These are Arizona's top 10 lakes for boating — most are less than an hour from Phoenix
As temperatures rise and summer steadily approaches, so does boating season. For those ready to hit the water, a new report ranked the 10 best spots for Arizona boaters.
Arizona has over 125,000 registered boats in the state, according to the report. VisitArizona.com reported that the state has 128 lakes and five major rivers.
The recent report from Getmyboat, a boat and jet ski rental site, analyzed what cities boatowners that utilize the platform have their water vessel registered in to determine the most popular boating locations in Arizona. The report noted outlier hourly and total trip costs were excluded from data collection.
Here's what to know about boating in Arizona.
Top 10 places for boating in Arizona
Despite its desert landscape, Arizona has boating hubs across the state. These were the most popular destinations according to Getmyboat.
Lake Havasu City
Lake Pleasant
Saguaro Lake
Tempe Town Lake
Canyon Lake near Apache Junction
Bullhead City
Bartlett Lake
Tortilla Flat
Lake Powell
Roosevelt Lake
Lake Havasu City
This man-made reservoir is the most popular boating destination in the state, and the 16th most popular nationwide. Lake Havasu contains parts of the historic — and allegedly haunted — London Bridge, which was transported through the Panama Canal piece by piece, according to GoLakeHavasu.com.
An average boat trip in Lake Havasu City will cost $618, including an average hourly rate of $80, Getmyboat reported. A pontoon was the most popular vessel to rent for a day on the water.
Lake Pleasant
Located in the Peoria, Lake Pleasant spans 23,000 acres, according to VisitPeoria.com
The average trip price sits at $790, with an hourly average of $176. The most popular watercraft at Lake Pleasant is a pontoon.
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Saguaro Lake
According to Getmyboat, the average rental duration for boaters at Saguaro Lake is just over seven hours, which is more time than other lakes, the report noted.
Located near Mesa and Tonto National Forest, a boating day at Saguaro Lake will cost an average of $712 total and $122 hourly, the report found. Most renters use jet skis on this lake.
Tempe Town Lake
Located near downtown Tempe, home to Arizona State University’s main campus, Tempe Town Lake attracts over 2 million visitors every year, according to the city’s website.
This body of water has the lowest average total and hourly trip prices, at $463 total and $67 per hour. The most popular boat at Tempe Town Lake is a bowrider powerboat, Getmyboat reported.
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Canyon Lake near Apache Junction
Home to both Rainbow Trout and Largemouth Bass, this sector of Canyon Lake is located near Apache Junction and within the Tonto National Forest, Getmyboat said.
The average total trip cost is $654 and the average hourly cost is $127. The most popular style of watercraft is a pontoon.
Bullhead City
Two popular Arizonan bodies of water call Bullhead City home, including the Colorado River and Lake Mohave. According to Arizona Water Facts, 36% of the state’s water supply came from the Colorado River in 2020.
The average total price is $605 and the average hourly rental price is $71, Getmyboat found. The most popular boat style for these waterways is a pontoon.
Bartlett Lake
This lake is located near Fort McDowell and in the Tonto National Forest, northeast of Phoenix. The Arizona Game and Fish Department said this reservoir provides “consistent fishing opportunities for largemouth bass.”
An average total trip cost with Getmyboat is $674 and the average hourly rental price is $125. The most popular boat style is a pontoon.
Canyon Lake near Tortilla Flat
Nearby the small, unincorporated town of Tortilla Flat, boasting a grand population total of six permanent residents, this sector of Canyon Lake is located further east than its Apache Junction counterpart.
Getmyboat reported that a total trip will cost approximately $654, which is about $127 hourly. The most popular boat style is pontoons.
Lake Powell
Located near Page, this waterway is a popular destination for boat-goers who are looking to rent houseboats, Getmyboat reported.
The average total trip cost is $852 and the average hourly price is $134. The most popular boat style is a bowrider powerboat, the report said.
Roosevelt Lake
Surrounded by Tonto National Forest, Roosevelt Lake is a popular fishing destination for largemouth bass and crappie, Game and Fish said.
The average trip cost sits at $576 and the average hourly cost at $134. The most popular boat style is a pontoon.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: 10 best spots for boating in Arizona: Lake Pleasant and more
