HikeArizona.COM

I'm looking to do some canoeing, either day trips from a base camp or something down a river. Does anyone know any good spots in AZ? Thanks.

The Verde River. I don't know specifics, but there is a book available that describes details. I've been entertaining the thought of doing this sometime. Just have to get that canoe first.

Matt Hoffman wrote:The Verde River. I don't know specifics, but there is a book available that describes details. I've been entertaining the thought of doing this sometime. Just have to get that canoe first.

I watched several sport type kayaks cruise down the VERDE from where the 260 bridge crosses. I was thinking of getting a canoe myself!
looks like a danged good time. (not to mention getting to all those prime "honey holes" along the river.) Ive seen killer deals on canoeing gear at http://www.sierratradingpost.com

The Colorado River, up from Lee's Ferry is awful nice and pretty smooth too. Nice trout fishing, and beautiful canyon scenery. You'd either need to paddle upstream or get someone to tow you up towards the dam, though.

To build on this post- do you have register small craft like canoes and kayaks?

I'm thinking of buying a kayak and was wondering if anyone knew of any special rules or regs pertaining to kayaks.

Thanks!
Mike

AZHikr4444 wrote:To build on this post- do you have register small craft like canoes and kayaks?

I remembered that we had a prior discussion of this so I did a search and found this prior post where this topic had some discussion
http://hikearizona.com/dex2/viewtopic.p ... anoe#20221

Thanks Al! That was spot on...

Mike

I do a lot of flat-water kayaking, so my favorite places should also work for canoeing. I have rigged up an Ocean Kayak Prowler to hold my two dogs and enjoy day and overnight trips with them. AZ may be a desert, but there is also plenty of water to enjoy!!

My favorite local (I'm in Phx) place is Canyon Lake where you paddle up the Salt River from the lake marina thru a gorgeous canyon.
http://www.fototime.com/inv/89AD1C2257E58BD

The other Salt River reservoirs also make for good paddling. We've even set up shuttles to paddle the lower Salt by moonlight which was quite the hoot!! The mini-rapids on that part of the Salt are probably about as much as I can handle with my "dynamic" load of 2 dogs.

The other amazing AZ trip that I've done is Black Canyon, which is the 12 or so miles on the Colorado below Hooever Dam. Awesome trip!!
http://www.fototime.com/inv/CFD629F07533A13

Paddling is like hiking where the trail is the water, the workout is amazing (especially if you have wind), and the scenery is awesome. If anyone is tempted by this alternative sport, you can do what I did and rent a kayak at the Canyon Lake marina to give it a try. I was immediately hooked. Luckily, REI had their paddle demo day shortly afterwards. I highly recommend trying many boats before buying.

well its been a while but I finally got a kayak. A touring model 14' solo and I did all the research before I bought one so I think I made the right choice.
would like to find Kayaking partners to show me the ropes! Any of you guys plan on making a lake paddle trip anytime soon? I cant wait to try it out.
now, off to shop for paddles....

It's still a little cold to go out on the water (unless you can promise yourself you won't dump it...). I've picked up a couple kayaks over the last year and would love to go out sometime. My boats are a little shorter than yours (12 and 9 feet) but they still perform admirably on flatwater. I'm thinking of setting up an overnighter on apache lake (when it's refilled to it's normal level). George and I once went out looking for skull cave (AKA browns cave) on the north side of the lake, I'd like to go spend a night in the cove and search for that cave some more.

Just got back from yakin Black Canyon and it is the sweetest trip ever. Other than it being popular and no seclusion it was the best. PM for the juicy details.

We took a canoe trip from Bullhead City to Lake Havasu.We dropped a truck off at Havasu to have a ride back.We had a blast.I think it was summer before last.There were 5 of us in three canoes.The first night we stayed in Needles at a camp site right on the water so we could drag are canoes up on shore.We payed a small fee and set up tents.The had clean bathrooms and showers.Next day we just camped along the river.There was a wildlife refuge or something we went through.Nice views.When you go under I-40 bridge take a break and go off the rope swing.Fun fun!.Next day go to Havasu marina and get a ride back to truck.Great Trip!