Calling all river rats and lake lovers! When you’re in the mood to get your feet wet, head to one of the Scottsdale area’s many scenic waterways. From fishing, jet skiing and parasailing to river rafting, shore-side hiking and historic steamboat tours, you’ll enjoy hours of fun under the sun in a breathtaking Sonoran Desert setting.

Salt River Scottsdales Scenic Waterways

Photo Credit: Jeff Moore

Salt River

The scenic Salt River, located about 30 miles east of Scottsdale, offers river runners two distinct personalities. For calm-water rafting, tubing, kayaking, canoeing and fishing, the serene Lower Salt River is your girl. As you float peacefully along, you’ll enjoy stunning views of towering cliffs, lush riparian areas and desert wildlife. 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.”

Verde River Scottsdales Scenic Waterways

Verde River

The southern portion of the Verde River, near its confluence with the Salt River, is another popular spot for rafting, kayaking, fishing and birding. The Verde’s peaceful waters and riparian surroundings make it an excellent spot to relax and enjoy the beauty of the Sonoran Desert.

Saguaro Lake Scottsdales Scenic Waterways

Photo Credit: Rich Herrmann

Saguaro Lake

Saguaro Lake, created by the Stewart Mountain Dam, is located 35 miles northeast of downtown Scottsdale. The lake boasts more than 22 miles of shoreline and plenty of on-the-water-fun, including power boating, water skiing, sailing, jet skiing, kayaking 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 Lakeshore Restaurant offers tasty cuisine and panoramic scenic views.

Bartlett Lake Scottsdales Scenic Waterways

Bartlett Lake

Located in the heart of the Tonto National Forest just 50 minutes north of downtown Scottsdale, this desert gem offers a full-service marina with pontoon and ski boat rentals, a general store, and dock-side grill (seasonal). Water skiing, jet skiing and fishing are all popular pastimes at Bartlett Lake.

Photo Credit: Jim Trottier

Lake Pleasant

A scenic one-hour drive northwest from downtown Scottsdale will take you to Lake Pleasant, one of the largest lakes in the area. 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, parasailing, jet skiing and fishing. Twelve species of fish are stocked in Lake Pleasant, including large-mouth, white and striped bass; bluegill, tilapia and crappie.

Canyon Lake Scottsdales Scenic Waterways

Photo Credit: CEBImagery

Canyon Lake

Canyon Lake, located an easy one-hour drive from downtown Scottsdale, offers spectacular views of red-rock canyon walls and unusual rock formations. 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. Recreational options include scenic hiking around the shore, as well as well as boating, water skiing, fishing, jet skiing. For a real treat, take the Dolly Steamboat cruise and listen as your captain narrates the legends and lore of the mysterious Superstition Mountains.

Apache Lake Scottsdales Scenic Waterways

Photo Credit: Geoff Livingston

Apache Lake

Just up the picturesque Apache Trail from Canyon Lake is Apache Lake. High canyon walls and deep mountain valleys accent one of the most beautiful landscapes in Arizona. There are several miles of dirt road leading to Apache Lake, but it is accessible to passenger cars. Though small, this lake is a spectacular site for boating, fishing, water skiing and hiking. The marina offers pontoon and fishing boat rentals.

Roosevelt Lake Scottsdales Scenic Waterways

Photo Credit: Fred Moore

Roosevelt Lake

Head a little further up the Apache Trail and you’ll come to Roosevelt Lake. This 17-mile-long beauty is the largest lake in the Scottsdale area and was formed in 1911 with the construction of Roosevelt Dam on the Salt River. Roosevelt Lake is a favorite of anglers searching for the trophy largemouth bass along with smallmouth bass, channel catfish and crappie. Water-skiing, jet-skiing, swimming and general boating recreation makes Lake Roosevelt a favorite destination among locals and visitors alike. The lake offers full marina amenities, general store and restaurant.

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