If you’re living in or visiting Glendale, Arizona, you’re in luck! The state is home to some of the most beautiful lakes in the Southwest, offering plenty of opportunities for boating, fishing, and outdoor activities. Whether you’re a seasoned boater or someone looking for a weekend getaway, the lakes near Glendale provide various options. This guide will explore the top 10 lakes near Glendale, including information on boating fees, amenities, and what each lake has to offer.
1. Lake Pleasant
Distance from Glendale: 30 miles (45-minute drive)
Boating Fee: $7 per vehicle
Boat Rentals: Yes – from pontoons to jet skis
Specs:
- Size: 10,000 acres
- Maximum Depth: 170 feet
- Fish: Bass, catfish, crappie, and tilapia
Lake Pleasant is the largest lake near Glendale and a popular destination for water enthusiasts. The lake offers a wide range of activities including boating, fishing, water skiing, and wakeboarding. It’s an excellent spot for those who want to enjoy calm waters and scenic desert landscapes. The marina offers boat rentals, making it easy for visitors to enjoy the lake even if they don’t have their own boat. Plus, the surrounding Lake Pleasant Regional Park provides picnic areas, camping sites, and hiking trails.
2. Bartlett Lake
Distance from Glendale: 60 miles (1.5-hour drive)
Boating Fee: $6 per vehicle
Boat Rentals: Yes – speedboats, pontoon boats, jet skis
Specs:
- Size: 2,815 acres
- Maximum Depth: 100 feet
- Fish: Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, catfish, bluegill
Bartlett Lake is known for its pristine water and less crowded boating experience compared to Lake Pleasant. It’s nestled in the Tonto National Forest, offering breathtaking views of desert flora and rocky landscapes. The lake has multiple boat ramps, and the marina provides rentals for those looking to enjoy a day on the water. Boaters can explore the lake’s many coves, making it a perfect spot for those looking for quieter adventures.
3. Saguaro Lake
Distance from Glendale: 55 miles (1-hour drive)
Boating Fee: $12 per day (Tonto Pass required)
Boat Rentals: Yes – pontoons, ski boats, kayaks
Specs:
- Size: 1,264 acres
- Maximum Depth: 110 feet
- Fish: Walleye, catfish, rainbow trout, yellow bass
Named after the iconic Saguaro cactus that dots the landscape, Saguaro Lake is a beautiful spot for boating and fishing. The marina offers a variety of rentals and the lake is large enough for water skiing, tubing, and sailing. The lake also has a scenic cruise option on the Desert Belle, which is a fun alternative for families and those looking to explore without renting a boat. Nearby hiking trails and campgrounds make it an all-around great spot for a day or weekend adventure.
4. Canyon Lake
Distance from Glendale: 60 miles (1.5-hour drive)
Boating Fee: $12 per day (Tonto Pass required)
Boat Rentals: Yes – pontoons, paddleboards, kayaks
Specs:
- Size: 950 acres
- Maximum Depth: 141 feet
- Fish: Largemouth bass, catfish, walleye, bluegill
Canyon Lake is smaller than some of the others but it’s packed with natural beauty. With towering rock cliffs surrounding the water, it’s one of the most scenic lakes in Arizona. It offers boaters a peaceful setting to explore and take in the views, particularly around the deep coves that dot the shoreline. The marina has a restaurant, which makes for a great stop during a day on the lake. For those without a boat, rentals are readily available.
5. Roosevelt Lake
Distance from Glendale: 90 miles (2-hour drive)
Boating Fee: $12 per day (Tonto Pass required)
Boat Rentals: Yes – pontoons, jet skis
Specs:
- Size: 21,500 acres
- Maximum Depth: 349 feet
- Fish: Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie, catfish
As the largest lake entirely within Arizona, Roosevelt Lake is a haven for boaters. The expansive waters are perfect for all types of watercraft, including sailboats and larger vessels. The Roosevelt Lake Marina offers rentals and plenty of dock space for visitors. It’s also one of the best fishing lakes in the state, and the size of the lake means you can always find a secluded spot to drop a line or relax away from the crowds. The surrounding area also offers numerous hiking and camping opportunities.
