10 BEST KAYAKING IN SEDONA SPOTS TO COOL OFF

Looking where to go kayaking in Sedona AZ? You are in the right place.

Unlike most of Arizona, which dries up due to rising temperatures, especially in the summer, Sedona is spared thanks to its location. Hence, there are many swimming holes in Sedona, and the lakes retain water.

Surrounded by high mountains, kayaking in Sedona spots is a huge respite if you want to escape the heat or cool off in the water.

Also, since there is a vast amount of snowmelt, along with preserving water almost throughout the year, you can scour for many opportunities to kayak Sedona at any time.

Summer is one of the best times to go on a Sedona kayaking adventure, but kayaking has no season.

If you wonder where to kayak in Sedona, AZ, plenty of places exist. 

If you prefer a hassle-free kayak trip in Sedona, you can join one of the many fantastic kayaking tours(recommendations mentioned in the post below).

Continue reading below for the ultimate Sedona kayaking guide, and experience the best kayaking in Sedona on your trip.

BEST SPOTS FOR KAYAKING IN SEDONA AZ

MORMON LAKE

Located in the northern part of Arizona, Mormon Lake is one of the best lakes in Arizona and is worth adding to a day trip for a relaxing or water-adventure-packed outing with your kids.

Unlike the other lakes, Mormon Lake is shallow, reaching only 10 feet or 3 metres, and usually dries almost entirely during the dry season.

However, thanks to its 600 acres of surface area, it is one of the largest lakes in Arizona and is one of the best spots for kayaking in Sedona.

The lake quickly fills in spring and after rains, attracting hundreds of families wanting to enjoy water activities and beautiful views.

It is one of the famous lakes where wildlife and birds can be seen, especially during spring, against the stunning backdrop of the San Francisco Peaks.

In summer, you can enjoy fishing, boating, windsurfing, hiking, and biking.

You can rent mountain bikes, and during winter, rent snowmobiles and cross-country skis at the resort near the lake’s western shore.

Have lunch or dinner at the famous steak house on the premises of Mormon Lake Lodge. It is known for its excellent delicacies, including steak.

Although boat length is not restricted, it is best to bring only small boats as the lake is shallow. 

Mormon Lake is a better choice for camping, picnics, and enjoying the secluded landscapes than for water activities, as it has little depth.

Dairy Springs and Double Springs Campground are the two prominent campsites near Mormon Lake, with over 40 single-unit campsites available.

The campgrounds have tables, fire rings, cooking grills, drinking water, and vault toilets.

I highly recommend checking out the hiking trails near the campsites that lead to stunning overlooks.

Campground Season is between May 1st and the end of September at both campgrounds. 

It is best to book in advance as the sites quickly fill up.

HOW TO REACH?

From Sedona, it takes almost 1.5 hours to reach Mormon Lake.

Drive south from Flagstaff 25 miles on Forest Highway 3 (Lake Mary Road) to the Forest Road 90 intersection. Turn west on FR 90 and drive about 4 miles to the lake.

WATSON LAKE

For outdoor adventure lovers, one of the closest lakes near Prescott, AZ, is Watson Lake, renowned for its magnificent, large rock formations and Granite Dells. 

To escape the scorching heat, plan a trip to Watson Lake, one of the best spots for kayaking near Sedona. It is located just 4 miles from Prescott.

Enjoy hiking the many trails offering spectacular views of the Granite Dells rock formations around the lake via hikes or kayaking.

Watson Lake offers a packed day of activities for families and groups with something for everyone, including fishing, boating, kayaking, canoeing, hiking, rock climbing, camping and day picnicking.

Anglers can fish Carp, catfish, crappie and largemouth bass.

There are two boat launches at the lake, and canoe and kayak rentals are available. 

Note that swimming is prohibited in Watson Lake.

You can access Watson Woods via the lake, apart from the giant boulders of the Granite Dells, which are the lake’s iconic attraction.

If you are traveling with kids, I recommend heading to the Watson Woods Riparian Preserve nearby. 

It is a beautiful spot for excellent birdwatching, home to hundreds of bird species, including eagles and pelicans.

For hikers, there are two popular trails, Peavine and Iron King Trails. Both are easy to moderate hikes that take you to stunning vista points and forested mountains around the lake.  

During the summer, campsites are available for visitors, and you can use restrooms, showers, picnic tables, grills, and fish cleaning stations.

The Parking Fee is $3 per vehicle, with Wednesdays being the free parking day.

GOLDWATER LAKE

Goldwater Lake is a small lake located only 4 miles from the city and is one of the most popular lakes for Sedona Kayaking.

Surrounded by a lush pine forest and close to the city, it is ideal for a picnic with your family or enjoying all the water activities.

Swimming is not permitted. You can enjoy kayaking, canoeing, hiking and boating. 

Only boats with electric motors and kayaks and canoes are permitted. Kayak and canoe rentals are available.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department stock the lake with rainbow trout, Largemouth bass, crappie, channel catfish, bluegill and sunfish.

If you love hiking, take the trail around the lake. It’s easy and doable for kids and pets, and it overlooks beautiful views of the lake. 

The trail around the lake also connects with other trails in the Prescott National Forest.

Recommended – 11 Beautiful Lakes In Tucson In Arizona

The lake is for day use only. There is a playground for kids, a sand volleyball court, picnic tables, grills, a volleyball court, horseshoe pits, fishing docks, and restrooms by the lake. There is a $3 parking fee.

