Things to do in Canyon Lake

    Discover amazing Canyon Lake activities and premium in-home experiences.

    Cradled by rolling Texas Hill Country and hugged by sapphire-blue waters, Canyon Lake is a tranquil hideaway where the breeze carries whispers of limestone cliffs and sun-soaked afternoons. Here, life slows down to the rhythm of lapping waves and cicada song—a place where golden hours linger just a little bit longer over shimmering shores. Whether you’re basking beneath endless skies or winding along cedar-framed roads, Canyon Lake invites you to unwind in nature’s gentle embrace.

    Popular Activities in Canyon Lake

    Canyon Lake Kayak and Paddleboard Rentals – 2 Hours

    Explore Canyon Lake at your own pace with quality kayaks and paddleboards

    5.0 280 reviews

    Scenic Nature Cruise on Canyon Lake

    Spot desert wildlife and towering cliffs on a 1.5-hour narrated cruise

    4.8 2K reviews
    $19/ person

    Twilight Dinner Cruise on Canyon Lake

    Enjoy a 2-hour twilight dinner cruise with buffet and canyon views

    4.8 2K reviews
    $27/ person
    Sunset Desert Horseback Ride in Mesa, AZ

    Sunset Desert Horseback Ride in Mesa, AZ

    Experience a scenic 1.5-hour ride through beautiful desert landscapes at sunset.

    4.9 526 reviews
    $125/ rider

    1.5-Hour Desert Horseback Ride in Tonto National Forest

    Enjoy guided desert trails and panoramic views in Tonto National Forest

    4.9 526 reviews
    $105/ person

    Axis T23 Wakeboat Rental

    23' Surf boat perfect for beginners and pros

    4.9 87 reviews

    2025 Sea-Doo Spark 3up Jet Ski Rental

    Quick, agile 3-person jet skis perfect for adventure seekers

    4.9 87 reviews

    4-Hour Can-Am X3 Turbo UTV Rental

    Start riding in 5 minutes—no trailering required

    5.0 1 reviews
    $529/ utv

    UTV Rental - 8 Hours

    Drive straight to the trails, 5 minutes away, no trailering required

    5.0 1 reviews
    $705/ UTV

    Lagoon Level 1: Learn to Surf

    Get pre-surf coaching and 1 hour in the lagoon—ideal for first-time surfers

    4.9 59 reviews
    $136/ surfer

    South Mountain Petroglyphs with Local Guide

    Explore South Mountain landmarks, rock tunnels, and ancient petroglyphs with a guide

    5.0 411 reviews
    $120/ person

    Scottsdale Sunrise Hike: Customizable Terrain

    Experience a customizable sunrise hike tailored to your pace and terrain preferences.

    5.0 411 reviews
    $102/ person

    Sonoran Sunset Hike with Panoramic Valley Views

    Ascend desert trails for panoramic valley views while enjoying Arizona's legendary sunset.

    5.0 411 reviews
    $102/ person

    Scottsdale Desert Guided Hike in McDowell Mtns

    Hike the McDowell Mountains with a certified guide and enjoy sweeping Sonoran Desert vistas.

    5.0 411 reviews
    $102/ person

    Family Fun Guided Hike in the Sonoran Desert

    Private family hike with expert guides in the Sonoran Desert

    5.0 411 reviews
    $67/ person

    2-Hour Guided Hike in the Sonoran Desert

    Tailor the route to your pace on a guided Sonoran Desert hike with snacks and drinks included

    5.0 411 reviews
    $102/ person

    Scottsdale Bachelorette Party Guided Hike

    Celebrate your bride-to-be with a private guided hike led by local experts through the Sonoran Desert

    5.0 411 reviews
    $102/ person

    Epic Camelback Mountain Guided Hike

    Summit Phoenix's highest peak with a guide in 3–4 hours, ages 10+

    5.0 411 reviews
    $137/ person

    Private Mountain Bike Tour with Pro Guide

    Explore Sonoran Desert trails with a pro guide, quality bikes and gear included

    5.0 274 reviews
    $167/ person

    Polaris Razor 4-Seater Rental in Scottsdale

    Rent a Polaris Razor 2017 for 24 hours and explore trails with up to four people.

