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Located just 30 minutes from the outskirts of Phoenix, AZ lies a 10,000 acre desert oasis known as Pleasant Lake Regional Park. This expansive body of water serves as a great opportunity to beat the heat of the central Arizona sun, while taking in the beauty of the vivid blue waters and surrounding desert landscape.
Water sports remain the main draw of Pleasant Lake. With a large marina, two boat launching points and several lake access points, it's easy to find your way into the pleasantly cool waters. Boat and jetski rentals are available, as well as multiple sites for both RV and tent camping. These campsites can be found at both the Roadrunner and Desert Tortoise Campgrounds.
Three pedestrian trails exist within the park rated for easy and moderate hiking. These include the Honeymoon Trail (1.9 miles,easy), the Pipeline Canyon Trail (2.0 miles, moderate), and the Roadrunner Trail (0.8 miles, easy).
High temperatures are common in the area and special consideration should be taken in the summer months when temperatures are at their peak. Always pack sunscreen or a beach umbrella, and enough water for each person in your group.
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Explore Lake Pleasant, AZ
This is a nice lake close to Phoenix. The weekends are very busy with lots of boaters.
Explore Lake Pleasant, AZ
Great lake, not too far outside of Phoenix. Great spot for kayaking :)
Explore Lake Pleasant, AZ
The pipeline connector TRAIL was very nice and we saw three donkeys. We brought my 7 year old daughter and 3 year old niece and they loved it.
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
Hike the Wild Burro Trail
Hike along the shoreline of beautiful Lake Pleasant. This 4.0 mile out-and-back trail is worth its weight in beautiful views. The path is well maintained and perfect for beginner hikers who enjoy leisurely hikes while looking for wild burros. The Wild Burro trail starts with a small descent from across from Desert Tortoise Road. Hike 0.5 miles and you will come upon a small parking lot with res...
Hike the Pipeline Canyon Trail
Starting at a little below 2,000 feet this hike takes about two hours out and back over a two-mile stretch. There is a parking lot with bathrooms at either end.For those with small members of your hiking party and two vehicles you could easily leave a car at either end of the trail. There are also lots of options to extend the hike and take add a more strenuous extension.
Yavapai Point Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near New River, Arizona.
Experiencing Castle Hot Springs
The grounds of this location are absolutely incredible – food is amazing, and the hot springs are magical.  Each hot spring boasts its own naturally occurring hybrid mix of minerals, which vary from place to place depending on the geology of the area. For the storied history of this location and the hot springs, read more here. Note that you do have to make a decent trek on a pretty road, s...
Hiking in Hells Canyon Wilderness
Spanning 9,951 acres of backcountry a few miles northwest of Lake Pleasant and about 25  miles north of Phoenix, Hells Canyon Wilderness area offers a quick way to escape into an untamed swath of desert that’s more paradise than purgatory.I have to say, this entire trail is 36.3 miles (and is technically an OHV road), but if you’re staying at Castle Hot Springs, the first portion of this hike i...
Located in north Phoenix, the Deem Hills recreation area features a dog park, playground, soccer field, and trailhead leading into the neighboring hills.   To begin your hike, get around the dog park by starting at the Circumference trailhead on the north side of the parking lot.  To complete the circumference loop counter-clockwise, take a right at the first fork in the trail.  The path climb...