HOW TO REACH?

If you’re traveling from downtown, head east on Gurley Street, south on Mount Vernon Street, and travel approximately four miles to the lake.

WILLOW LAKE

Willow Springs Lake, located near Woods Canyon Lake, is the closest lake to the town and one of the most popular lakes in Payson among locals and tourists alike.

Located on the Mogollon Rim and a part of the Rim Lakes, about a mile from the town, Willow Lakes is a welcome alternative to kayaking the Sedona rivers.

Willow Springs is a famous lake for fishing in summer when it gets crowded. It is larger and deeper, making it a better habitat for rainbow and tiger trout.

Apart from these, Willow Springs Lake is also famous for largemouth bass, green sunfish, and smallmouth bass, and unlike Woods Canyon, you can also access 

Willow Springs during the winter months to enjoy ice fishing.

Apart from being a spot for kayaking in Sedona, you can rent a boat or canoe in the many nearby shops. However, boating is limited, as only small engines and electric ones are permitted.

HOW TO REACH?

If you are driving the Mogollon Rim, look for the Willow Springs Lake sign on Forest Road 149 about a mile after cresting the Mogollon Rim. 

DEAD HORSE RANCH STATE PARK

The Dead Horse Ranch State Park, about ten miles from Jerome, is a unique historic site that has been continuously occupied since 8,000 BC. 

It is one of the best things to do in Jerome Az for outdoor lovers and families.

Dead Horse State Park is only a short drive from Sedona, so you can easily spend a weekend here enjoying the park.

It may not appear so, but it is one of the best spots for kayaking in Sedona, thanks to its two lagoons, which are filled with water even on the hottest days.

Besides kayaking, Kids can enjoy horseback riding and wildlife watching, while you can enjoy fishing, biking, camping, and hiking around the Verde River lagoons.

Spot grey fox, coyote, javelina and many beautiful birds.

You can also stay overnight in one of the riverside log cabins in Dead Horse Ranch.

VERDE RIVER FLATWATER SECTION

Kayaking on the Verde River is the best place to go river kayaking in Sedona, Arizona.

Verde is among the best lakes near Sedona, home to magnificent wildlife, fishing, birdwatching, railway lines, and historical Arizona monuments. 

As the name indicates, head to the flatwater section if you want a flatwater kayaking experience.

Just a short but stunning 30-minute drive from downtown Sedona, the Verde Calm Flat Section is 23 miles of tranquil, flat Class I water- perfect for Verde River kayaking.

The calm section begins at the Bridgeport River Access in Cottonwood and goes to the Black Canyon River Access Point in the Prescott National Forest.

This is the place for beginner paddlers to try dope paddling. It is surrounded by gorgeous limestone hills, prehistoric caves, and the beautiful Prescott National Forest.

VERDE RIVER WHITEWATER SECTION

The Whitewater Section is another destination in Verde and is the best spot for an adventurous river journey.

As you encounter rapids, including turns, dips, and thrilling surges, you will also be treated to stunning wilderness views on your ride.

This section, which begins at Beasley Flat, about ten miles south of Camp Verde, features rapids from Class II to Class IV for nearly 10 miles to an access point next to the Gap Creek Trailhead.

It is the best one if you are an experienced adventure lover.

TONTO NATIONAL FOREST

Tonto National Forest, the largest of Arizona’s six national forests, is one of the best places for kayaking near Sedona.

Besides kayaking, there are many recreational outdoor activities you can enjoy, including hiking, biking, and camping on the beautiful and best lakes in Tonto National Forest, also near Phoenix. 

You can easily spend a few days exploring the many lakes in the forest, hiking the many trails, as there are plenty of things to do.

Other water sports you will love for cool summer days are boating, rafting, tubing, sailing, swimming, and water skiing.

THE BEST SEDONA KAYAKING TOURS

Willow Beach: Black Canyon Kayak Half Day Tour-No Shuttle

Kayak Tour on the Verde River

PRIVATE Guided River kayaking on the Verde River

Half Day Private Guided Kayak Bass Fishing on The Verde River

BEST SPOTS FOR KAYAKING IN SEDONA MAP

FAQS ABOUT SEDONA KAYAKING

CAN YOU GO KAYAKING IN SEDONA?

Yes, you can kayak in Sedona, Arizona.

While whitewater rafting is a rigorous, adventurous experience, kayaking near Sedona is a better choice for something milder and yet extremely fun.

WHAT IS THE BEST TIME FOR KAYAKING IN SEDONA?

The weather in Sedona varies throughout the year.

Although the summer months in the desert can be brutal, if you can bear the temperatures long enough to get near water, it is one of the best times for Sedona kayaking.

If you want pleasant outdoor temperatures, the best time for kayaking in Sedona is spring and fall.

To avoid crowds, though, winter is an excellent time for Sedona kayak tours.

CAN YOU RENT KAYAKS IN SEDONA?

Yes, Sedona kayak rentals are available near the lakes and around the forest areas.

WHAT ARE THE BEST KAYAKING TOURS IN SEDONA?

There are many local companies for guided kayak tours of Sedona. Here are my recommendations:

IS KAYAKING IN SEDONA HARD?

No! You can easily kayak in Sedona, even without prior experience.