6. Tempe Town Lake
Distance from Glendale: 25 miles (35-minute drive)
Boating Fee: Free (but parking fees may apply)
Boat Rentals: Yes – pedal boats, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards
Specs:
- Size: 224 acres
- Maximum Depth: 19 feet
- Fish: Bass, catfish
Tempe Town Lake may be more of a city lake, but it offers plenty of boating fun for families and those looking for a quick escape. The calm waters are ideal for paddleboarding, kayaking, and pedal boating. While motorized boats aren’t allowed, this lake is perfect for low-impact water activities. Tempe Beach Park sits alongside the lake, offering playgrounds, picnic areas, and scenic walkways.
7. Horseshoe Reservoir
Distance from Glendale: 65 miles (1.5-hour drive)
Boating Fee: $12 per day (Tonto Pass required)
Boat Rentals: No
Specs:
- Size: 2,200 acres
- Maximum Depth: 90 feet
- Fish: Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish
For those who enjoy fishing and remote boating, Horseshoe Reservoir offers a more rugged experience. Located north of Bartlett Lake, this lake is less developed and doesn’t have a marina, so you’ll need to bring your own boat. The lake’s isolation makes it a peaceful destination for anglers and boaters who want to enjoy the beauty of Arizona’s desert landscape without the crowds.
8. Alamo Lake
Distance from Glendale: 95 miles (2-hour drive)
Boating Fee: $10 per vehicle (Alamo Lake State Park entry fee)
Boat Rentals: No
Specs:
- Size: 3,500 acres
- Maximum Depth: 80 feet
- Fish: Bass, catfish, bluegill
Located in a remote part of Arizona, Alamo Lake is a favorite among serious anglers. Its clear waters are prime for bass fishing, and the surrounding desert landscape offers unparalleled solitude. While the lake doesn’t have a marina, there are several boat ramps available. The remoteness of Alamo Lake means fewer crowds, making it ideal for those who prefer a quiet, undisturbed boating experience.
9. Apache Lake
Distance from Glendale: 60 miles (1.5-hour drive)
Boating Fee: $12 per day (Tonto Pass required)
Boat Rentals: Yes – pontoons, jet skis, kayaks
Specs:
- Size: 2,568 acres
- Maximum Depth: 240 feet
- Fish: Bass, catfish, crappie, walleye
Nestled between Canyon Lake and Roosevelt Lake, Apache Lake offers stunning scenery with fewer crowds than its neighbors. Its large size makes it great for all types of watercraft, from jet skis to sailboats. The marina offers rentals, but the lake is more remote than others, with a rugged dirt road required to access it. This makes it a fantastic destination for adventurers looking for a more secluded experience.
10. Lake Havasu
Distance from Glendale: 190 miles (3-hour drive)
Boating Fee: $15 per vehicle (Lake Havasu State Park entry)
Boat Rentals: Yes – from luxury pontoons to jet skis
Specs:
- Size: 19,300 acres
- Maximum Depth: 90 feet
- Fish: Striped bass, largemouth bass, catfish
Though a bit further away from Glendale, Lake Havasu is a prime destination for boating enthusiasts. Known for its vibrant boating culture, Lake Havasu offers numerous marinas, boat rentals, and water sports. The lake is lined with beaches, restaurants, and campgrounds, making it perfect for a weekend or extended trip. Boaters can also enjoy the scenic London Bridge, which was relocated to the lake in the 1970s, adding a touch of history to this popular destination.
Conclusion
With so many lakes near Glendale, Arizona, boaters are spoiled for choice. Whether you’re looking for an adventure on the water or a peaceful day of fishing, there’s a lake nearby that’s perfect for your needs.
Happy Boating!
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