Sedona has almost no paddle-board water in town; Oak Creek is a shallow, rocky creek for wading and swimming, not paddling. The best place to paddle board near Sedona is the Verde River at Clarkdale, a gentle float with a rental outfitter in Cottonwood. For flat water, drive over to Prescott, where Watson Lake winds through the boulders of the Granite Dells.
The Sedona area works for a paddle because the Verde Valley and Prescott pack a cool, clear river and several small city lakes into easy reach of the red rocks. All of them are calm, with no gas motors, and they’re open most of the year. Just plan around summer heat, monsoon storms and a few rules that catch visitors out, like the paddle-board ban on the Dead Horse Ranch lagoons.
Quick answer
- Closest to Sedona: the Verde River from Lower TAPCO to Tuzigoot, about 3.5 miles of easy current. Rent a board from OAC in Cottonwood.
- Most scenic flat water: Watson Lake in Prescott, among the granite domes of the Granite Dells.
- Quieter lake: Willow Lake, next door to Watson, with a launch and wide open water.
- Cool and piney in summer: Upper Goldwater Lake, in the forest south of Prescott.
- Not allowed: paddle boards on the lagoons at Dead Horse Ranch State Park in Cottonwood.
The best places to paddle board near Sedona
Verde River (Clarkdale to Tuzigoot)
Directions
Best for: a relaxed river float in the Verde Valley. Gentle river current with small riffles.
The Verde is the closest real paddling to Sedona. The popular stretch starts just upstream of Clarkdale, across from the historic TAPCO power plant, and ends below Tuzigoot National Monument, an ancient Sinagua pueblo on the hill above the river. Outfitters describe it as about 3.5 miles, two to three hours, through cottonwood and willow forest, with a few Class I riffles.
Where to launch: Put in at the Lower TAPCO River Access Point (3400 Sycamore Canyon Road, Clarkdale) and take out at the Tuzigoot River Access Point (Tuzigoot Road, Clarkdale). You’ll need a car at each end or a shuttle.
Rentals and tours: Outdoor Adventure Centers (OAC Tours), based at its boathouse at 551 N Main Street in Cottonwood, runs guided kayak trips on this stretch and rents stand-up paddle boards and tubes for a self-guided float, with a dry bag and pump included. Clarkdale Kayak Co. runs guided trips in inflatable kayaks on the same stretch.
Good to know: River levels change a lot. Spring snowmelt and summer monsoon storms can make the river fast, muddy and full of debris; low water in early summer means scraping over gravel. Wear shoes, kneel through riffles, and watch for downed trees (strainers), which are the main hazard on any small river. A coiled leash attached at the waist (quick-release) is safer than an ankle leash in current.
Watson Lake (Prescott)
Directions
Best for: scenery and photography. Flat water.
Watson Lake is a city of Prescott reservoir about 4 miles north of downtown, where the water fills the channels between the rounded granite domes of the Granite Dells. Paddling here means weaving through coves and narrow passages between the boulders. It’s the most distinctive flat-water paddle in the region.
Where to launch: Watson Lake Park (3101 Watson Lake Park Road, off Highway 89) has two boat launches and a courtesy dock. Parking is $5 at the time of writing. The park is open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. from April through October and 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. from November through March.
Rentals: Born To Be Wild Adventures Tours & Rentals rents kayaks, canoes and paddle boards year-round, weather permitting, and delivers them to Watson, Willow or Goldwater lakes when you reserve.
Good to know: Swimming isn’t allowed, so wear your life jacket and leash. The Dells reflect heat, and wind can funnel through the gaps in the afternoon; go early.
Willow Lake (Prescott)
DirectionsBest for: a bigger, quieter lake and birdwatching. Flat water.
Willow Lake sits just west of Watson Lake and has more open water. The Audubon Society lists it as an Important Bird Area, and a trail circles the lake.
