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8 Best Kayaking in Sedona Spots You Can’t Miss

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If you’re looking to plan the ultimate Sedona kayaking adventure, you’ve come to the right place!

Most people don’t come to Sedona to go kayaking, but there are actually some really nice spots nearby that are totally worth checking out if you’re itching to get on the water.

The most recent time we visited we took a scenic drive from Sedona to check out the Verde River, which is the best area to go kayaking near Sedona.

There are some awesome kayaking tours down the Verde River that will handle everything for you so you can enjoy your time on the water.

Keep reading to learn all about the best places to go kayaking near Sedona!

Can you go Kayaking in Sedona?

kayak in sedona under red rock formations

You most definitely can kayak in Sedona, Arizona! It’s one of the best ways to experience the region’s rugged, beautiful landscape. 

There are a few bodies of water throughout the Greater Sedona area that are great for kayaking that include the Verde River, Peck’s Lake, and Mormon Lake.

Best Sedona Arizona Kayaking

verde river kayaking in sedona arizona

If there’s one activity you absolutely can’t pass up, it’s kayaking on the Verde River. It’s seriously the best place to go river kayaking in Sedona, Arizona, and was the state’s first river to be designated as Wild & Scenic. 

For those unfamiliar, it’s a title given only to the most beautiful and unique rivers in the U.S., so you know kayaking the Verde River will be unforgettable

There are also a few lakes within a short driving distance that provide great opportunities to kayak near Sedona. Read below to learn more about our favorite spots to go kayaking in Sedona, Arizona.

1. Verde River Calm Water Section

verde river tubing in sedona arizona

Just a short but stunning 30-minute scenic drive from downtown Sedona, the Verde Calm Water Section is 23 miles of tranquil, flat Class I water- perfect for Verde River kayaking.

This scenic stretch makes a great spot for water activities, like kayaking and tubing the Verde River. 

You’ll view towering limestone hills and prehistoric caves, and encounter swimming holes and rope swings as you kayak the Verde River. 

One of the best kayak tours in Sedona, AZ is the 2 Hours Water to Wine Kayak Trip from Cottonwood. It’s a leisurely tour down the Verde River Calm Water Section that blends Sedona wine and Sedona kayaking into one. In fact, you’ll actually kayak to a winery in Sedona!

If you’re looking to put a kayak in yourself, the most popular launch spot is at the Black Canyon Fishing Site or the Verde River Access spot. 

Verde River Tubing

verde river tubing

Another popular thing to do besides go kayaking on the Verde River is to go Verde River tubing. Sedona tubing is super popular in the summer months when it gets stifling hot in Sedona or after going on an early morning sunrise hike in Sedona.

Verder Riber tubing is a great activity for the whole family and kids ages 5+ are allowed to go floating down the Verde River.

You will meet at the Alcantara Vineyard and it takes around 3 hours to complete the tubing Verde River. Sedona Adventure Tours is the most popular outfitter for Sedona tubing.

2. Verde River Whitewater Section

verde river kayak sedona arizona

If it’s a thrill you’re seeking, look no further than the Verde River Whitewater Section. As you might expect, this section, which begins at Beasley Flat, features rapids from Class II all the way to Class IV for nearly 10 miles. 

During certain seasons with heavier rainfall, the rapids can even reach as high as Class V. Featuring exciting turns, dips, and exhilarating surges, this experience should only be attempted by skilled whitewater boaters.

3. Peck’s Lake

kayaking near sedona arizona on pecks lake

For both a scenic and relaxing way to kayak Sedona or go canoeing in Sedona, AZ, Peck’s Lake is a wonderful option. Just 30 minutes southeast of downtown Sedona, Peck’s Lake can be found in the Tuzigoot National Monument. 

Here, you can feast your eyes on a well-preserved, thousand-year-old stone pueblo ruin built by the Sinagua tribe. It’s also one of the best places to view birds and other wildlife at the Tavasci Marsh.

2023 Update: After our most recent visit to Tuzigoot National Monument we were excited to check out Peck’s Lake and saw that the lake is no longer there. After further investigation, it seems as though the lake was a tributary of the Verde River and water is no longer being diverted to the lake. We’re unsure of why this is, but there is currently no water at Peck’s Lake.

4. Mormon Lake

mormon lake arizona with elk drinking water
Elk in Mormon Lake

If you want to experience an even easier Sedona kayaking adventure, check out Mormon Lake. It requires a slightly longer drive (about an hour and 15 minutes), but trust us, the journey is worth it! 

Just south of Flagstaff, it offers calm and shallow waters and is a great way to enjoy kayaking near Sedona, AZ. However, the water levels of the lake can change drastically depending on the season. Be sure to check the lake’s water levels prior to making the trip to Mormon Lake.

5. Dead Horse Ranch State Park 

lake at dead horse ranch state park

Want to combine camping in Sedona and kayaking in Sedona, Arizona into one? The spacious Dead Horse Ranch State Park provides easy access to hiking trails, playgrounds, lakes, and Camp Verde kayaking. 

