Lake Pleasant Paddle Boarding: 4 Best Spots and Tips
Imagine a location where the desert meets a shimmering 10,000-acre lake, just 19 miles from Peoria, within the Phoenix metro region. One such natural lovers' paradise is Lake Pleasant Regional Park. With more than 23,000 acres of breathtaking desert landscape, this place is ideal for hiking, camping, and mountain riding. A must-see at the park is the visitors center, which has interesting information about the history of the Waddell Dam and the lake.
If you like being in the water, Lake Pleasant is a treasure trove. With endless options like boating, jet skiing, water skiing, sailing, and fishing, there's something for everyone. For a more leisurely and tranquil experience, paddle boarding is perfect for the calm, wide waterways.
Ready to dive into Lake Pleasant paddle boarding? You'll be guided to the greatest locations and given advice on how to maximize your journey by this guide. Okay, let's get going!
DISCLAIMER: Before traveling to a paddle location, ensure that the location still allows for paddle boarding and make yourself aware of any rules and regulations in place.
Why Should You Paddle Board at Lake Pleasant?
Lake Pleasant is an absolute gem because of its 10,000 acres and breathtaking scenery. It welcomes thousands of visitors each and offers something for everyone, whether they're seeking for adventure or relaxation. With the extra pleasure of skimming across quiet waters, Lake Pleasant paddle boarding is a terrific way to connect with nature. Also, you can amuse yourself with activities outside paddle boarding.
Watch the Sunrise and Sunset
Experience something genuinely enchanting by watching the dawn or sunset at Lake Pleasant. The stunning backdrop and vibrant colors reflecting off the lake creates a peaceful paddle at the start or finish of the day. It is well worth waking up early or staying out late to witness the beautiful sights.
Stargazing and Camping
Enjoy an unforgettable night of pleasure by spending it outside under the stars. Set up a tent or leave your RV in one of the park's campgrounds and take in the pure Arizona skies. The tranquility of Lake Pleasant makes stargazing a perfect way to take in the beauty of the night sky.
Hiking and Exploring
Lake Pleasant offers almost four miles of top-notch trails, making it an ideal destination for families with young children. This hike will provide you with excellent workout and stunning views of the nearby mountains and lake. Drink lots of water, wear suitable clothing, and apply sunscreen. Hiking is an excellent way to experience the area's natural grandeur.
Boating and Kayaking
Boating and kayaking are two other fantastic activities on the water that you can enjoy beside Lake Pleasant paddle boarding. Take a kayak or boat rental and go at your own speed. At Pleasant Harbor Marina and Scorpion Bay Marina, you can rent boats to go sailing, swimming, fishing, and participating in water activities. This is a great chance to view the lake from a different perspective.
Fishing
Keep an eye out for the fishing events hosted by various clubs at Lake Pleasant each year. These tournaments are a fantastic way for your kids to have fun and learn about the amazing fish that live in the lake. Just remember, you’ll need a fishing license to participate in Arizona.
Source: Freepik
Paddle boarding in Lake Pleasant is, therefore, the best option if you're searching for a combination of excitement and leisure. Ready to explore some top spots for Lake Pleasant paddle boarding?
Best 4 Spots for Paddle Boarding at Lake Pleasant
With these spots, you can look forward to an amazing paddle boarding Lake Pleasant experience.
1. Pleasant Harbor Marina
The shortest way to go from Phoenix to Lake Pleasant, which is 45 minutes away by car, is via Pleasant Harbor Marina. This marina offers a range of lakeside activities and is available year-round, around-the-clock. It is located near 87th Avenue and Carefree Highway.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Wakeboarding, paddle boarding, boat rentals, and water ski shows—Pleasant Harbor has it all. The largest floating waterslide in the world, H2Whoa!, and The Phoenix, a 150-person boat excursion that provides dinner and sunset cruises, are also available.
Stop at Dillon's Bayou, a lakefront restaurant that serves lunch and dinner, after a tiring day of activity. Pleasant Harbor RV Resort provides 254 full-hookups and endless dry camping sites with breathtaking views of Lake Pleasant for those who wish to extend their stay.
