A LITTLE HISTORY
About Saguaro Lake, Arizona
Saguaro Lake was created by Stewart Mountain Dam, built between 1928 and 1930 as the last reservoir constructed on Arizona's Salt River. Surrounded by tall canyon walls and saguaro cacti in the Sonoran Desert, the lake has more than 22 miles of shoreline for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, fishing, swimming and boating.
Paddle rocky shorelines and desert cliffs, relax in quiet coves, launch from Butcher Jones Recreation Area or camp by boat at Bagley Flat. Rent kayaks and paddleboards at Redline in Mesa, about 20 minutes from Saguaro Lake.
Where to paddle
- –The go-to launch for paddlers
- –Beach, picnic spots and swimming
- –Easy kayak and paddleboard launch
- –Great out-and-back sunset paddle
- –Boat-in camping
- –Reachable only by water
- –Cactus-lined shoreline
- –Rocky shores and desert cliffs
- –Quiet coves all along the lake
PLAN YOUR TRIP
More about Saguaro Lake
Kayaking and paddleboarding on Saguaro Lake
Saguaro Lake has more than 22 miles of shoreline surrounded by tall canyon walls and saguaro cactus. It’s popular for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, sailing, swimming, fishing and jet skiing.
Paddle the rocky shorelines and desert cliffs, relax in the quiet coves, or camp by boat at Bagley Flat.
Butcher Jones Recreation Area
A favorite for picnicking, swimming, kayaking and paddleboarding, with an easy launch and a great out-and-back paddle at sunset.
How to get to Saguaro Lake from Mesa
Pick up your rental at Redline, 6343 E Main St in Mesa. Saguaro Lake is about 20 minutes away.
Tonto Pass for Saguaro Lake
You’ll need a Tonto Pass to park. We sell them at the shop, so you can grab one when you pick up your rental.
Renting a kayak or paddleboard for Saguaro Lake
We rent single kayaks, tandem kayaks, fishing kayaks and paddleboards. We secure them on your roof rack or a padded roof setup with tie-down straps and show you how to load them.
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. 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 Saguaro Lake in 20 minutes.
SALES
Looking to buy a paddleboard for Saguaro Lake?
100's of boards to choose from. Many shapes, sizes and prices. FREE seat with every purchase.
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