Coach Kirkham: Kayaking Spots

Kayaking near Mesa, Arizona

***Please wear an approved life vest for all types of water sports.***

1) Canyon Lake

Canyon Lake is a 950 acre lake on the Salt River located about 45 minutes from ALA Mesa. . We have visited the lake several times since March of 2021. We like to launch from the Acacia Recreation Site just past the one lane bridge. We then kayak up the canyon under the bridge. We love it!

How to Get There

Canyon Lake is located on 88 North, off the 60 freeway in Apache Junction

Acacia Recreation Site
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Rugwv6CfnYdsprHT6

2) Salt River

We love to hike, fish and float on the Salt River. The place we launch is just below the Saguaro Dam. This is a fun spot to fish, take family photos, see the wild horses, and go for a hike up the canyon. Here are a few photos from June of 2020.

How to Get There

There are lots of areas to start and finish along the river. Here are a few of our favorites from the top to the bottom. We usually leave a vehicle at the place we plan to exit the water, then travel to the top in another vehicle. You will need a Tonto Pass or National Parks Pass in each vehicle. The larger recreation sites have pay stations to purchase a day pass.

1) Water Users Recreation Site: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Y7HV6K4huidSYgRk6

This area is located just below the Saguaro Lake Dam. A great place to fish, play in the water, and start your kayak adventure. The parking lots fill up on a hot summer Saturday, so arrive early.

2) Pebble Beach Recreation Area: https://maps.app.goo.gl/LdZvKvqCbGb6dMa7A

Pebble Beach has lots of sandy areas to hang out and play in the water. You can also launch or get out of the water here quite easily. Blue Point Recreation area is just across the road and equally nice. That parking lot may not be open year round, as Pebble Beach is.

3) Coon Bluff Recreation Area https://maps.app.goo.gl/UWH8MhtQ2i98WTR87

I have not tried to enter or exit the water here, so I'm looking forward to hearing someone else's report.

4) Phon D. Sutton Recreation Area https://maps.google.com/?cid=16708076006575388676&entry=gps

The stretch of the river between Coon Bluff and Phon D. Sutton is probably my favorite. It is simply beautiful. Phon D is a busy place, but there are plenty of tables up by the parking area to use for staging.

5) Granite Reef Recreational Area https://maps.app.goo.gl/BPoXTVRU1Ts4hSpPA

I have not been to this part of the river. I'd love to hear what you think if you visit.

3) Saguaro Lake

How to Get There

Saguaro Del Norte Recreation Site
https://maps.app.goo.gl/DTQn9w6WCbVDpRx79

Don't have kayaks? We love our inflatable kayaks. They are inexpensive, easy to store, and they go from the bag to the water in less than 20 minutes. Our five kayaks and our bag of life vests only take up two shelves on our garage shelves.

Here are some links to our favorite double kayak, and single kayak.

Daniel Kirkham, Broker, Realtor, MBA (949) 230-3201

Serving California: Daniel Kirkham, Broker. Broker License No: 01899546

Serving Arizona: Realty One Group. Broker License No: BR681963000