A river runs through it
It's easy to forget just how much water Arizona gets from the indomitable Colorado River itself, pulsing along the north and west marches of the state. Since the river pools updam in four main areas - Lakes Powell, Mead, Mojave and Havasu/Parker, choices abound for fine wade-worthy beaches. There are also small, secluded coves waiting to be explored along the moving stretches of the Colorado itself.
Another inintended plus derives via cool temperatures from chilly waters released beneath the dams themselves. 48-degree water sure can cool your jets and make even beach-lounging appealing again.
These recommendations start along the Utah/Arizona border and wind slowly downstream.
Lake Powell
This most massive of man-man Arizona lakes offers more shoreline than the entire California coast. A two-hour drive north of Flagstaff reveals a paradise of teal waters and red sand beaches, surrounded by high sandstone cliffs. Glen Canyon, beloved sanctuary of John Wesley Powell, was drowned when the Glen Canyon Dam cut off the natural flow of the Colorado in 1962. You may love it, you may revile it, but everyone agrees that the lake is still a majestic and enjoyable destination.
The water temperature reaches mid-70's in the summer. Once you have established that no underwater obstacles pose a danger, diving from rocks and cliffs along the shore is fun (be safe - go feet first to start.)
There is a public swimming beach just north of Wahweap Marina, a plethora of secluded coves at Hall's Crossing and another beach near Bullfrog Marina. Kayaking and swimming are popular lake activity from the Antelope Canyon launching ramp (launch fee), or head to Utah's free launch site at Big Water, near Page.
Water skiing , beneath the plunging cliff walls, is permitted in most places on the lake. You can rent ski equipment from any of the boat rental outfitters. Or rent kneeboards, wakeboards and ski tubes. Pontoon boats, speedboats, jet skis and houseboats can be rented at the various marinas.
For official National Recreation Area information, see http://www.nps.gov/glca/whwp.htm, or call (702) 293-8990.
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