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Tempe Town Lake, Arizona: a desert oasis for water enthusiasts.

Ever considered discovering the best places to paddle board in Tempe Town Lake?

This stunning urban gem offers various exciting paddle boarding spots for you to explore.

Embark on an unforgettable adventure and immerse yourself in the picturesque beauty of Tempe Town Lake. Are you in?

 

Map

Where to Paddle Board in Tempe Town 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 Tempe Town Lake

Tempe Town Lake
  • Location Type: Lake
  • Access Point: Tempe Town Lake Marina (Google Maps)
  • Water, Currents & Wind: Calm, man-made lake, slight wind in the afternoon
  • Popular Seasons: Year-round with peak season in Spring and Fall
  • Wildlife Encounters: Ducks, fish, turtles, and occasional herons
  • Landmarks & Views: Tempe Center for the Arts, Mill Avenue Bridge, Papago Park
  • Safety, Environment and Rules: Life jackets required, adhere to lake regulations and stay within designated areas

Tempe Town Lake is the crown jewel of Tempe, Arizona. This man-made lake provides a fantastic urban paddle boarding experience within its calm waters.

Surrounded by stunning architecture, beautiful parks, and the famous Mill Avenue Bridge, Tempe Town Lake is the perfect spot for all skill levels to enjoy paddle boarding.

#2 Saguaro Lake

Saguaro Lake
  • Location Type: Mountain Lake
  • Access Point: Butcher Jones Recreation Area (Google Maps)
  • Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, occasional winds
  • Popular Seasons: Spring and Fall
  • Wildlife Encounters: Fish, birds, and occasional deer
  • Landmarks & Views: Four Peaks, Goldfield Mountains, and desert landscapes
  • Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, life jackets required, adhere to designated zones

Located just a short drive from Tempe, Saguaro Lake offers paddleboarders serene desert waters. Nestled between the Four Peaks and Goldfield Mountains, Saguaro Lake promises a scenic and tranquil paddleboarding experience.

Explore its beautiful coves and inlets as you enjoy the stunning desert landscapes that surround this unique mountain lake.

#3 Lower Salt River

Lower Salt River
  • Location Type: River
  • Access Point: Blue Point Recreation Site (Google Maps)
  • Water, Currents & Wind: Gentle currents, protected from strong winds
  • Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
  • Wildlife Encounters: Fish, birds, and wild horses
  • Landmarks & Views: Rolling hills and lush vegetation
  • Safety, Environment and Rules: Avoid during high water, respect wildlife and private property

Just a short drive from Tempe, the Lower Salt River offers a peaceful yet adventurous paddleboarding experience. This beautiful river is known for its gentle currents and vibrant scenery, providing a perfect escape for both beginners and experienced paddlers.

Keep an eye out for the famous wild horses that roam the river’s banks as you explore the diverse landscape that makes the Lower Salt River a must-visit spot.

#4 Canyon Lake

Canyon Lake Arizona
  • Location Type: Mountain Lake
  • Access Point: Canyon Lake Marina and Campground (Google Maps)
  • Water, Currents & Wind: Generally calm, occasional winds
  • Popular Seasons: Spring and Fall
  • Wildlife Encounters: Fish, birds, and wild animals
  • Landmarks & Views: Canyon walls, desert landscapes, and dramatic cliffs
  • Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, stay within designated zones, life jackets required

Canyon Lake, located not far from Tempe, offers a diverse and thrilling paddleboarding experience. This mountain lake’s pristine waters are flanked by steep canyon walls and dramatic cliffs, providing adventurers with a breathtaking backdrop for their paddleboarding journey.

Explore the lake’s numerous coves and secret spots while embracing the rugged beauty of Arizona’s wilderness.

#5 Bartlett Lake

Bartlett Lake Marina
  • Location Type: Lake
  • Access Point: Rattlesnake Cove Recreation Area (Google Maps)
  • Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, occasional winds
  • Popular Seasons: Spring and Fall
  • Wildlife Encounters: Fish, birds, and wild animals
  • Landmarks & Views: Rolling hills, desert landscapes, and Saguaro cacti
  • Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, follow designated zones, life jackets required

A little further away from Tempe Town Lake, Bartlett Lake provides another beautiful desert paddleboarding destination. This serene lake offers calm waters and picturesque views of rolling hills, desert landscapes, and iconic Saguaro cacti.

Take your time to explore the lake’s many inlets and coves while enjoying the peaceful atmosphere and stunning Arizona scenery.

#6 Roosevelt Lake

Roosevelt Lake
  • Location Type: Lake
  • Access Point: Grapevine Group Site (Google Maps)
  • Water, Currents & Wind: Generally calm, afternoon breezes
  • Popular Seasons: Spring and Fall
  • Wildlife Encounters: Fish, birds, and wild animals
  • Landmarks & Views: Four Peaks, mountain vistas, and desert scenery
  • Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, life jackets required, adhere to designated zones

Roosevelt Lake, a bit further away from Tempe, is a fantastic spot to enjoy paddleboarding amidst untouched Arizona wilderness. This expansive lake is surrounded by towering mountain vistas and desert landscapes, providing an ideal backdrop for a scenic paddleboarding adventure.

Experience the calm waters and explore the numerous hidden inlets and coves that make Roosevelt Lake a memorable paddleboarding destination.

 

FAQ

Where can you paddle board in Tempe Town Lake?

Tempe Town Lake offers ample space suitable for paddle boarding.

Do paddle boards need to be registered in Tempe Town Lake?

No, paddle boards do not require registration in Tempe Town Lake.

When is the best time to paddle board in Tempe Town Lake?

The best time to paddle board in Tempe Town Lake is during spring or fall when the temperatures are moderate.

Alyssa is a dynamic force in sports content. She combines her love for sports with her excellent writing skills. Her background in volleyball and newfound enthusiasm for water sports bring a unique perspective to her work. Alyssa turns her excitement of sports into amazing articles.

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