6 Best Places to Paddle Board in Phoenix, AZ

Welcome to the Valley of the Sun.

Looking for the best places to paddle board in Phoenix, AZ?

Get ready to discover hidden gems among desert landscapes and lush oases.

Grab your paddle, and let’s embark on an unforgettable adventure in Phoenix’s stunning waterways.

Map

Planning Your Paddle in Phoenix

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 106 °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 Phoenix

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 Tempe Town Lake

🏖️ ️Location Type: Lake
📍 Access Point: Tempe Beach Park (Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, mild winds
☀️ Popular Seasons: Year-round
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Ducks, geese, herons
🏞️ Landmarks & Views: Tempe skyline, Mill Avenue Bridge
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Lifejacket required, no swimming allowed

Tempe Town Lake, located in the heart of Tempe, offers a beautiful, urban paddle boarding experience. Paddlers can enjoy views of the Tempe skyline and the iconic Mill Avenue Bridge.

The calm waters make it perfect for beginners and seasoned paddleboarders alike.

#2 Saguaro Lake

🏖️ ️Location Type: Lake
📍 Access Point: Butcher Jones Recreation Site (Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Generally calm waters, occasional winds
☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Bald eagles, bighorn sheep, various fish species
🏞️ Landmarks & Views: Scenic desert cliffs, Salt River
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, adhere to lake regulations

Saguaro Lake, located just outside of Phoenix, is surrounded by beautiful desert cliffs and landscapes. The lake’s calm waters are perfect for a relaxing paddleboarding experience.

Keep an eye out for local wildlife, like bald eagles and bighorn sheep grazing along the shoreline.

#3 Canyon Lake

🏖️ ️Location Type: Lake
📍 Access Point: Palo Verde Recreation Site (Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, occasional winds
☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Bald eagles, deer, various fish species
🏞️ Landmarks & Views: Scenic desert mountains, Apache Trail
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, adhere to lake regulations

Canyon Lake, situated amongst the stunning desert mountains, offers breathtaking views and tranquil waters.

Paddle through the scenic surroundings, and keep an eye out for deer and bald eagles on your journey. The lake’s calm waters are perfect for all skill levels.

#4 Salt River

🏖️ ️Location Type: River
📍 Access Point: Coon Bluff Recreation Site (Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Mild currents, occasional wind
☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Wild horses, bald eagles, fish species
🏞️ Landmarks & Views: Tonto National Forest, mountainside cliffs
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Use caution in currents, respect wildlife

Paddleboarding on the Salt River provides an opportunity to explore the picturesque Tonto National Forest.

Glide alongside magnificent mountainside cliffs and catch glimpses of wild horses grazing near the riverbanks. Mild currents make this river suitable for paddleboarders with some experience.

#5 Lake Pleasant

🏖️ ️Location Type: Lake
📍 Access Point: Lake Pleasant Regional Park (Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, occasional winds
☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Bald eagles, various fish species, occasional deer
🏞️ Landmarks & Views: Desert landscapes, rolling hills
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, adhere to lake regulations

Lake Pleasant, situated amidst desert landscapes and rolling hills, is a destination for both relaxation and adventure.

Its calm waters make it an excellent spot for paddleboarding and wildlife watching, including bald eagles and occasional deer. Remember to follow lake regulations and be mindful of boat traffic.

#6 Bartlett Lake

🏖️ ️Location Type: Lake
📍 Access Point: Bartlett Lake Marina (Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Generally calm waters, mild winds
☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Various fish species, birds, occasional deer
🏞️ Landmarks & Views: Desert cliffs, Tonto National Forest
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, adhere to lake regulations

Bartlett Lake, nestled within the Tonto National Forest, provides paddleboarders with mesmerizing desert cliffs and calm waters to enjoy.

The lake’s serene atmosphere and abundant wildlife make for a memorable paddleboarding experience. Ensure to follow lake regulations and keep an eye out for boat traffic.

Phoenix paddlers rarely stay in the city. Lake Pleasant is the closest big water, Lake Havasu is the weekend run out to the Colorado River, and Lake Powell is the one you plan a few days for.