Kayaking? In the desert? You wouldn’t think that Arizona paddlers would have many options. Within a couple hours of Phoenix, however, kayakers and canoeists have several attractive choices. Float at the base of 800 foot cliffs? Check. Paddle some entry-level whitewater? Check. Drift past giant saguaros, desert bighorns, wild burros, and wild horses? Check. You just need to know where to kayak in Arizona. Here are five of the best day trips from Phoenix for recreational paddlers.

Canyon Lake

Canyon Lake is my favorite flat-water paddling in Arizona. The reservoir offers miles of picturesque paddling through narrow coves and the Salt River canyon. Most paddlers launch from the beach and head east to explore a series of coves in relatively protected water.

For a longer paddle, kayakers can also venture into the main canyon itself. Scan the cliffs for desert bighorn sheep, especially as you make the turn into the canyon across from the beach. You’ll be paddling at the base of 800-foot cliffs. Make sure to slip into narrow coves off the main lake for quieter paddling or a quick swim. Most paddlers stop at The Point campground–it’s a good rest/lunch stop and turn-around point.

Tip: Canyon Lake is popular with power boaters. So hit the water at sunrise, and finish in the morning to avoid the boat traffic and rougher water. (This also increases your odds at animal spotting.)

Location: Canyon Lake is 50 miles east of downtown Phoenix on Highway 88 (Apache Trail) before Apache Junction.

2. Lake Pleasant

Central Arizona is home to several large reservoirs. Of these, Lake Pleasant gets my vote as the best one to canoe and kayak. Most paddlers launch near the Castle Creek Boat Ramp (aka 4 Lane Boat Ramp). Focus your day trips on the creeks, coves, and bays in the northern reaches of the lake. Savor the view of the Bradshaw mountains, and keep your eyes open for wild burros along the lakeshore. Enjoy the water, but watch out for powerboats. You’ll be fighting plenty of waves and boats on the valley’s most popular lake.

Tip: Lake Pleasant Rangers sometimes host guided paddles through the “Pleasant Paddlers Program.” Check the Maricopa Parks website for Pleasant Paddler events, especially the sunset and full moon paddles (summer). The park also hosts an annual paddlefest where paddlers can try out boats and SUPs and enjoy special paddle events.

Location: Lake Pleasant is 45 minutes northwest of downtown Phoenix. Take Castle Hot Spring Rd N and turn right onto Castle Creek Dr. to reach the boat launch area (park entrance fee required).

3. Mogollon Rim Lakes

When Mother Nature turns up the thermostat in the Valley of the Sun, Phoenix-area paddlers escape to the Mogollon Rim Lakes, especially Blue Ridge Reservoir, Knoll Lake, and Woods Canyon Lake. It’s easy paddling on the Mogollon Rim lakes. You’re not here for the water, really, but for the mild temperatures and Ponderosa pines. The temperature is considerably cooler on the Rim, and cactus give way to pine trees at this high elevation (7500 ft). These lakes wouldn’t be anything special if they were in the Rocky Mountains, Northwoods, or New England. If you’ve been broiling in the Arizona summer, however, there’s something special about driving two hours to paddle in the pines. Blue Ridge, Knoll Lake, and Woods Canyon can get overrun on summer weekends, but they offer scenic escapes from Phoenix’s summer blast furnace.

Location: Two hours NE of Phoenix, east of Payson.

4. Watson Lake

You may feel as if you’re paddling on another planet at Watson Lake. This little reservoir is nestled in Prescott’s granite dells–a field of Precambrian granite. Erosion has weathered these ancient rocks into alien shapes over the last 1.4 billion years, leaving behind a maze of boulders and hoodoos that’s fun to paddle. Watson Lake may be small, but it’s very photogenic. So pack your camera. Take your time. And savor a few miles of easy-but-scenic paddling that makes for a good day trip from Phoenix.

Tip: For the best pictures and most privacy, paddle early or late in the day.

Location: Watson Lake is 100 miles north of Phoenix outside of Prescott.

5. Lower Salt River

The Salt River is best known as as summer party river for intoxicated tubers. But if you get there early in the morning, it’s a great river for recreational paddlers. The Salt River offers scenic views of the Usery Mountains and desert wildlife. Wild horses are the highlight here. It’s not unusual to pass dozens of them at the edge of the water, especially in the early morning. You’ll also see raptors and might occasionally spot coyotes and desert big horns from the bow of your boat.

Most paddle trips start from Water Users Access on the Bush Highway and take out at Phon D Sutton Recreation Area. (A daily Tonto Pass and shuttle are required.) The Lower Salt River isn’t whitewater, but whitewater kayakers may enjoy a few surfable waves here; beginners will find the Class I/II rapids difficult–and may take an accidental swim. But this definitely where to go for the best kayaking in the Phoenix metro area.

Tips: Most years, the Salt river is runable from approximately April to October. More advanced paddlers may opt for the Verde River, depending on the flow.

Location: The Lower Salt River is located a few miles east of Scottsdale/ Fountain Hills and north of Mesa. Water Users boat launch is about 45 minutes east of downtown Phoenix on the Bush highway.