    5.0 8 reviews
    $500/ day

    Scottsdale and Tempe Bike Tour with Hole in the Rock Hike

    Ride 10–12 miles through parks and Tempe Town Lake, then hike Hole in the Rock with a guide

    Echo Canyon E-Bike and Hike Tour

    Ride premium e-bikes to Camelback’s Echo Canyon, then enjoy a short hike with sweeping desert views

    4.9 1.7K reviews
    $167/ person

    Two-Hour Off-Road UTV Tour in Tonto National Forest

    Drive a Honda Talon across desert trails with guide support and Tonto Forest views

    5.0 4K reviews
    $235/ UTV
    Bachelor and Bachelorette Bus Rental in Scottsdale

    Bachelor and Bachelorette Bus Rental in Scottsdale

    Customize your route for bars and restaurants with room for up to 15 guests

    5.0 10 reviews

    Guided Kayak or SUP Tour on Saguaro Lake

    Paddle 3–4 miles with a guide and discover canyon walls, saguaro cacti, and desert wildlife

    Inflatable Paddleboard Rental in Tempe

    Pick up a quality inflatable paddleboard with paddle, pump, and PFD for easy lake or river paddling

    $46/ paddleboard

    Single Hard-Sided Kayak Rental

    Pick up a hard-sided kayak in Tempe and explore local lakes and rivers all day.

    $46/ kayak

    Float Tube Rental for Lakes and Rivers

    Pick up an easy-to-transport float tube with pump and PFD for a full day on lakes or the Salt River

    $23/ tube

    Kokopelli Packraft Rentals

    Rent a lightweight Kokopelli packraft with paddle, pump, and PFD for lakes or rivers

    $46/ packraft

    Old Town Scottsdale Party Cart 4-Hour Bar Crawl

    Design a VIP bar crawl with a party cart captain in Old Town Scottsdale

    Old Town Scottsdale Stretch Limo Golf Cart Tour

    See Old Town landmarks in a comfy stretch golf cart with a guide—fun, easy, and great for all ages

    Fat Tire E-Bike Rental in Scottsdale

    Explore Scottsdale’s Greenbelt and Old Town at your pace with helmets, water, and route tips included

    $67/ bike

    Scottsdale Greenbelt Fat Tire E-Bike Tour

    See Scottsdale, Phoenix, and Tempe in 2.5 hours on easy fat tire e-bikes

    $67/ guest

    Old Town Scottsdale Segway Tour: 2 Hours

    Glide through Old Town Scottsdale by Segway with training and a local guide—no experience needed

    Scottsdale Sunsets & City Lights Segway Tour

    Glide through Old Town as desert skies glow and city lights sparkle

    $67/ guest

    Haunted Jails, Rails and Grave Tales Tour

    Explore Phoenix's haunted past with ghost hunting at jails, courthouses, and Union Station

    4.9 201 reviews
    $8,554

    Phoenix History, Mystery and Ghosts Tour

    Discover downtown Phoenix history, hauntings, and hands-on paranormal gear

    4.9 201 reviews

    One Hour Kayak or SUP Rental

    Choose a beginner-friendly kayak or SUP for a stable 1-hour paddle

    Gettysburg History and Haunts Family-Friendly Ghost Tour

    Explore Gettysburg's most haunted sites on an all-ages evening walk that's wheelchair and pet friendly

    5.0 1 reviews
    $11/ person

    Gettysburg Ghost Hunt Tour With Ghost Hunting Equipment

    Join an evening ghost hunt with gear and guidance included

    5.0 1 reviews
    $21/ person

    Explore the Wonders of Canyon Lake

    Canyon Lake is a hidden gem where the Texas Hill Country's rolling hills meet sparkling waters, creating a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and relaxation seekers alike. Known for its clear blue waters and lush surroundings, this destination offers an escape from the hustle and bustle with activities that invite you to soak in nature’s beauty. The lake itself is perfect for boating, fishing, or simply lounging on one of its many beaches under the warm Texas sun.

    Begin your adventure by exploring the Guadalupe River, which snakes through scenic landscapes ideal for tubing or kayaking. As you float along gentle currents, you'll be enveloped by towering cypress trees and serenaded by birdsong—a tranquil experience unique to Canyon Lake. For those who prefer land-based pursuits, hiking trails abound at nearby Overlook Park and Comal Park. These paths offer panoramic views that are especially breathtaking during sunrise or sunset when golden light dances across the water.

    Canyon Lake isn't just about natural beauty; it also boasts charming local culture. Visit small-town shops offering handcrafted goods or enjoy live music at a lakeside venue as stars twinkle overhead. Whether you're seeking adrenaline-pumping water sports or peaceful moments surrounded by nature's splendor, Canyon Lake promises memorable experiences that linger long after your visit ends.

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