling adventures in Bartlett Lake, AZ. The calm waters and picturesque surroundings of the Tonto National Forest provide a serene and peaceful experience.

Discover the diverse wildlife and take in the stunning views of the desert hills as you paddle.

#2 SB Cove

🏖️ ️Location Type: Lake
📍 Access Point: SB Cove Swimming Area (Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, occasional light wind
☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Bass, birds, and small mammals on the shoreline
🏞️️️ Landmarks & Views: Remarkable desert terrain, beautiful shoreline
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Respect local restrictions, stay aware of other watercraft

SB Cove on Bartlett Lake offers a tranquil paddleboarding spot. Its calm waters and stunning shoreline set against a dramatic desert backdrop make it an ideal location for a leisurely day on the water.

Don’t be surprised if you spot bass or birds during your paddling adventure.

#3 Rattlesnake Cove

🏖️ ️Location Type: Lake
📍 Access Point: Rattlesnake Cove Recreation Area (Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Mostly calm waters, occasional breeze
☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Bass, water birds, desert critters
🏞️️️ Landmarks & Views: Intriguing rock formations, lush desert vegetation
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Stay vigilant for wildlife, adhere to local guidelines

Rattlesnake Cove is a secluded spot on Bartlett Lake, offering unique rock formations and incredible desert flora. The calm waters make it perfect for paddling, and the cove’s natural surroundings invite exploration.

Make sure to respect local rules and keep an eye out for the area’s diverse wildlife.

#4 Horseshoe Reservoir

🏖️ Location Type: Lake
📍 Access Point: Horseshoe Reservoir boat ramp (Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, mild wind
☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Bass, catfish, birds
🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Impressive cliffs, rocky shoreline
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Be cautious around cliffs, observe boating regulations

Although slightly further from Bartlett Lake, Horseshoe Reservoir is still a popular paddleboarding location in the area. The reservoir’s calm waters are surrounded by striking cliffs and rocky shorelines.

Paddleboarders can explore the reservoir’s nooks and crannies while admiring the abundant wildlife and dramatic landscapes.

#5 Verde River

🏖️ ️Location Type: River
📍 Access Point: Needle Rock Recreation Area (Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Slow-moving currents, minimal wind
☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Fish, birds, wildlife along the banks
🏞️️️ Landmarks & Views: Lush riparian habitat, rock formations
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Be aware of water levels, respect private properties

For those who prefer river paddling, the nearby Verde River offers a serene experience with its slow-moving currents and lush riparian environment. The river’s access point at Needle Rock Recreation Area is a short drive from Bartlett Lake.

Enjoy picturesque rock formations and a diverse array of wildlife as you paddle along this tranquil waterway.

#6 Saguaro Lake

🏖️ Location Type: Lake
📍 Access Point: Saguaro Del Norte Recreation Site (Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, occasional wind gusts
☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Largemouth bass, bluegill, wildlife along shoreline
🏞️️️ Landmarks & Views: Canyon walls, desert landscapes
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Be mindful of boat traffic, obey local laws

While not directly in Bartlett Lake, Saguaro Lake is a beautiful alternative for paddling enthusiasts. The lake’s calm waters are surrounded by striking canyon walls and captivating desert landscapes.

Be prepared to share the lake with boaters, but rest assured there’s plenty of room to explore and enjoy your paddleboarding experience.

What to Take With You

Whatever the water here looks like, the same short list comes along. Each box below shows the model that currently sits at number one in our own test of that category.

Onyx MoveVent Dynamic Paddle Vest

Life jacket

Check price

Typefoam, paddle cut
ApprovalUSCG and Transport Canada

Rules differ from state to state and from country to country, but on open water this is the piece that gets checked, and the one that counts when the wind turns while you are still a long way out.

Every model we tested: 10 Best Life Vests for Paddle Boarding

NRS Quick-Release SUP Leash

Waist leash

Check price

Cordcoiled, stretches to 9 ft
Swivelstwo in-line

A leash keeps the board within reach after a fall, and a board that drifts off is the start of most rescues. On moving water use a quick release belt rather than an ankle cuff.

Every model we tested: The 9 Best SUP Waist Leashes

Pelican Marine Waterproof Phone Pouch

Phone case