Water in the desert becomes more than just an intersection of habitats. It is an oasis. Scottsdale’s most cherished secret are the numerous lakes and rivers surrounding Scottsdale. These lakes and rivers create untold recreation opportunities from kayaking to fishing to simply lying on a scenic beach pondering if you’ve ever enjoyed a vacation more.
Salt River
Photo Credit: Jeff Moore
The Salt River is Arizona’s iconic river. It connects towering mountains with desert lowlands. The city of Phoenix was born from a system of ancient canals dug by Indigenous people that diverted river water to irrigate crops. Today, the river tumbles through a high-walled canyon and shelters a herd of wild horses that can often be seen grazing along the shoreline. What could be more Arizona than that? The Salt River offers thrilling whitewater rapids in its upper reaches and lazy-day tubing, kayaking and paddleboarding below.
- Activities: Tubing, kayaking, paddleboarding, canoeing, fishing, wildlife watching, whitewater rafting
- On-site rentals: www.saltrivertubing.com
- Drive Time from Old Town Scottsdale: Approx. 42 minutes
- Directions: Lower Salt, click here; Upper Salt, click here.
Verde River
The Verde River is a major tributary for the Salt. It provides crucial habitat for wildlife and serves as a bird migration corridor. The Lower Verde also makes the ideal getaway for family activities with its shallow water, shady banks, and sandy beaches. The calm current lends itself to kayaking and tubing.
- Activities: Kayaking, rafting, paddleboarding, fishing, birding, camping, photography
- On-site rentals: None.
- Drive Time from Old Town Scottsdale: Approx. 50 minutes
- Directions
Saguaro Lake
Photo Credit: Rich Herrmann
Sitting northeast of town, Saguaro Lake serves as Scottsdale’s unofficial beachfront. There’s plenty of open water for boaters and anglers, plus languid cruises aboard the Desert Belle, a classic double-decker paddleboat. Kayakers will find miles of shoreline and finger coves to explore. Then there’s the soft expanse of Butcher Jones Beach. Swim here and try to remember you’re still in the Sonoran Desert.
- Activities: Boating, water skiing, sailing, kayaking, camping, fishing
- On-site rentals: Pontoons, tritoons, deck boats.
- Drive Time from Old Town Scottsdale: Approx. 42 minutes
- Directions
Bartlett Lake
Tucked away in the Tonto National Forest, this sparkling reservoir corrals the Verde River below distinctive cliffs and a line of mountains. A full-service marina offers boat rentals, a general store and a dock-side grill—everything needed for water sports in Scottsdale. Bartlett Lake also is a beloved spot for wildflower viewing following wet winters when poppies and lupines cover the banks.
- Activities: Hiking, camping, boating, water skiing, fishing, paddleboarding
- On-site rentals: Pontoons, fishing boats, jet skis, party yacht, kayaks, paddleboards
- Drive Time from Old Town Scottsdale: Approx. 1 hour
- Directions
Lake Pleasant
Photo Credit: Jim Trottier
The 10,000-acre Lake Pleasant is dotted with islands and wrapped in desert. Two full-service marinas offer rentals and dining while the park features a selection of hiking trails. Follow the shoreline or ramble across open desert – you’ll enjoy scenic vistas no matter which you choose. The Pipeline Canyon Trail highlights spring wildflower displays, while the Yavapai Point trail climbs a hill to revel in watery vistas. Wild burros are common sights throughout the park.
- Activities: Hiking, camping, boating, water skiing, jet skiing, fishing, paddleboarding, scuba diving, swimming
- On-site rentals: Pontoons, fishing boats, ski boats, kayaks, water toys.
- Drive time from Old Town Scottsdale: Approx. 58 minutes
- Directions
Canyon Lake
Photo Credit: CEBImagery
This cliff-lined waterway is one of a chain of lakes formed by dams that corral the Salt River. There’s a campground along with a restaurant and cantina. For an up-close look at soaring cliffs that define the rugged shoreline of Canyon Lake, set out on Dolly Steamboat. The Dolly offers sightseeing and dinner cruises across the shimmering water with frequent sightings of desert bighorn, bald eagles and other wildlife.
- Activities: Water skiing, jet skiing, sailing, fishing, camping, swimming, hiking
- On-site rentals: Pontoons, tritoons, sport boats, RV park
- Drive time from Old Town Scottsdale: Approx. 1 hour
- Directions
Apache Lake
Photo Credit: Geoff Livingston
Remote Apache Lake, offers a serene getaway. This long narrow body of water cradled by high canyon walls makes a postcard-perfect sight along historic Apache Trail. Watch for bighorn sheep scrambling among the cliffs dotted with saguaros. Although one of the smaller lakes, Apache is popular with boaters, anglers, and solitude seekers. There are several miles of dirt road leading to Apache Lake, but it is still accessible to most passenger cars.
- Activities: Boating, fishing, water sports, camping, hiking
- On-site rentals: Pontoons, kayaks, paddleboards, RV park
- Drive time from Old Town Scottsdale: Approx. 1 hour, 50 minutes
- Directions
Roosevelt Lake
Photo Credit: Fred Moore
Theodore Roosevelt Lake is the largest lake entirely within Arizona’s borders, and a favorite with anglers. Small isolated islands and coves offer remote camping opportunities to complement the numerous campgrounds lining the shore. Up the slope at Tonto National Monument, ancient cliff dwellings occupied by the Salado Culture gaze across the water. The lake offers full marina amenities and a general store.
- Activities: Boating, jet skiing, sailing, swimming, fishing, camping
- On-site rentals: Tritoons, deck boats, RV park
- Drive time from Old Town Scottsdale: Approx. 1 hour 40 minutes
- Directions
Chaparral Lake
Visitors can even fish and kayak in the heart of Scottsdale. Located along the Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt, Chaparral Lake creates an urban oasis in a family-friendly park. The lake is stocked with fish through the year, and is navigated by kayaks and electric boats.
- Activities: Kayaking, canoeing, boating (electric), fishing, walking, jogging, biking
- On-site rentals: None.
- Drive Time from Old Town Scottsdale: Approx. 7 minutes
- Directions
For guided adventures on Scottsdale’s many rivers and lakes, contact Scottsdale’s professional adventure outfitters.
