Best Places to Paddle Board in Arizona - Where to Paddle

Arizona is known for its deserts, which might make you think that the place is not for stand up paddleboaridng. But that’s not true at all. In actuality, Arizona is also home to some beautiful lakes, which are all wonderful SUP spots. With the combination of lakes and deserts, you are guaranteed to find some exotic SUP spots in Arizona.

1. Lake Havasu

Lake Havasu is a great place for spring break as well as a winter getaway. With that being said, you will also find Lake Havasu to be wonderful for stand up paddle boarding. The sunshine and the beautiful weather are just there to provide you with a wonderful day on the water. But you probably won’t be able to enjoy the moments of solitude you expect as boats will frequently appear around you. But the inlets are great for a peaceful session of SUP. You can paddle well into the night and see what the nightlife near the London Bridge is like.

SUP Rentals Nearby:

Beach Shack Rentals

Website: https://www.beachshackrentalslhc.com/

Address: 1340 McCulloch Blvd, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403, United States

Hours: 

Thursday 8AM–8PM

Friday 8AM–8PM

Saturday 8AM–8PM

Sunday 8AM–8PM

Monday 8AM–8PM

Tuesday 8AM–8PM

Wednesday 8AM–8PM

Phone: +19288467273

2. Bartlett Lake

Inside the Tonto National Forest lies Bartlett Lake. It takes only less than one hour to drive there from Tempe but what you’ll find is one of the best spots you can find for stand up paddle boarding in Arizona. The surrounding mountain is covered with pine and with the beautiful desert around the lake, it forms a breathtaking backdrop for your SUP journey. If you want to try fishing on your SUP, head over to the eastern shore where you will be able to easily find largemouth and smallmouth bass in the coves. If you forget to bring your fishing gear but in the mood for some fishing, go find the Bartlett Lake Marine and you should be able to find what you need.

SUP Rentals Nearby:

Go Stand Up Paddle

Website: http://gostanduppaddle.com/

Address: Tonto National Forest, 20808 Bartlett Dam Rd, Rio Verde, AZ 85263, United States

Hour: 

Thursday 9AM–6PM

Friday 9AM–6PM

Saturday 9AM–6PM

Sunday 9AM–6PM

Monday 9AM–6PM

Tuesday 9AM–6PM

Wednesday 9AM–6PM

Phone: +16029200999

3. Verde River

Verde River is a hot spot for water sports. So you can pretty much expect seeing kayaks, paddleboards, and rafts while you set off on your SUP trip on the river. The ideal place to launch your SUP board would be near the Tuzigoot Bridge. And then you can cruise down the river and head to Haydon Lane. Be prepared to have a long trip because this is going to take about 3.5 to 5 hours.

4. Lake Pleasant

Located near the Sonoran desert, it’s a beautiful desert oasis with scenic views. It’s also a great place for outdoor activities like camping, fishing, and of course, paddle boarding. The lake is big and calm and makes for a wonderful place for SUP rookies to start their very first paddle boarding session.

SUP Rentals Nearby:

Go Paddle AZ

Website: http://www.gopaddleaz.com/

Address: Pleasant Harbor Marina, 8708 W Harbor Blvd, Peoria, AZ 85383, United States

Hour: 

Thursday Closed

Friday Closed

Saturday 10AM–5PM

Sunday 10AM–5PM

Monday Closed

Tuesday Closed

Wednesday Closed

Phone: +16029040519

5. Lake Powell

If you can only go to one place in Arizona, go to Lake Powell. Admittedly one of the most beautiful lakes in the States, only second to Lake Tahoe, Lake Powell is the ultimate stand up paddle boarding spot in Arizona. When paddling on Lake Powell, you will have the stunning views of sandstone rock structures unfold in front of your eyes. And when continuing on your trip, you will see the Horseshoe Bend and beautiful canyons and isolated tributaries. Other than those, pay attention to what’s under your feet. The deep blue waters are stunning to paddle on.

SUP rentals near Lake Powell

Lake Powell Paddleboards and Kayaks

Website: https://lakepowellpaddleboards.com/

Address: 836 Vista Ave Page, AZ 86040

Services Available: Paddleboarding, Rafting/Kayaking, Souvenir Shops

Hours: 

Mon 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Tue 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Wed 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Thu 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Fri 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Sat 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Sun 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Phone: (928) 645-4017

Getting out there on the water on a stand up paddleboard is one of the most popular recreational outdoor activities now. Not only would you be able to relax and enjoy a wonderful day on the water, but you can also get a great workout through this. Arizona offers several of the most beautiful SUP spots in the country and no matter if you are a real SUP enthusiast or a beginner, you shouldn't miss them.