This section of the Colorado River starts just below the Glen Canyon Dam and travels through the dramatic and scenic Glen Canyon to Lees Ferry. There is no put-in spot up by the dam so paddlers need to either catch a ride on a motorboat up to the dam or paddle upstream which can be challenging depending on boat type, skill level, and water levels. There are outfitters that offer the ride upstream for a fee March through October. There is also a fee to park and launch at Lees Ferry.

Located just a few southeast of Prescott in the Bradshaw Mountains, this scenic lake is a great place to visit to get away from the dry desert heat of nearby Phoenix. The lake is a popular destination due to surrounding pine forest and cooler summer temperatures. The lake limits motorboats to 10 horsepower or less making the water great for paddling. The lake also offers picnic areas, hiking trails, good fishing, and camping.

Watson Lake is located in the Granite Dells just four miles outside of Prescott and offers excellent scenery and opportunity for many types of recreation. The lake is very scenic with its surrounding shores lined with granite boulders and green vegetation. There are many side coves and canyons around the lake to explore. The area offers great wildlife viewing, especially birdwatching. The lake has two boat launches, picnic sites, and hiking/biking trails.

Willow Lake is located just a few miles from Prescott in the Granite Dells area and offers excellent paddling and birdwatching opportunities. The lake is surrounded by shores of large granite rock formations and lush vegetation that combine for a very scenic setting. The lake only allows boats with electric motors and non-motorized boats making the waters great calm and peaceful for paddling. The lake offers a boat launch, playgrounds, picnic areas, and hiking trails.

This high-mountain lake located 60 miles south of Flagstaff offers exceptional scenery and wildlife viewing as it winds through deep narrow tree-lined canyons. The lake limits motor boats to 10 horsepower or less making it a popular lake for paddling and fishing. The lake offers campgrounds, a boat ramp, restrooms, and nearby hiking trails.

Clear Creek Reservoir is a scenic and unique lake that leads paddlers through a narrow canyon of high sheer sandstone cliffs. There is a boat launch located on the upper portion of the lake which is wider and more open than the lower end of the lake. The canyon lake is also a popular spot for rock climbers and cliff jumpers. The lake has no restrictions on motor boating but boat traffic is pretty minimal due to much of the lake being very narrow. There are campsites and picnic areas available at McHook Park.

Situated in the western foothills of the Huachuca Mountains, Parker Lake is a remote lake that offers deep clear water perfect for paddling. The lake and surrounding area is known for great wildlife viewing and birdwatching. The marina at the lake does offer kayak and canoe rentals. Other activities at the lake include fishing, camping, picnicing, and hiking along the lakeshore trail.

Patagonia State Park is located in the rolling hills of southeastern Arizona and provides visitors with plenty of recreational opportunity in a beautiful setting. The lake strictly prohibits jet skis and jet boats on the lake and the east half of the lake is a no wake zone for motorboats creating a calm atmosphere for paddling. There area is known for great birdwatching, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The state park offers lots of amenities to include picnic sites, campgrounds, a marina, hiking trails, and a visitor center. Friday thru Sunday are busy. Day use fee is $15 annual fee is $75

Woods Canyon Lake is the most popular and most accessible of all of the Mogollon Rim lakes and offers a beautiful setting for paddling. The lake is situated in a heavily forested area providing lots of solitude and opportunity for wildlife viewing. The lake is open to non-motorized boats and electric motor boats only. The lake offers a boat ramp, campgrounds, picnicing, great fishing, and lots of great hiking and biking trails around the lake and in the surrounding Mogollon Rim area. There is a small store that sells camping and fishing gear. Boat rentals are also available.

Willow Springs Lake is a high-mountain lake located along the edges of the Mogollon Rim. The lake is nestled in a forest of dense tall pines that provide a scenic backdrop for paddling with lots of opportunity for viewing wildlife. The lake allows non-motorized boating and motorized boating limited to 10 horsepower or less. There is one boat ramp available for launching at the lake. Other activities at the lake and in the surrounding area include fishing, camping, hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing.