City: Phoenix, AZ

Category: Parks & Recreation

Telephone: (480) 986-5546

Description: Saguaro Lake reservoir gets crowded on summer weekends, and it remains one of the most popular water sport draws in the Valley, especially with families in the Southeast Valley. There are two Forest Service boat-launch ramps on the north end of Saguaro Lake. You can come straight up and launch, park your land vehicle nearby, and take the boat on out. When coming from Mesa, the launch ramps can be reached by taking the turn off Bush Highway for the Sheriff’s Aid Station and the Saguaro Lake Marina. The lake is closed to parasailing (it’s just as well, since the surrounding mountains close off the lake from prevailing winds). Those with boats and personal watercraft should be considerate of water-skiers and kayakers. Boating maps are available at the Mesa District Ranger Station, 5140 E. Ingram St., Mesa (480-610-3300), and at the Tonto National Forest Office, 2324 E. McDowell Rd., Phoenix (602-225-5295). The entry fee is $6 per day, per vehicle, with $4 extra charged for watercraft.