Top 20 Lakes around Phoenix

For a wide array of water sports and boating, Lake Pleasant is a prime destination, offering ample space for windsurfing, water skiing, and jet skiing. Roosevelt Lake, being the largest, also provides vast areas for boating and watersports. Saguaro Lake and Canyon Lake are excellent choices for water-skiing, wakeboarding, and general boating, with boat rentals often available.

Yes, several lakes and parks cater to families. Tempe Beach Park on Tempe Town Lake offers picnic areas, boat rentals, and trails for walking and cycling. Rio Vista Community Park features a splash park, playground, and fishing pond. Lake Pleasant and Canyon Lake also provide extensive camping facilities and recreational options suitable for families.

Anglers will find excellent fishing at several lakes. Saguaro Lake is known for largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish. Apache Lake is a favored spot for trout fishing, while Roosevelt Lake is also very popular among anglers. Additionally, Rio Vista Community Park has a fishing pond suitable for beginners or a relaxed day.

Many lakes offer access to hiking trails. At Saguaro Lake, you can explore trails like Butcher Jones Trail, which provides incredible lake views. Canyon Lake also has hiking opportunities amidst its scenic canyon walls. For a unique experience, Papago Park Red Rock Formations offers hiking trails alongside distinctive red rock formations and fishing ponds. You can find more hiking options in the region by checking out the Running Trails around Phoenix guide.

Bartlett Lake is particularly popular for paddleboarding and kayaking due to its pristine blue waters and less crowded atmosphere. Canyon Lake also provides a beautiful setting for these activities. Tempe Beach Park on Tempe Town Lake offers paddleboard rentals for a convenient urban experience.

Yes, camping is a popular activity at several lakes. Lake Pleasant Regional Park provides extensive camping facilities. Canyon Lake has a popular day-use campground, and Roosevelt Lake features multiple campgrounds and RV parks along its vast shoreline. Apache Lake also offers accommodations including a motel for those preferring not to camp.

The lakes around Phoenix are set against stunning desert landscapes. Saguaro Lake is framed by towering canyon walls and saguaro cacti. Canyon Lake is renowned for its spectacularly colorful painted canyon walls and crystal-clear waters. Bartlett Lake offers views of surrounding desert mountains and saguaro-studded foothills, with blooming wildflowers in spring. You can also visit Papago Park Red Rock Formations for distinctive geological sights.

For cycling, the Rio Salado Pathway – Tempe Town Lake Trail is a paved route extending over 10 miles along the Rio Salado and into Tempe Town Lake. The Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt also offers 11 miles of trails passing by parks and small lakes. For more extensive cycling, explore the Cycling around Phoenix guide.

Apache Lake is abundant with wildlife, including javelina, mountain sheep, and eagles. Visitors to Lake Pleasant might also spot wild burros. The natural settings of these lakes within the Tonto National Forest provide opportunities to observe various desert animals and birds.

The cooler months from fall to spring (October to April) are generally the most pleasant for visiting the lakes, especially for hiking and camping, as the desert temperatures are milder. Spring also brings blooming wildflowers, particularly around Bartlett Lake, adding to the scenic beauty. Summer offers ideal conditions for water-based activities like swimming and watersports, though temperatures can be very high.

Yes, Canyon Lake offers unique experiences such as the Dolly Steamboat dinner cruises and winding drives through the hills with incredible viewpoints. Lake Pleasant features a floating restaurant, Scorpion Bay Grill. Many lakes also offer boat rentals, allowing for personalized exploration of their coves and shores.

Many lake areas and parks are well-equipped with facilities. Papago Park Red Rock Formations and Tempe Beach Park offer restrooms and picnic areas. Rio Vista Community Park also has picnic areas and a splash park. Larger lakes like Lake Pleasant, Canyon Lake, and Roosevelt Lake typically have marinas and visitor facilities.