The park features quiet and rustic cabins and three lagoons that are great for fishing, wildlife viewing, hiking, canoeing, paddle boarding, and kayaking.

Dead Horse State Park is only a short drive from Sedona and the airport in Sedona so you can easily spend a weekend here enjoying the park.

6. Watson Lake

kayaking on watson lake arizona with rock formations
Photo Credit: Photos by Clark

Just four miles north of Prescott, Watson Lake is a gem of a park, and a great option to kayak near Sedona. Families and solo travelers looking for a relaxing lake day can easily access the Granite Dells from here, sprinkling in some adventure through rock climbing and hiking. 

Although swimming is prohibited, you can still enjoy many other water activities like boating, fishing, canoeing, and, of course, kayaking.

7. Goldwater Lake

kayaking on goldwater lake in arizona
Photo Credit: Scottb211

Close in proximity to Watson Lake but smaller in size, Goldwater Lake offers no shortage of things to do. Just four miles from downtown Prescott, this 15-acre lake offers picnic facilities, hiking trails, kayak and canoe rentals, and just about every species of freshwater fish. 

Open year-round, it provides amazing views of the surrounding landscape which are the perfect backdrop for kayaking Sedona, Arizona.

8. Willow Lake 

willow lake arizona with rock formations in the distance
Photo Credit: Michael Wilson

Also, just a few miles from downtown Prescott, Willow Lake is a heavenly spot to bird watch, have a picnic, or enjoy canoeing in Sedona, AZ. 

A welcome alternative to kayaking the Sedona rivers, the lake’s 400 acres are perfect for hiking the Granite Dells, boating, fishing, and relaxing. While swimming is not permitted, canoes and kayaks may be rented at the lake.

The Best Sedona Kayaking Tours

Kayak Tour on the Verde River

kayaking on the verde river in arizona

🤩 Rating: 5/5 Stars (255 reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2.5 hours | 🚣 BOOK NOW

Experience the very best of Arizona’s scenic landscapes on this 2.5-hour immersive Kayak Tour on the Verde River. Considered one of the best small-group Sedona adventure tours, this beginner-friendly tour starts with a complimentary shuttle to the river at your chosen departure time. 

You’ll then grab your kayak (inflatable or hard) and safety gear to enjoy a relaxing 3.1-mile paddle while you admire lush scenery and gentle rapids.

2 Hours Water Wine Kayak Trip from Cottonwood

sedona kayak wine tour

🤩 Rating: 5/5 Stars (230 reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours | 🚣 BOOK NOW

Think a Sedona kayak wine tour sounds like a good time? You would be right. This 2 Hours Water Wine Kayak Trip from Cottonwood is the perfect blend of outdoor adventure and relaxation. 

The ultimate local Sedona kayaking wine tour, a leisurely kayak excursion is followed by a sommelier-led wine tasting in Arizona’s Verde Valley.

This Verde River wine tour is suitable for all abilities and includes $20 credit per person to spend at the winery on tastings, snacks, or gifts. It’s the ultimate way to enjoy a Verde River kayak and wine in one day – it’s a win-win!

PRIVATE Guided River Kayaking on the Verde River

kayak wine tour sedona

🤩 Rating: 5/5 Stars (39 reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours | 🚣 BOOK NOW

If you want a more customized option to kayak Sedona, Arizona, this Private Guided River kayaking on the Verde River from Cottonwood tour is for you. 

After departing from the assigned pick-up spot, you’ll select your kayak and safety gear and set off to enjoy an off-road adventure to the Verde River on a UTV.

After launching into the river, you’ll kayak to several stunning water holes along the route to cool off before returning to the starting point.

And on the way back to Sedona you can catch one of the best Sedona sunsets along the road from Cottonwood.

Kayaking Sedona Arizona FAQs

kayaking in sedona az
Can you kayak on the Verde River?

Absolutely! Most water activities are permitted on the Verde River, including kayaking. The most popular spot to enjoy kayaking is the 12-mile area from White Bridge to Beasley Flats. The 23 miles of the Verde River Flatwater section is also popular for kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, and swimming.

Is the Verde River safe to swim in?

The Verde River is generally safe to swim in at most points along its route. The water is extremely clean. In fact, it’s so clear that you can often see fish swimming at the bottom! The river also boasts numerous rope swings and swimming holes along the river that are perfect for cooling off on a hot Arizona day. 

What are the best kayaking tours in Sedona?

There are a number of local companies that offer guided kayak tours of Sedona’s surrounding lakes and rivers. A couple of the most highly-rated tours include the small group Kayak Tour on the Verde River by OAC Tours and the private 2 Hours Water to Wine tour by Sedona Adventure Tours.

Where can I launch a kayak on the Verde River?

There are 17 river access points along the Verde River from which you can launch a kayak. However, it’s best to check local weather and river conditions on the official Verde River website prior to selecting an access point. Some may include mild hazards and may have high-flow conditions. 

What class is the Verde River?

There are sections of the Verde River Scenic Area that are popular among white water rafting enthusiasts. Rapids in this area range from Class I to Class IV, and even Class V during flood season. Rafting groups are limited to 25 people or less in this area.

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