As we enter the hottest part of the summer, water recreation is the Number One way to get outdoors without feeling scorched. Here are a few nearby places where you can stay cool while having fun.
Saguaro Lake
Only 20 minutes east of Fountain Hills, Saguaro Lake features a full-service marina, boat rentals, and restaurant. The Desert Belle is a resort cruise boat hosting guests on a 90-minute tour of the lake. Be sure to visit the Gift Shop before or after your tour. Butcher Jones Recreational Site on the north side of the lake features a beach and a lake view hiking trail.
Bartlett Lake
Fed by the waters of the Verde River, Bartlett Lake features shore camping, a full-service marina with boat rentals, and hiking trails. You can grab a meal at The Last Stop Bar & Grill located by the marina.
Woods Canyon Lake
Get up into the cool pines above Payson on the Mogollon Rim just 90 minutes away. The Lake Store & Marina offers rentals of boats, kayaks, and paddleboards. They also sell fishing supplies and licenses so you can enjoy trout fishing. Have a picnic and meander along the shoreline trail.
Salt River
The Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch is situated at the bottom of Saguaro Lake’s Stewart Dam along the Salt River. This historic ranch is one of the most scenic guest ranches in the southwest. Spend a night in one of their rustic cabins, attend a cowboy dinner, or rent a kayak with full-service pickup at the end of your trip. Or rent a tube with Salt River Tubing to float down the river for a 2-5 hour trip.
Tempe Town Lake
Tempe Town Lake is a desert oasis in the middle of the Phoenix metro area. This lake’s water is supplied by the Colorado and Salt Rivers. Visitors can rent small boats, kayaks, and paddleboards. Other activities include fishing, biking, jogging, and picnicking.
Mcdowell Mountain Ranch Park & Aquatic Center
This public facility offers a lap pool, high dives, a large tube water slide, lazy river, zero-depth entry play pool, and a spray pad. You can get a family pass for frequent visits.
Great Wolf Lodge
Enjoy indoor water fun at the new Great Wolf Lodge. Featuring a 4-story tandem tube ride, splash-loaded treehouse, wave pool, several multi-rider tube rides, lazy river, and much more.
