A LITTLE HISTORY
About Canyon Lake, Arizona
Canyon Lake sits behind Mormon Flat Dam, built between 1923 and 1926 as one of four reservoirs on Arizona's Salt River. The lake covers more than 950 acres with about 28 miles of shoreline, lined with cacti, towering cliffs, secluded coves and classic Sonoran Desert scenery. You reach it along the historic Apache Trail (State Route 88), past the Superstition Mountains and just before the ghost town of Tortilla Flat.
Narrow waterways, tall canyon walls and protected coves make kayaking and paddleboarding on Canyon Lake a great fit for beginners, families and experienced paddlers alike. Keep an eye out for desert bighorn sheep, deer and javelina along the cliffs. Rent your kayak or paddleboard at Redline in Mesa, about 40 minutes from the lake.
Where to paddle
- –Non-motorized paddle area
- –Secluded coves
- –Towering canyon walls
- –Tonto Pass required
- –Gentle shoreline
- –Ramadas, grills and restrooms
- –Short paddle to the SR 88 bridge
- –Day use only
- –Tonto Pass required
- –Scenic waterways
- –Non-motorized, no-wake zone
- –Hidden cove
- –Paddle-in camping
- –About 3 miles from Acacia
- –Three campsites, dock and picnic tables
- –Bring water, pack out trash
PLAN YOUR TRIP
More about Canyon Lake
Kayaking and paddleboarding on Canyon Lake
Canyon Lake is one of the most popular places in the Phoenix area to kayak and stand-up paddleboard. Narrow waterways, tall canyon walls and protected coves make it a good fit for beginners, families and experienced paddlers. It’s also great for fishing, swimming, boating and camping.
Most paddlers launch at Boulder Recreation Site or Acacia Day Use Area, then explore the coves toward LaBarge and Tortilla Creek, where there’s less boat traffic.
How to get to Canyon Lake from Mesa
Pick up your rental at Redline, 6343 E Main St in Mesa, then head east toward Apache Junction. State Route 88, the historic Apache Trail, winds past the Superstition Mountains and reaches Canyon Lake just before the old ghost town of Tortilla Flat. The drive takes about 40 minutes.
First Water Cove
A shorter paddle from Acacia Day Use Area, with rocky shoreline and quieter water. A good first trip if you’re new to the lake.
Camping at Canyon Lake
Beer Can Point is about three miles through the main canyon from Acacia and reachable only by water. It has three campsites, a courtesy dock, picnic tables and a composting toilet. Bring your own drinking water and pack out your trash.
Canyon Lake Marina and Campground has paid tent and RV sites near the shore, with access to the marina, general store and nearby launch areas.
Wildlife on Canyon Lake
Watch for desert bighorn sheep, deer, javelina and native birds along the cliffs. Sightings are never guaranteed, but keep your eyes open.
Renting a kayak or paddleboard for Canyon Lake
Every rental from Redline includes paddles, life jackets, foam roof blocks and tie-down straps, and we help you load up. No roof rack needed. Rent 2 days and the 3rd day is free, perfect for a camping trip. See rental rates or read our rental FAQs.
Good to know
RENT FOR THE LAKE
Paddleboards $35 · Kayaks $40
Per day. Rent 2 days, get the 3rd free. Pick up in Mesa and you're on Canyon Lake in 40 minutes.
SALES
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