This section of the Colorado River starts just below the Glen Canyon Dam and travels through the dramatic and scenic Glen Canyon to Lees Ferry. There is no put-in spot up by the dam so paddlers need to either catch a ride on a motorboat up to the dam or paddle upstream which can be challenging depending on boat type, skill level, and water levels. There are outfitters that offer the ride upstream for a fee March through October. There is also a fee to park and launch at Lees Ferry.

Paddling to Face Canyon is a multi-day trip from Wahweap Marina or best done from a houseboat anchored somewhere closer. This canyon is a remote setting with high canyon walls and lots of shade. There are several offshoot canyons to explore. Be cautious in the main channel. Wind and boat traffic can create dangerous conditions quickly.

For an easy and fun water adventure in the Las Vegas area, consider the Boulder Island kayaking route. Leaving from the Hemenway Harbor, you’ll paddle to the very nearby Big Boulder, Little Boulder, and Rock Islands and explore their ever-changing coastlines (due to rising and falling reservoir water levels). Waves on Lake Mead can be a bit bigger than on smaller water bodies, upping the difficulty of cross-lake travel, but this is still a good adventure for novices.

Forbidding Canyon is a long paddle from Wahweap Marina. It is a popular area so expect tons of boat traffic during the summer months. The trailhead to the famous Rainbow Bridge is located up this canyon and is a must see. Be cautious paddling in the main. Wind and boat traffic can create dangerous conditions quickly.

Running this section of Oak Creek provides paddlers with excellent scenery and lots of technical challenge. The rapids along this section are mainly class II-III depending on water levels. The real challenge in this segment of the river is the strainers and tree hazards that can arise which require skillful paddling to navigate. The river is more challenging when water levels are high and should only be attempted by more advanced paddlers during these times. The take-out can be on either side of the river but river right is within a state park and requires a fee whereas the left side take-out follows a dirt road to a parking area that is free.

Saguaro Lake is situated in the Sonoran Desert just 40 miles northeast of downtown Phoenix and is a popular destination for outdoor recreation. The lake offers miles of shoreline for paddling with side coves and channels that provide shelter from the wind and other boat traffic. The lake is divided into two sections that are separated by narrow waterways where boat speeds are restricted to 15 mph keeping the waters safer for small watercraft. Other activities at the lake include camping, picnicing, hiking, fishing, and swimming in designated areas.

Tempe Town Lake is one of the most popular destinations in the city as it offers abundant recreational opportunity. This urban lake is a man-made reservoir constructed to prevent flooding and provide a recreational area for the city. The boat launch area is located on the north side of the lake and offers plenty of parking. The lake prohibits motor boats and is popular for paddling, sailing, rowing, and fishing. The area around the lake offers beach and picnic areas, restaurants and shops, and hiking and biking trails.

Located just a few southeast of Prescott in the Bradshaw Mountains, this scenic lake is a great place to visit to get away from the dry desert heat of nearby Phoenix. The lake is a popular destination due to surrounding pine forest and cooler summer temperatures. The lake limits motorboats to 10 horsepower or less making the water great for paddling. The lake also offers picnic areas, hiking trails, good fishing, and camping.

Watson Lake is located in the Granite Dells just four miles outside of Prescott and offers excellent scenery and opportunity for many types of recreation. The lake is very scenic with its surrounding shores lined with granite boulders and green vegetation. There are many side coves and canyons around the lake to explore. The area offers great wildlife viewing, especially birdwatching. The lake has two boat launches, picnic sites, and hiking/biking trails.

Originating from Fossil Springs, this small creek can offer some fun and exciting paddling for those willing to take a hike to have the experience. Starting from the start of the springs requires a 3-mile downhill hike. The flow in the creek is pretty low so you can expect to get stuck and have obstacles along the way but there is a decent amount of whitewater throughout that make it worthwhile. There are some waterfalls and large drops that may require portaging depending on water levels and skill level of the paddler so be pay close attention and scout the creek as much as possible. Also watch out for lots of strainers or log jams that may be present. Boat size is an issue when running Fossil Creek so smaller boats are recommended.