- Distance from Phoenix: 45 minutes drive
- Water Type: Freshwater lake
- Skills: Beginner to advanced
- Launch Point: Pleasant Harbor Marina
- Amenities: Parking, restrooms, showers, boat rentals, RV and camping sites, dining options
- Tips: Book your camping spot in advance and enjoy a meal at Dillon’s Bayou after a fun-filled day on the lake.
2. Scorpion Bay Marina
Paddlers will find Scorpion Bay Marina, nestled on the western edge of Lake Pleasant, to be a great location. With docks, a full restaurant, a floating obstacle course called Paqua Park, and even floating cabins for overnight stays, this marina has the feel of a floating city. It is a safe and solid location for all of your aquatic adventures because it is firmly moored by an underwater system.
Source: Flickr
Scorpion Bay Marina provides an accessible escape with calm waters ideal for novice and expert paddlers, only 45 minutes from downtown Phoenix. After your paddle, take a seat at Scorpion Bay Grill, rent a kayak or pontoon, or go hiking and wildlife watching in the local region. The marina offers easy parking, and a free electric tram will whisk you and your gear from the parking lot to the dock in minutes.
- Distance from Phoenix: 45 minutes drive
- Water Type: Freshwater lake
- Skills: Beginner to advanced
- Launch Point: Scorpion Bay Marina
- Amenities: Parking, restrooms, showers, boat rentals, restaurant, floating cabins
- Tips: Paddle in the morning for the calmest waters, and treat yourself to a meal at Scorpion Bay Grill afterward!
3. Castle Creek Boat Ramp
Launch at Castle Creek Boat Ramp via Castle Hot Springs Road and head north up the shoreline into the Castle Creek arm of the lake. One and a half miles of paddling brings you to the mouth of French Creek, a perfect spot to rest or explore before heading back. This remote stretch offers a sense of seclusion rarely found near the more popular areas of Lake Pleasant.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
- Distance from Phoenix: 45 minutes drive
- Water Type: Freshwater lake
- Skills: Beginner to intermediate
- Launch Point: Castle Creek Boat Ramp
- Amenities: Parking, restrooms
- Tips: Start your paddle early in the morning to enjoy calm waters and avoid the afternoon rush. Pack a picnic and take a break at French Creek for a delightful mid-paddle rest. Always check weather conditions before heading out, as the area can experience sudden changes.
4. Desert Tortoise Road Launch Area
Desert Tortoise Road Launch Area is an excellent spot for Lake Pleasant paddle boarding. This location features a road that leads directly into the water, giving it a unique charm as you can see the painted road lines submerged during certain times of the year. It's a straightforward entry point perfect for beginners, offering calm waters and easy access to the lake.
Source: Freepik
- Distance from Phoenix: 45 minutes drive
- Water Type: Freshwater lake
- Skills: Beginner
- Launch Point: Desert Tortoise Road Launch Area
- Amenities: Parking, restrooms
- Tips: Start your paddle early in the morning to enjoy the calm waters and avoid boat wakes. Explore the nearby small islands for a scenic adventure, and remember to bring all necessary gear as this spot can get busy, especially during peak times.
What's the Best Time of The Year to Go Paddle Board in Lake Pleasant?
Lake Pleasant's weather can be quite the roller coaster! Winters bring the chill with cold, snowy, and largely cloudy days, while summers are pleasant, rainy, and partially cloudy. Expect temperatures to fluctuate between 8°F and 75°F, with uncommon dips below -11°F and ascents over 82°F.
The best time to do paddle boarding is from late June to late August, with mid-July being the peak. The ideal paddle boarding temperature range is between 65°F and 80°F during this period of clear, rainless weather. The ideal months to spend warm weather outside are early July and early August, with mid-July offering the best weather with temperatures between 75°F and 90°F.