Where to launch: Willow Lake Park (1497 Heritage Park Road) has a boat launch with a courtesy dock. No gas motors are allowed, and kayaking and paddle boarding are welcome. Parking is $5 at the time of writing, with the same hours as Watson Lake.
Rentals: Born To Be Wild delivers boards here too.
Good to know: No swimming. The open water catches more wind than Watson Lake, so check the forecast and stay near shore on breezy days.
Goldwater Lake (Prescott)
Directions
Best for: a cool, forested paddle in summer. Flat water.
Goldwater Lake is a small reservoir in the ponderosa pines of the Bradshaw Mountains, south of Prescott. With pine forest right down to the shore, it’s a good pick on hot days.
Where to launch: The public boat ramp at Upper Goldwater Lake (2900 S Goldwater Lake Road). Paddle boards and kayaks are allowed on Upper Goldwater Lake only; no watercraft at all are allowed on Lower Goldwater Lake. Electric motors only. Parking is $5 at the time of writing.
Rentals: Born To Be Wild serves Goldwater Lake as well.
Good to know: Swimming is banned at both lakes. The upper lake has fishing docks, picnic areas and restrooms, and it’s popular with anglers; give their lines room.
When to go
You can paddle near Sedona most of the year, but each season is different.
- Spring (March–May): often the best season, with mild air. The Verde can run high and cold from snowmelt in early spring; check the USGS gauge for the Verde River near Clarkdale before a river trip.
- Summer (June–September): hot in the Verde Valley. Go early in the day and carry plenty of water. Monsoon thunderstorms usually arrive in the afternoon from July; get off the water at the first thunder, and avoid the river after heavy rain upstream.
- Fall (October–November): warm days and cool mornings, with fewer storms than summer.
- Winter: possible on sunny days, but mornings are cold, especially in Prescott. Our wetsuit check helps you decide what to wear.
Floating the Verde or doing a lap of Watson Lake? Our Trip time calculator estimates how long it will take at your pace.
Rules and safety near Sedona
Arizona treats a paddle board as a watercraft. Under Arizona Game and Fish Department rules:
- Life jacket: carry a US Coast Guard–approved wearable life jacket for each person. Children 12 and under must wear one while underway. See our pick of the best PFDs for SUP.
- Sound device: carry a whistle or horn that can be heard at least half a mile away.
- After dark: carry a white light.
Local rules and hazards:
- Dead Horse Ranch State Park lagoons: swimming, wading and stand-up paddle boards are prohibited. Kayaks and canoes are allowed, with life jackets worn.
- Prescott city lakes: no swimming at Watson, Willow or Goldwater, and paddle boards only on Upper Goldwater.
- River safety: scout unfamiliar stretches, avoid strainers, and don’t paddle the Verde in flood.
- Heat and sun: at this altitude you burn fast. Wear a hat and sun protection and drink more water than you think you need.
FAQ
Can you paddle board in Sedona?
Not really in Sedona itself. Oak Creek is too shallow and rocky, and spots like Slide Rock are for swimming. The nearest paddling is the Verde River at Clarkdale and Cottonwood, with flat-water lakes in Prescott.
Can you paddle board at Dead Horse Ranch State Park?
Not on the lagoons; the park prohibits stand-up paddle boards, swimming and wading there. Kayaks and canoes are allowed. The Verde River runs along the park’s southern edge, but the usual board float is the stretch upstream between Clarkdale and Tuzigoot.
Where can I rent a paddle board near Sedona?
OAC Tours in Cottonwood rents boards for the Verde River float. In Prescott, Born To Be Wild Adventures delivers boards to Watson, Willow and Goldwater lakes.
Is Watson Lake good for beginners?
Yes. There are no gas motors and the coves are sheltered. Stay near the launch until you’re comfortable, and go in the morning before any afternoon wind.
Where else can I paddle board in Arizona?
Head south to the Salt River and desert lakes around Phoenix, or north to the canyons of Lake Powell.
Not sure what size board you need for lakes and easy rivers? Try our Board Fitter.
