Dip into desert lakes

CANYON LAKE
51 miles east of Phoenix.

• Canyon Lake Marina. Choose from kayaks, fishing and ski boats, and more. Boat rentals from $10 per hour. www.precisionmarine.biz or 480/986-0969.
• Dolly Steamboat tours. 12 and 2 daily; $16. www.dollysteamboat.com or 480/827-9144.
• Lakeside Restaurant & Cantina. $$; lunch daily, breakfast and dinner Sat-Sun. 480/288-8290.
• Tortilla Flat. $; breakfast, lunch, and early dinner daily. Two miles east of Canyon Lake on State 88; 480/984-1776.

APACHE LAKE
65 miles east of Phoenix.

• Apache Lake Marina and Resort. At the marina, choose between fishing and pontoon boats to rent (open daily; rentals from $10 per hour). The accommodations are motel-style and basic (from $65; two-night minimum on weekends and holidays); get burgers and sandwiches at the restaurant ($; breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily). 928/467-2511.

ROOSEVELT LAKE
80 miles east of Phoenix.

• Roosevelt Lake Visitor Center. Museum details natural history and dam construction. 7:45-4:30 daily; free. Milepost 243, State 188; 928/467-3200.
• Roosevelt Lake Marina. Rent fishing, pontoon, or ski boats. Rentals from $20 per hour (reservations required Mon-Thu). Milepost 243, State 188; www.azmarinas.com or 928/467-2245.

SAGUARO LAKE
41 miles east of Phoenix.

• Saguaro Lake Marina. Choose from fishing, pontoon, and ski boats. Rentals from $15 per hour. www.precisionmarine.biz or 480/986-0969.
• Desert Belle Paddleboat Tours. 12:30 and 2:30 daily in Apr, 5 p.m. Sat-Sun May-Sep; $13. www.saguarolake.net or 480/984-2425.
• Lakeshore Restaurant.$$; breakfast and lunch daily, dinner Wed-Sun. 480/984-5311.