Arizona Trailblazers Hiking Club
Kayaking Lake Pleasant Regional Park

when	Tuesday, January 17, 2023
where	Lake Pleasant Regional Park
the kayak	Lake Pleasant is a good-sized lake, with 11.7 square miles of surface area and 116 miles of shoreline. The Agua Fria River and the CAP canal are the two main sources of water for Lake Pleasant.     On our October, 2021, kayaking trip the lake level was down about 25 feet, due to large downstream releases for agriculture users. But on the January, 2022, kayaking trip, with large inflows from the CAP (Central Arizona Project) canal, the lake was almost up to full-pool level once again. Lake Pleasant is Arizona’s primary storage facility for Colorado River water.     This is an interesting and scenic part of the lake, with many things to explore, including Castle Creek and Goose Bay, with numerous small inlets, coves, and a number of small islands to check out.     We’ll pull into shore around 11:30 or so for a lunch and rest break and probably head back to the launch area afterward unless we decide to do some more exploring. Required: •  Life vest •  At least 2 liters of water •  Rain poncho •  Hat, sunblock, sunglasses Recommended: •  Lunch or snacks •  Camera
distance	5-6 miles RT
time	4-5 hours
EC	no elevation change
elevations	1,700 feet
type	Round Trip
starting at	Castle Creek Boat Ramp
rating	"C"     Rate yourself as a hiker.
dogs allowed	no
cost	$7/vehicle Lake Pleasant Regional Park entrance fee + $2 for the kayak. The Maricopa County Parks Pass is good for entry at any of the Lake Pleasant Entry Stations. However, you must still pay an additional $2 for your kayak. The club also allows voluntary contributions of $5/non-member.
weather	Lake Pleasant Regional Park
leader	You must email the leader to confirm.
meet	9:00 AM at Castle Creek Boat Ramp.
drive	•  From central Phoenix, take I-17 north to Carefree Highway (SR 74). • Exit onto Carefree Highway and travel west, past Lake Pleasant Bypass Road and N. Old Lake Pleasant Road, for 15 miles to Castle Hot Spring Road. • Turn right (north) onto Castle Hot Springs Road and continue driving north past the Lake Pleasant Access Road. • Keep driving north to a T intersection and turn right onto Castle Creek Drive. • Pay the $9/vehicle entry fee at the Lake Pleasant Entry Station and drive to the Castle Creek Boat Ramp. *note if pay station is closed, the self-serve pay station only takes cash. ** keep your receipt if going to Scorpion Bay Grill after kayaking. • We’ll drop our kayaks and gear off near the ramp and park in the nearby boat ramp parking lot. Restrooms are located here. • See Map.

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updated November 13, 2022	© Copyright 2022, Arizona Trailblazers.  All rights reserved.