10 Things To Know Before Kayaking Canyon Lake, Arizona

Quick Start Guide To Kayak On Canyon Lake

Are Kayaks Allowed On Canyon 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.

Yes, you can kayak on Canyon Lake. This gorgeous lake is located in the Tonto National Forest and was the last lake to be built on the Salt River. Canyon Lake is halfway between Phoenix and Sunflower. Mesa is also nearby and is where the Stewart Mountain Dam was completed in 1930.

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 Canyon Lake

Kayaking Canyon 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 Canyon Lake

Most kayakers agree that the best time for kayaking on Canyon 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!

Canyon Lake Kayak Launch Sites

There are three launch sites at Canyon Lake. One of them is Canyon Lake – Palo Verde Boat Launch. It is located in Apache Junction. This launch site is highly rated by users who have launched watercraft from this site.

Another boat launch is Laguna Boat Ramp, located on Tonto Basin. Canyon Lake Marina and Campground is the third site. It is located at Marina Apache Junction. All three of the sites are highly rated. These sites close at 4 PM.

You can get everything you need at the Canyon Lake Marina and Campground. You may want to camp there, launch your kayak, and catch some fish when you return. This marina and campground have anything you need from fishing equipment to drinks and ice.

Best Places to Kayak on Canyon Lake

Many people prefer kayaking in the narrow coves at Canyon Lake. Motorboats aren’t able to fit in the coves, so it is somewhat quiet. Some of the lake’s greatest beauty can be found in these areas. The Eastern part of the lake is said to be calmer than the rest of the lake, and you might find coves there to explore.

Kayakers who like to be around the action by the motorboats, skiers, and others will enjoy the middle part of the lake. Paddlers are reminded to stay close to the shoreline and observe the action from there.

Other places that are good for kayaking are the recreation sites. Motorboats tend to say away from these sites after their launching. The site of Canyon Lake Recreation Site, Canyon Lake Marina Campground, Boulder Canyon Recreation Site, and the Point Campground are perfect for paddling.

Where to Rent a Kayak Nearby

Canyon 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. Canyon Lake Kayak rentals can also be rented from Riverbound Sports in Tempe and be brought to Canyon Lake. Canyon Lake Marina does not currently rent kayaks.

Can I Bring My Own Kayak to Canyon Lake?

Yes, you can bring your own kayak to Canyon 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 Canyon Lake?

A daily pass to park in Canyon 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 Canyon 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:

Sit On Top Kayak Less Than $800

Planning ahead of what to bring on your trip to Canyon Lake will make your adventure much more fun when you have the basics that you need. The Shiprock Restaurant offers carry-out and eat-in food at the Canyon Lake Marina. Other restaurants are nearby in Mesa.

Other Things to Know about Canyon Lake Kayaking

Besides kayaking, Saguaro Lake visitors can enjoy many other activities, such as fishing at Canyon Lake, swimming, outdoor cooking, camping, and hiking.

In fact Saguaro Lake has ranked in the Top 12 Fishing Lakes in Arizona.

Water testing on Canyon Lake and Saguaro Lake and is routinely done. Results show that the water is safe for swimming.

Canyon Lake is located in the Superstition Wilderness of the Tonto National Forest. Stories of lost gold mines in this area are still told. The lake has numerous trails that can be hiked and explored. You can also horseback ride on some of the trails. Many trails are in very poor condition.

The Superstition Wilderness area was designated in 1939 and was enlarged to its current size of about 160,200 acres in 1984.

Alligators have not been seen since Canyon Dam was built. Before it existed, the warm water of the Guadalupe River was said to be home to alligators. No one knows for sure, but it is possible for alligators to live in Canyon Lake.

Water samples from Canyon Lake and the Guadalupe River do not exceed bacteria levels deemed safe by the state. That means that children can safely swim in the lake.

There is a rumor that there is a city below Canyon Lake. The truth is that when engineers began working on a dam, a new city was founded. This city was called Canyon City. It was inundated with water when the Salt River began filling up the lake, so it exists underwater only.