Recreation
Limited in area, the 0.32 percent of Arizona's surface covered by lakes, rivers and streams includes some of the state's most popular recreational spots. Two out of three Arizonans visit water-based recreation areas at least once per year. Destinations range from large lakes along the Colorado River to small mountain and canyon streams. Closer to home, water is enjoyed in some 190,000 backyard pools and numerous water parks.
Water-based recreation also attracts visitors to Arizona. Of the 25 million tourists visiting the state annually, more than half flock to places along the Colorado River, such as Lake Mead, Lake Powell, and Lake Havasu, helping to create a state-wide tourism industry that employs 100,000.
These lakes, actually reservoirs behind dams, are used by the state's 150,000 boat owners, 325,000 anglers, and countless swimmers, water skiers and windsurfers. Because these reservoirs are operated for multiple purposes, including flood control, wa ter supply and power generation, conflicts increasingly arise over the way some dams are operated.
Recreation along rivers and streams includes fishing, bird watching, canoeing, rafting, tubing and hiking. Oak Creek, the San Pedro River and Aravaipa Canyon are well known for their scenic beauty and are enjoyed by swimmers and hikers. Portions of the Salt River and the Verde River are popular for rafting, tubing and canoeing. More remote streams like West Clear Creek and the Blue River are accessible only to backpackers.
Issues Summary