Kayaking in Arizona is always a peaceful adventure (or, well, it can be, should you choose to avoid kayaking of the white-water sort!), and there are a plethora of places in the copper state to consider for your next outing. When it comes to stunning views, the scenery doesn’t get much better than Blue Ridge Reservoir in Rim Country. This is a narrow, tree-lined lake with canyon walls on either side, and it really is a magical place to spend an afternoon.

C.C. Cragin Reservoir, more commonly known as Blue Ridge Reservoir, is a narrow, winding body of water in Rim Country.
Kevin Dooley/Wikimedia
It's actually a lake, but looks more like a river due to the constricting canyon walls on either side. It's beautiful, though, no matter what time of year you choose to visit.
The reservoir is an important water source for the town of Payson, so tactics like forest thinning and controlled burns help preserve its integrity.
Coconino National Forest/Wikimedia
The C.C. Cragin Dam was built in 1965 by Phelps Dodge, and later transferred to the Salt River Project. Water storage began that same year, and the dam is in operation to this day.
A launch ramp is conveniently located on the main road, so accessing the water couldn't be easier.
Coconino National Forest, Ariz./Flickr
Make sure you've packed all the essentials for a successful and enjoyable kayaking adventure, like wet shoes, a buoyancy aid, and of course, lots of drinking water. Time spent under the Arizona sun is time best spent hydrating!

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Get the kayak down and prepare for an unparalleled adventure.
Alan Levine/Flickr
Other types of popular recreation in the area include sightseeing, wildlife watching, hiking, and mountain biking. The C.C. Cragin Reservoir is often called one of the most picturesque in the state, so bring your camera, too!
Paddle along with the gentle current, taking in the breathtaking surroundings all the while.
Alan Levine/Flickr
Fresh, alpine air, pristine waters, and silence so deafening you could hear a pin drop...it doesn't get much better than this. If there's anything about this state that we love, it's that you can do nearly anything your heart desires out here, whether it's rock climbing, hiking, or, of course, kayaking in Arizona.
Anglers also flock to the reservoir, as it's stocked with rainbow, brown, and brook trout by the Arizona Game and Fish Department.
Alan Levine/Flickr
Nothing quite compares to the tranquility of casting a line and reveling in the peaceful solitude as you wait for a bite. The reservoir is closed during the winter months, however, so you should visit their website to confirm their status and hours of operation.
You'll find the reservoir about 60 miles south of Flagstaff on a graveled forest road, near the town of Happy Jack.
Coconino National Forest, Ariz./Wikimedia
Exact directions can be found on the Coconino National Forest website, as well as important information about seasonal closures and lot more helpful info. Click on "Recreation" on the left and then "Water Activities" to see spots where you can kayak in Arizona.

Have you ever kayaked the Blue Ridge Reservoir? If so, we’d love to hear all about your experience! Check out our previous article for more about Mogollon Rim: A Visit To Arizona’s Mogollon Rim Will Enchant You Beyond Words.

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Kayaking in Arizona

Tori Jane | February 13, 2021

Where exactly is the Blue Ridge Reservoir in Arizona?

To access the reservoir from Payson, Arizona, drive north on Highway 87 for about 40 miles. When you reach FR-751, you'll see a US Forest Service sign. It points the way to Blue Ridge, so head eastbound and follow the road to the boat ramp!

What are some outdoor adventures in Arizona?

Arizona is an incredibly beautiful and supremely diverse state. No matter what kind of environment you're seeking, you can probably find it here - from cliffs, to canyons, to forests, deserts and everything in between. Popular activities in Arizona include hiking (lots of hiking!), especially in Sedona. Camping, fishing and hunting are also very popular, as well as boating and kayaking.

Is Arizona a beautiful state?

We certainly think it is! It's got everything from endless blue skies to breathtaking red rocks in Sedona. We have the incredible Grand Canyon, a geological wonder that no other state park can compare to. Saguaro National Park in southern Arizona will demonstrate the beauty of the Sonoran Desert to you, and don't forget to visit downtown Phoenix and such legendary Phoenix attractions like The Heard Museum, The Phoenix Art Museum, and the Roosevelt Row arts district. Looking for the ultimate Arizona bucket list? Check out this article!

 

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C.C. Cragin Reservoir, Arizona 86024, USA