Places to Kayak in Arizona

Places to kayak in Arizona are more plentiful than it would seem in a desert setting. Seasonal water levels provide the opportunity for a placid afternoon float or an adrenaline-stimulating expert skill-required running of the rapids. Long runs on lakes and rivers open the day to camping-by-kayak adventures.

  1. Verde River

    • Experienced or beginning, there are runs on the Verde River.

      Kayaking's possible all year on the Verde River. A major Arizona perennial river, the Verde is a respite from the heat. As long as flows are faster than 150 cubic feet per second (cfs), the nine-mile stretch from White Bridge Beasley Flat is a tranquil float for all experience levels. From Beasley Flat to Gap Creek, experienced kayakers need 300 cfs, and have the excitement of the Verde pre-falls rapids and a chance to go over Verde Falls. With spring and storm run-off over 1,000 cfs, the Class 2 rapids become Class 3.

      White Bridge River Access Point (RAP)

      Hwy 260 east of Camp Verde.

      0.2 miles past the Verde River bridge on right.

      Tonto National Forest

      40202 North Cave Creek Rd.

      Scottsdale, AZ 85262

      (480) 595-3300

      fed.us/r3/tonto

      Beasley Flat River Access Point

      Salt Mine Road (FR 574) south from Camp Verde 9 miles to end of pavement at FR 334

      Left, 3 miles to end of FR 334 and the RAP.

      Tonto National Forest

      40202 North Cave Creek Rd.

      Scottsdale, AZ 85262

      (480) 595-3300

      fed.us/r3/tonto

    Salt River

    • The US 60 bridge north of Globe is the main river access for the Salt

      Controlled flows from Saguaro Lake keep water in Lower Salt River for about 10 miles. Water levels need to be over 400 cfs to avoid rocks. Beginning kayakers may face challenges when the flow is over 1,000 cfs. With 50 miles fraught with Class II and Class III rapids, the Upper Salt River runs from U.S. Route 60 to State Highway 288. Numerous river access points make shorter trips feasible; riverside campgrounds provide sites to rest on long runs. Depending on flow levels, the Upper Salt River requires kayaking skill and experience.

      Lower Salt River

      9 miles northeast of Mesa at Saguaro Lake on State Highway 87

      Tonto National Forest

      5140 E. Ingram St.

      Mesa, Arizona 85205

      (480) 610-3300

      fs.fed.us/r3/tonto

      Upper Salt River

      US 60 five miles north of Globe.

      Portions of the north and east river banks are in the Fort Apache Indian Reservation, Reservation laws apply. Portions of the south and west banks are in the Salt River Canyon wilderness area, and special regulations apply.

      Tonto National Forest

      7680 S. Six Shooter

      Canyon Rd.

      Globe, Arizona 85501

      (928) 402-6200

      fs.fed.us/r3/tonto

    Upper Colorado River

    • Although rapids require experience, most of the Colorado River is placid through the Grand Canyon.

      Kayak the Grand Canyon to take your breath away. The famous Colorado River stretch through the canyon is an adventure for the most experienced paddlers. Most of the river runs are long, placid stretches for easy floats and access to side canyon, ancestral pueblos, and camping. The rapids are powerful, exciting, and require advanced skill. River access is restricted and permits are required from the park through a lottery (npspermits.us). More access permits are available in Marble Canyon between Glen Canyon Dam and the Little Colorado River in Grand Canyon National Park. This stretch offers nearly sheer cliffs and a generally easier float with Class II rapids. Permits are controlled by the Park Service.

      Grand Canyon National Park

      P.O. Box 129

      Grand Canyon, AZ 86023

      (928) 638-7888

      nps.gov/grca

    The Big Lakes

    • Water cut slot canyons provide "secret" places accessibly only by kayak.

      Kayak Lake Powell in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area (NRA) and hundreds of kayak-only campsites can be reached with a good day of paddling. The NRA allows camping anywhere along the Lake's shore. During peak flows and storage months, water access reaches deep into slot canyons just wide enough for the kayak to reach campable cul-de-sacs and alcoves. Day kayaking is easy with lake access from the marina. Putting in above Hoover Dam on Lake Mead in the Lake Mead NRA takes paddlers to eastern portions of the Grand Canyon. Backcountry permit allows camping in the NRA. Lake Powell has side canyons and ancestral Native American village sites that can be accessed from the water in addition to easy padding day trips.

      Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

      PO Box 1507

      Page, Arizona 86040

      (928) 608-6200

      nps.gov/glca

      Lake Mead National Recreation Area

      601 Nevada Way

      Boulder City, NV 89005

      Alan Bible Visitor Center

      (702) 293-8990

      Park Information Desk

      (702) 293-8906

      nps.gov/lake