Try to get out on the water early in the morning or late in the afternoon to enjoy the greatest paddle boarding conditions at Lake Pleasant and avoid the midday heat. To avoid any unexpected events, check the weather prediction every time. Remember to wear a cool hat to protect yourself from the sun, apply plenty of sunscreen, and carry lots of water to stay hydrated. Make some incredible memories and have a blast by the lake!
What is Lake Pleasant’s entry fee?
Are you going to Lake Pleasant? Here's all you should know about the entrance fees:
- Park entry costs $7 per car, but if you visit often, you might want to consider purchasing an annual pass for $85.
- Entry fee for hike/bike: $2 per person; annual passes available for $30. This is a great offer if you like being outside.
- Camping fees: These could be anything from $15 to $40 per night, depending on the area. Note that there can be a non-refundable $7 reservation fee.
Annual passes are a great deal because they grant admission to all Maricopa County Parks. Have fun while you're in Lake Pleasant!
Best Rental Places for Lake Pleasant Paddle Boarding
Don’t have your own paddle boards? Here are some great options to consider for lake pleasant paddle board rentals.
Go Paddle AZ
Go Paddle AZ offers highly qualified stand-up paddle board, which are perfect for both beginners and pros. To make sure everyone is comfortable, they provide a free 5-minute lesson to those who have never been on the water before. Your entire paddle boarding experience will be enhanced by the helpful and friendly staff.
Rental Prices:
- 1 Hour: $25
- Each Additional Hour: $15
These SUPs are incredibly stable and great for exercise and recreational paddle boarding. It's a fantastic choice for special occasions because they can also hold big gatherings.
Riverbound Sports
For more than a decade, Riverbound Sports has provided satisfied Lake Pleasant paddle Boarding services to customers in the Phoenix region. They hire out a variety of equipment, such as river float tubes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards. To pick up your equipment and have your setup by their professionals, stop by their Tempe Paddle Shop.
Rental Prices:
- Inflatable SUP: $40/day (Includes board, pump, paddle, leash, and PFD)
- Hard Paddleboard: $40/day (Includes board, paddle, leash, and PFD)
They offer multi-day rentals at discounted rates and night-before pick-up options. For late returns, a next morning drop-off is available for an additional $10 per rental.
Desert Breeze Kayaking
Desert Breeze Kayaking offers a unique experience with rentals right from the shoreline at the North Entrance of Lake Pleasant Regional Park. Their guided tours are great for families, couples, groups, and individuals, regardless of paddling experience. First-time paddlers are welcome and receive instructions on dry land before heading out.
Rental Prices:
- 1st Hour: $20
- Each Additional Hour: $15
- Three-Hour Rental: $35 (for the price of two hours)
Kayaks, boards, paddles, and life jackets are among the many items of gear they supply. When making your reservation, you must present a legitimate ID.
Get Your Own iRocker Paddle Board for the Best Lake Pleasant Experience!
Having an iRocker paddle board is advantageous in many ways. First of all, you can paddle whenever you want without worrying about the hours or availability of the rental. In the long term, it's also a more economical choice because, as frequent paddling can quickly add up rental costs.
Having your own paddle board also allows you to personalize it and improve your comfort and skill level with it over time. You'll always be ready to get out on the water and take in Lake Pleasant's tranquil beauty with an iRocker paddle board!
Lake Pleasant Paddle Boarding with iROCKER
Lake Pleasant is one of the most beautiful recreational places in the Valley. Apart from Lake Pleasant paddle boarding, other activities available include kayaking, fishing, scuba diving, camping, stargazing, and even hunting scorpions. To enhance your journey, get the Blue Adventures app for iOS and Android. It helps you find the best waterways, save favorite spots, and record your sessions. Whether local or global, the app's database of paddle boarding locations is invaluable.
Share your journey and photos with Blue Adventures. Log your trips, track time, distance and leave reviews to help others discover new paddle boarding spots.
So, grab your iROCKER SUP board, download the Blue Adventures app, and set out on an unforgettable exploration of Lake Pleasant! Enjoy every moment of paddle boarding at this beautiful lake.
