This lake lies in the Superstition Mountain Wilderness area and is the gateway to the Apache Trail, which leads to both Apache Lake and Roosevelt Lake. On-site rentals: Boat rentals, jet skis, kayaks, paddleboards, water toysĬanyon Lake, located an easy one-hour drive from Old Town, offers spectacular views of red-rock canyon walls and unusual rock formations. Twelve species of fish are stocked in Lake Pleasant, including large-mouth, white and striped bass bluegill, tilapia and crappie. Hikers can enjoy the scenic 1.5-mile Roadrunner Trail or easier half-mile Visitor Center Trail with interpretive signage.Īctivities: Hiking, camping, boating, water skiing, jet skiing, fishing, paddle boarding, scuba diving, swimming Lake Pleasant offers more than 50 miles of shoreline and 10,000 acres of clear blue water perfect for boating, house boating, sailing, water skiing, jet skiing and fishing. On-site rentals: Boat rentals, jet skis, paddleboardsĪ scenic one-hour drive northwest from Old Town Scottsdale will take you to Lake Pleasant, one of the largest lakes in the area. Other popular pastimes at Bartlett Lake include water skiing, jet skiing and fishing.Īctivities: Hiking, camping, boating, water skiing, fishing, paddle boarding Located in the heart of the Tonto National Forest just 50 minutes north of Old Town Scottsdale, this desert gem offers a full-service marina with pontoon and ski boat rentals, a general store, and dock-side grill.
On-site rentals: Runabout, fishing or pontoon boat The Lakeshore Restaurant offers tasty cuisine and panoramic scenic views.Īctivities: Power boating, water skiing, sailing, kayaking, camping and fishing At the marina, you can rent a runabout, fishing or pontoon boat, or take a 90-minute guided tour on a double-decker paddleboat, the Desert Belle. The lake boasts more than 22 miles of shoreline and plenty of on-the-water-fun, including power boating, water skiing, sailing, kayaking and fishing. Saguaro Lake, created by the Stewart Mountain Dam, is located 35 miles northeast of Old Town Scottsdale. The Verde’s peaceful waters and riparian surroundings make it an excellent spot to relax and enjoy the beauty of the Sonoran Desert from the water or the shore.Īctivities: Rafting, kayaking, paddle boarding, fishing, birding, camping and photography. The southern portion of the Verde River, near its confluence with the Salt River, is another popular spot for rafting, kayaking, fishing, birding and photography. For rafting, kayak and paddleboard companies, click hereĭirections: Lower Salt, click here Upper Salt, click here.Looking for more adventure? The wild-child Upper Salt River offers whitewater thrills on class III and IV rapids (seasonal) with such colorful names as “Maytag,” “Overboard” and “Mescal Falls.”Īctivities: Tubing, kayaking, SUPing, canoeing, fishing, whitewater rafting.
As you float peacefully along, you’ll enjoy stunning views of towering cliffs, lush riparian areas and desert wildlife. For calm-water rafting, tubing, kayaking, SUPing, canoeing and fishing, the serene Lower Salt River is your girl.
The scenic Salt River, located about 30 miles east of Scottsdale, offers river runners two distinct personalities. Canadian Meetings FAM - Attendee Registrationĭoes the beach life call your name? Well, it might surprise you to know that Scottsdale has a beach life of its own! But for water lovers of all kinds, there are plenty of lakes and rivers near Scottsdale that offer recreation options galore. From boating, kayaking, fishing, SUPing and river rafting to shore-side hiking and historic steamboat tours, you’ll enjoy hours of fun under the sun in a breathtaking Sonoran Desert setting.Top 10 Signature Scottsdale Spouse Programs.