Can someone give me a break down of the lakes in Phoenix? I am moving down from Flagstaff and I have always gone to Roosevelt or Powell because they were just as easy and less crowded. Which lakes if any have good water? Oh and I have a boat but no friends down there yet so if you need a pull let me know.

Do a search - this has been covered a few times. But in a nutshell... <BR> <BR>Pleasant - hard to find decent water, water is clean, big party scene at Humbug Cove <BR> <BR>Saguaro - usually some decent water in the mornings/late evening. Water is pretty dirty. <BR> <BR>Bartlett - often good water but ramps are closed at the moment due to low levels. Launching from beach only (4wd a must) so probably some good conditions. <BR> <BR>Someone else can chip in about Canyon and Apache. <BR> <BR>Cops are pretty vigilant on Pleasant and Saguaro so play nicely!

Canyon is about the same as Saguaro. Sometimes less crowded. I have heard good things about apache but have only been there once.(when I was about 8 yrs old)

Apache is the best lake around here but hard to get to. It is a big lake and you can usually always find good water.

Thanks guys, I appreciate the info. Brett, how far of a drive is Apache from Scottsdale area?

Just an update but I believe a bunch of swimmers got sick in Canyon Lake. Here the only thing I could find: <BR> <BR><a href="http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/story/87111" target="_blank">http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/story/87111</a> <BR> <BR>It reminds me of Lake Elsinore. <BR> <BR>Dylan, I have never been to Apache but It's supposed to be a crazy drive. Narrow and not very safe.

The drive from scottsdale would be around 2 hours or a little less. The drive is crazy the road turns dirt a little after canyon, The road was an old wagon trail so it is really narrow and not very safe. If you take it slow and are experienced at towing you will be fine. It helps to have 4wheel drive too. It is worth it though the water is usually always glass and no crowds.

<a href="http://groups.myspace.com/azwakeboarding" target="_blank">http://groups.myspace.com/azwakeboarding</a>

Went to Pleasant today and the best area for 'boarding is closed due to eagle activity. The rest of the lake would have been useless today.

Peter - there is always decent water to be had but you need to know the coves and where to go. After 5 pm last night it was butter in front of the dam for our last set.

We went to Pleasant yesterday - started about 8AM. We found calm near the channel that is blocked off due to the eagles. Water got rough about 10 or so when boat traffic picked up. All in all a good day. Did you guys happen to see the 1/2 submerged boat in Humbug? What's the story there?

Went to Roosevelt yesterday because Saguaro had the overflow parking going on. I asked my buddy that was next in line to get out (in the overflow), and he said he had been there for 2 hours waiting to get out. LMAO!!! <BR> <BR>We got out of line and just headed up to Roosevelt. It was Butter over the entire lake. MILES and MILES of butter water..

Quote: Did you guys happen to see the 1/2 submerged boat in Humbug? What's the story there? <BR> <BR>Sure did, couldn't work out what had happened. Lots of people taking pics. Also saw a half submerged Tige being towed back to the harbor by the rescue boat. Not a good day for some.

I guess I will have to check out Pleasant, if nothing else for Humbug cove. My sister was at Roosevelt on Saturday and said the winds submerged a couple of boats too. I guess it was a bad weekend to be a boat. Thanks for the link Bocephus

No shortage of bun at Humbug.

Hey just moved here and need to get back into riding.I have tues and wed off if that will work for you.Shoot me an e-mail...Phil

I might be moving to Phoenix in a couple months as well. How far away from the city are all the lakes everyone is talking about? I am from MN, so I can't go 15 miles in any one direction without hitting a lake and if I can't board it might deter me from taking this job. Thanks!

Phil is that you buddy? Hit me up. <BR> <BR>Hahn

Pleasant is about 30 minutes north of Phx (20 miles?). Bartlett is about the same. Guys from the east side will have to weigh in on the distance to Roosevelt, Apache and Saguaro.

Roosevelt take me 1 hour 30 minutes from my house everytime (power rd &amp; highway 60). Do not go the globe route, it takes longer. <BR> <BR>Saguaro is about 25 minutes from power rd &amp; 60. Which is probably about 45-50 minutes from phoenix I guess.

Id say Bartlett is more than 30 minutes from Phx...at least it seems that way. It takes a little while to get to the turn off and then that crazy windy road out to the lake seems to take forever, maybe thats just the anxiety and roadsickness that makes it feel so far away. lol

Bartlett is 48 miles north of downtown Phoenix, though not that many people live in downtown (me excepted!). All lakes are spread about so if you're near one of them you're nowhere near the others.

yeah you can forget about finding good water on the weekends at lake pleasant during the day. but after about 5 or 6 you can find some.

Thanks for all the help guys. I will likely be moving to the Scottsdale area in July. Starting a new job at the General Mills Sales Office. If I can't get out on a lake when I am out there I will be very bummed. Hope to meet some people on the water once I am there. Take it easy... oh yeah, anyone know where a single 24 year old guy should live if I will be working in Scottsdale? Thanks!

That would all depend on your income level. How much are you looking to spend on housing?

There's a big social scene around Old Town Scottsdale if that's what you're after. Plenty of boat bun potential. On a map, that would be Scottsdale Rd between Camelback Road &amp; Thomas Road. Live a little east of there and you've got good access to the loop 101 parking lot (sorry, freeway). Bartlett would be about 35 miles from there, about 50 mins. Saguaro about 30 miles, 45 mins.

I sent you an email.