Top 12 Lakes around Tempe

At Tempe Town Lake, you can enjoy a variety of water sports including kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and rowing. Rentals for kayaks, paddleboards, pedal boats, and even motorized donut boats are available. While general swimming is not permitted, special events like IRONMAN Arizona sometimes allow it. Anglers can also fish for bass, catfish, or sunfish with an Arizona fishing license.

Yes, both major lakes offer excellent paths. Tempe Town Lake features a scenic 5-to-7-mile loop ideal for walking, running, and cycling, connecting to areas like downtown Tempe and Papago Park. The Rio Salado Pathway – Tempe Town Lake Trail is a paved trail extending over 10 miles. Kiwanis Park Lake has a walking trail approximately one mile long around the lake, with additional running and biking trails throughout the park.

Kiwanis Park Lake, nestled within the 125-acre Kiwanis Park, is a delightful oasis for families. Beyond paddle boating and fishing on the lake, the park offers extensive amenities including multiple playgrounds (one with a large splash pad called "The Cloud"), picnic areas, batting cages, tennis courts, and a dog park. The Kiwanis Recreation Center also features an indoor wave pool with waterslides.

Absolutely. Papago Park Red Rock Formations is a prominent natural monument nearby. This park offers hiking trails and is home to the Desert Botanical Gardens and the Phoenix Zoo, providing a blend of natural beauty and educational experiences.

Yes, the north side of Tempe Town Lake features a sandy beach area. Additionally, Tempe Beach Park on the south shore is a 25-acre area with paths, picnic spots, and is a significant venue for cultural celebrations and events.

Tempe Beach Park, located on the south shore of Tempe Town Lake, hosts over 40 cultural celebrations, music festivals, and signature events throughout the year. Notable events include the Arizona Dragon Boat Festival and the Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade.

The Rio Salado Pathway – Tempe Town Lake Trail is a paved trail that is wheelchair accessible, offering a smooth surface for enjoying the lake views.

Tempe's lakes are year-round destinations. The cooler months from fall to spring (October to April) are ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and enjoying park amenities. Summer can be very hot, but water activities and early morning/late evening visits are still popular. Many events also take place throughout the year, so checking local calendars can help plan your visit.

There are many areas around Tempe Town Lake where you can rent equipment for activities like cycling, paddleboarding, and fishing, so you don't need to bring your own.

Yes, there are several cycling routes. The Rio Salado Pathway – Tempe Town Lake Trail is a popular paved option. For more cycling adventures, you can explore various routes in the area, such as those found in the Cycling around Tempe guide, which includes routes like the Rio Salado Pathway and the Tempe Town Lake loop.

Runners can enjoy the scenic Tempe Town Lake loop, which is about 5-7 miles. For more options, check out the Running Trails around Tempe guide, which features routes like the Tempe Town Lake Loop and the Rio Salado Pathway.

Dogs are generally welcome on trails and in parks around the lakes, but specific rules may apply. For example, Papago Park Red Rock Formations is dog-friendly. Always keep dogs on a leash and clean up after them. Kiwanis Park also features a designated dog park.