La Barge and Tortilla Creek

Canyon Lake is one of the most spectacular lakes in the Sonoran Desert. The 9-mile stretch upstream toward Apache Lake is unbelievable, majestic, and a must-do — but what many don't realize is that there's a different section of the lake you can only experience by paddleboard or kayak.

Yak N Sup at Canyon Lake Marina is right on the water, with kayaks and paddleboards ready to go. We offer self-guided rentals, guided tours, private lessons, and sunset and full moon tours right here in the Superstition Mountains.

Our favorite paddle spots at Canyon Lake

Some of the best paddling in Arizona is at Canyon Lake, and two of our favorite spots are La Barge and Tortilla Creek on the east side of the lake. These areas are only accessible by kayak, paddleboard or hiking. They're non-motorized, so you don't have to worry about jet skis or boats buzzing by. If you're facing the water at Acacia Recreation Site or Palo Verde boat ramp 1, La Barge and Tortilla Creek are to your right (east).

La Barge Creek is easy to reach by parking at Boulder Recreation Site, or by renting from Yak N Sup at Canyon Lake Marina and paddling along the side of the marina into La Barge cove.

Into the canyon

As you paddle into La Barge cove from the main lake, you'll pass Boulder Recreation Site and head into the canyon, where you'll notice an energy shift. In the motorless section of Canyon Lake you'll paddle between canyon walls as high as 900 feet. You'll very likely spot one of Arizona's beautiful great blue herons hanging out on a low cliff — and you might see that massive wingspan when it takes flight.

Blue herons aren't the only critters out here. We share this lake with bighorn sheep, fish, eagles, wood ducks, geese, egrets, hawks, turkey vultures, deer, javelina, skunks, otters and plenty of other desert animals that call this place home.

Paddling through the high walls of La Barge canyon, the red rock will blow you away. Some compare the formations to Sedona; others say it feels like paddling through Mars. One thing everyone agrees on: you come out feeling lighter, calmer, and stress-free.

The best time to go

Paddling La Barge or Tortilla Creek from mid-January to mid-April is one of our favorite times of year. Seasonal creeks run into Canyon Lake then, and as you paddle down the cove you can hear running water. You can park your paddle gear and hike upstream for miles into the Superstition Mountains.

Every visit to Canyon Lake has a different vibe. Sunrise and sunset shift through the year, the moonrise changes, shadows move across the mountains, temperatures swing, and seasonal streams and waterfalls appear. So if you think you've done Canyon Lake, ask yourself: have you paddled it in winter, spring, fall, on a summer night, early morning, at sunset, under a full moon, a crescent moon, no moon at all? If not, you're missing out.

Get away from the noise of the city and come paddle the calm water of La Barge and Tortilla Creek — the best paddle destination in Arizona.