Southern Arizona has a few lakes that are good for kayaking: Patagonia Lake State Park, Pena Blanca, Parker Canyon Lake Roper Lake. My friend, Mj Jensen, has kayaked them all and recommends all of them. The following is her report from a lake near Prescott, technically not Baja Arizona.

My husband and I LOVE camping and kayaking around our beautiful State of Arizona. We have had the good fortune of kayaking approximately 28 lakes so far and it’s on our bucket list to kayak every lake (that we can find) in Arizona.

The amazing thing about lake kayaking is that we get to go to places that few get to see or experience. We also get to see wildlife, birds and fish that include Bald Eagles, Golden Eagles, Blue and Grey Heron, trout, cat fish as big as our boat (fish story) and many more too numerous to mention.

We have fallen in love with a lake just north the town of Prescott, Arizona called Watson Lake. It is nestled in the Granite Dells and is a spectacular setting. There are dozens of fingers that run off the main body of water and the rounded rocks are absolutely breathtaking!

Last weekend we were enjoying the kayaking and sight-seeing on Watson Lake and came upon this giant Grey Heron sunning himself on the rocks. We were able to paddle close to him as he slept. Then he noticed us. He was careful not to let us get too close and allowed us to venture only within about 10 feet of his position. Then he stood there as if to say, “Ok, you can take my picture now” and posed for the camera.

Kayaking is a fun family sport and it is a great way for my Honey and I to spend quality time together. Who gets to get up close and personal with a Grey Heron like this? We do!!

MJ Jensen
Chief Idea Officer
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Roper Lake Photograph Copyright © Arizona State Parks