Lake Pleasant

Lake Pleasant, one of the most beautiful lakes in Arizona, supplies water to a large portion of the western Phoenix valley. Although the reservoir has a practical use, it also acts as a focal point for water enjoyment in the northwest region of Phoenix. Here, people enjoy boating, windsurfing, jet skiing, and scuba diving.

On the 11 square miles of the lake, there are two annual events: Bill Luke Bass Days, a carnival-like gathering with exhibitors, food, and live music, and Lake Pleasant Paddle Days, where kayakers and paddle boarders congregate to mingle and show their talents.

Nearby are some remains of the Hohokam civilization, who relied on the Agua Fria River to irrigate their fields and support their little hamlet. The Agua Fria River feeds into Lake Pleasant. A quick hike will get you to the summit of Indian Mesa, where the ruins are located. You'll see a lot of pottery-related items lying about; just be sure to treat them with care and leave them alone.

A popular destination for recreation, Lake Pleasant Regional Park is well-known for its excellent boating and fishing. The lake is home to a variety of fish species, including tilapia, sunfish, crappie, and white bass.

Location: Peoria, AZ