Quick Start Guide To Kayak On Apache Lake
Are Kayaks Allowed On Apache Lake?
Yes, you can kayak on the lake, and the kayak remains one of the most popular vessels on the lake.
Visitors, locals, and students can easily rent a kayak from rental businesses in town. However most of the locals will often bring their own kayaks tied to the top of their SUVs to the lake for exercise and fun.
This gorgeous lake is located in the Tonto National Forest and is one of several lakes created the damming of the Salt River is several places and sits between Lake Roosevelt and Canyon Lake.
Phoenix is the largest metropolitan area and Mesa is a smaller city within the greater Phoenix area.
The lake is surrounded by canyon walls that may make you feel like you are at an off-Earth location somewhere. Giant Saguaro cactus plants make their home on the lake’s shoreline.
This deep lake is not only good for kayaking. It is also a great place for swimming, camping, picnicking, and fishing.
Many large bass live in the lake, waiting to be caught. The best fishing is between the middle of February to the middle of April or from October to December.
Best Times of the Day to Kayak Apache Lake
Kayaking Apache Lake, many paddlers prefer to be on the water in the early morning, preferably before 7 AM. Seeing a variety of wildlife is more likely at this time. Many birds are on their early morning flights including bald eagles. You may also see a mountain lion, mountain goat, deer, or even a coatimundi on the shore as you paddle by.
The park opens at 5 AM and closes at 9 PM daily between May 1 and October 31, which makes early morning kayaking easy to do. Once campers are awake and workers have arrived at the park, more human activity makes it less likely to see wild animals.
Furthermore, if you kayaking on a Saturday or Sunday the lake can get very busy and windy, so most kayakers will either go out in the morning, or stick close to shore during the day to avoid all the boating traffic.
Best Time of Year to Kayak Apache Lake
Most kayakers agree that the best time for kayaking on Apache Lake is in the Spring or Fall. The temperatures are warm, yet not overpowering. May and June plus September and October are popular months because of lower daytime temperatures.
The summer months in Arizona are extremely hot, making it uncomfortable under the summer sun with an average temperature of 98+ degrees or above in the daytime. The hottest weather begins at the end of May and lasts through September. July is the hottest month of the year with temperatures averaging 106 degrees!
Apache Lake Kayak Launch Sites
There are two launch sites where you can launch your kayak. They are the Apache Lake Marina & Boat Ramp and Burnt Corral Campgrounds.
A Tonto Daily Pass and Watercraft Sticker or a Tonto Discovery Pass are required at both sites.
Burnt Corral Campgrounds area is complete with a trail and shoreline that is great for fishing and launching your kayak. Furthermore, it also has a clean beach and water that is clear. Wild horses often stop by at this location, so you may be lucky enough to see them.
The Apache Lake Marina is another popular site for kayak launching. It has paved boat ramps for paddlers to use.
Best Places to Kayak on Apache Lake
Kayakers can enjoy the bluff walls along the Buckhorn Creek area. These steep rocky bluff walls will cast an afternoon shadow starting around noon. This spot is best kayaked if the weather is warm, and the breeze and current is slow.
Others have enjoyed camping at the Apache Lake Campground & Recreation Area. This area is perfect for visitors who wish to camp and kayak at the lake. The location has ten camping sites with picnic tables and grills.
Where to Rent a Kayak Nearby
Apache Lake is located in the outer city of Mesa so there are kayak rental businesses in this city. Not all boat rental locations rent kayaks.
Kayak rentals can also be rented from Riverbound Sports in Tempe and be brought to Apache Lake.
According to the website, Apache Lake Marina does currently rent kayaks to the public.
Can I Bring My Own Kayak to Apache Lake?
Yes, you can bring your own kayak to Apache Lake. In fact, this may be easier than traveling to the nearby city of Mesa to find a kayak rental.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Into Apache Lake?
A daily pass to park in Apache Lake costs $8.00. Visitors may choose to buy an Annual Pass for $80. There is also a $4 daily watercraft sticker pass per watercraft.
What Do I Need To Bring To Kayak on Apache Lake?
Kayakers will want to bring some gear with them that will help them have a comfortable, safe time on the lake. You will probably want to pack these things for your paddling adventure:
Planning ahead of what to bring on your trip to Apache Lake will make your adventure much more fun when you have the basics that you need.
The Apache Lake Marina Restaurant offers carry-out and eat-in food, snacks, and serve delicious frosty beverages.
Other Things to Know about Apache Lake Kayaking
Besides kayaking, Apache Lake visitors can enjoy many other activities, such as fishing at Apache Lake, swimming, outdoor cooking, camping, and hiking.
In fact Apache Lake has ranked in the Top 12 Fishing Lakes in Arizona.
Water testing on Apache Lake and Canyon Lake is routinely done. Results show that the water is safe for swimming.
Apache Lake is open from April through October. Kayakers and others may be turned away at the entrance of the lake if it becomes overly crowded. This may happen when the parking lot is full.
Lake levels change daily, and motorboats may be at risk from rocks and other objects rising out of the water. Motorboats may not have motors with more than 82 decibels.
Some activities at Apache Lake require permits in addition to the watercraft sticker. You may want to gather some firewood to build a fire. A firewood permit is required for this. Group activities also require a permit.
It is also possible to get a Christmas tree from the Apache Lake area with a permit. It is recommended that you buy your permits before your visit to the lake. There are locations where you can purchase permits along the road leading to the lake.
Watercraft on the lake should travel in a counter-clockwise manner.
Apache Lake does not offer a trash service. Visitors must take any trash along with them to dispose of it. No glass bottles are allowed in the Tonto National Park.