Kayaking and Paddleboarding at Canyon Lake, Arizona

Created by the construction of Mormon Flat Dam in the mid-1920s, Canyon Lake is a beautiful 950-acre reservoir surrounded by the dramatic cliffs and desert scenery of Tonto National Forest. It is one of four reservoirs formed along Arizona’s Salt River. Apache Lake and Roosevelt Lake are located upstream, while Saguaro Lake is downstream.

Canyon Lake is located approximately 15 miles along the Apache Trail from Apache Junction and about 51 miles east of Phoenix. This popular Arizona recreation destination offers kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, boating, fishing, hiking, camping, swimming, secluded coves and miles of shoreline to explore. The scenic drive along State Route 88 passes through the Superstition Mountain area and Tortilla Flat before reaching Canyon Lake.

Rent a Kayak or Paddleboard from Redline

Redline Rentals & Sales makes it easy to enjoy a day of kayaking or paddleboarding at Canyon Lake. Located in northeast Mesa, Redline is approximately 30 minutes from the lake, making it a convenient place to pick up your equipment before heading out on the Apache Trail.

Transporting your rental is simple, even without a permanent roof rack. Redline includes paddles, life jackets, removable roof racks and tie-down straps with rentals. The Redline team will help show you how to properly load and secure your kayak or paddleboard to your vehicle, so you can confidently transport it from the shop to Canyon Lake.

Choose from single kayaks, tandem kayaks, fishing kayaks and stand-up paddleboards for your Canyon Lake adventure. Once you arrive, you can spend the day paddling beneath towering canyon walls, exploring peaceful coves, relaxing along the shoreline or watching for wildlife such as desert bighorn sheep and native birds. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but the quiet eastern sections of Canyon Lake provide beautiful scenery and opportunities to experience Arizona’s natural landscape from the water.

Reserve your Canyon Lake kayak rental or paddleboard rental with Redline Rentals & Sales in Mesa, Arizona, and let the Redline team help you get equipped, loaded and ready for an unforgettable day on the lake.