When you picture Arizona, scorching deserts, giant cacti, and endless stretches of red rocks probably come to mind, but there’s much more to explore!
In fact, the Grand Canyon State is also home to some seriously amazing lakes, where you can kayak through narrow canyons and cruise past towering cliffs.
Some lakes are surrounded by massive granite boulders, while others offer sandy beaches, hidden coves, and scenic boat rides you won’t want to miss.
Whether you’re planning a fun weekend getaway or looking for the perfect swimming spot, these eight incredible Arizona lakes deserve a spot on your bucket list!
1. Lake Powell
Lake Powell stretches across Arizona and Utah, featuring nearly 2,000 miles of shoreline surrounded by towering red sandstone cliffs and beautiful blue waters.
Created by Glen Canyon Dam on the Colorado River, this massive reservoir spans 186 miles and is famous for houseboating, kayaking, fishing, swimming, and wading.
You can also cruise past the scenic walls of Antelope Canyon, go waterskiing or tubing at Gunsight Canyon, or admire the colorful rock formations of Navajo Canyon.
For something more adventurous, take a boat trip to Rainbow Bridge National Monument, home to a stunning 290-foot-tall natural bridge.
2. Watson Lake
Another gorgeous spot worth visiting is Watson Lake in Prescott, where rounded granite boulders surround a 70-acre reservoir just 10 minutes from downtown.
Located within the Granite Dells, the lake has winding waterways and hidden coves that make kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding especially enjoyable.
If you prefer hiking, tackle the 5-mile Watson Lake Loop Trail, which winds through rocky terrain and offers fantastic water views, especially around sunrise and sunset.
You can also fish for largemouth bass, catfish, and crappie, camp at Watson Lake Park, or relax and enjoy the memorable views that makes this place so special.
3. Canyon Lake
If you love mountain views, head to Canyon Lake in Arizona’s Tonto National Forest, where 950 acres of blue water meet rugged cliffs and exciting outdoor adventures.
Formed by Mormon Flat Dam along the Salt River, it offers nearly 30 miles of shoreline, with plenty of space for boating, fishing, waterskiing, kayaking, and swimming.
The coolest experience here, though, is riding the Dolly Steamboat, where you can choose between wildlife sightseeing, relaxing dinner cruises, and astronomy tours.
With its laid-back atmosphere and beautiful surroundings, it’s the kind of place where you can spend hours without getting bored, so take your time and soak it all in.
(At the time of writing, Canyon Lake is temporarily closed for safety inspections and maintenance, so check online for reopening updates before planning your visit.)
4. Lake Havasu
Up next is Lake Havasu on the Arizona-California border, a popular spot known for its sparkling blue waters and stunning views of the famous London Bridge.
This 19,300-acre reservoir has something for everyone, from relaxing on the sunny beaches of Lake Havasu State Park to enjoying speedboat rides, jet skiing, and fishing.
Don’t miss walking across London Bridge, which was originally built in 1831 in England, before its original stones were brought to Arizona and used to rebuild it in 1971.
For something more laid-back, follow the easy 1.9-mile Mohave Sunset Trail to a lighthouse, with scenic views of the Colorado River along the way.
5. C.C. Cragin Reservoir
Trade Lake Havasu’s busy beaches for the peaceful forests of C.C. Cragin Reservoir, a hidden gem along the Mogollon Rim, just 70 minutes from Payson.
Also called Blue Ridge Reservoir, this narrow, winding lake sits about 6,700 feet high in Coconino National Forest, making it a great place to escape the summer heat.
Kayaking and canoeing are the best ways to explore, as you paddle past tall ponderosa pines, rocky shores, and small coves where you might see bald eagles.
You can also fish for trout, explore nearby forest trails, or bring your camera to capture some amazing photos along the way.
6. Lake Mohave
For a taste of Arizona’s rugged desert beauty, Lake Mohave spans 67 miles along the Colorado River between Hoover Dam and Davis Dam on the Arizona-Nevada border.
Part of Lake Mead National Recreation Area, this 28,260-acre reservoir features crystal-clear waters, dramatic Black Canyon cliffs, and lovely sandy beaches.
Rent a kayak, paddleboat, or jet ski at Katherine Landing to explore secluded coves, or spend your day swimming and fishing for striped bass and rainbow trout.
If you’d rather stay on land, hike the challenging 5-mile out-and-back Arizona Hot Springs Trail through a rocky desert canyon to reach natural hot springs.
7. Saguaro Lake
Next up is Saguaro Lake, about 50 minutes from Phoenix, where towering saguaro cacti dot the desert hills and create a beautiful backdrop for the blue water.
Formed by Stewart Mountain Dam on the Salt River, this 1,264-acre lake offers 22 miles of shoreline and plenty of space for boating, kayaking, fishing, and swimming.
One of the best ways to explore is aboard the Desert Belle, a double-decker boat that takes you on narrated cruises where you can learn about the area’s history, geology, and wildlife.
If you’d rather enjoy the scenery at your own pace, rent a boat at Saguaro Lake Marina, relax at Butcher Jones Beach, or hike the 5.9-mile Butcher Jones Trail for fresh air.
8. Apache Lake
If you’re looking to escape the crowds, Apache Lake is a great choice, with 17 miles of scenic water winding through the rugged canyons of Tonto National Forest.
It was created by Horse Mesa Dam and spans 2,568 acres, featuring beautiful desert mountains and plenty of space for kayaking, swimming, and fishing.
You can catch largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, rainbow trout, and channel catfish, with different fishing spots to explore along the shoreline and in deeper waters.
To make the most of your visit, stay overnight at Apache Lake Marina & Resort, where you can choose from campsites, RV sites, and comfortable hotel rooms.
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