Good places for open water swims ?

Originally posted by Bunsbert Montcroff

here is a great resource that lists all the local swims in the valley and further afield:

http://watergirl.co/content/open-water-swimming-arizona

there is actually a race at lake pleasant next weekend:

http://www.azopenwater.com

and finally, there is a closed group on facebook called "az open water swimming" where you can meet up with folks to swim.

Originally posted by sksharp

Rattlesnake Cove at Bartlett Lake is a good swim spot because there are "no boat" buoys keeping the boats out. The lake level is the highest in years so there isn't much of a hike to the shore. You need to buy a Tonto pass to hang on your rear view mirror. They can be had for $6.00 each at Circle Ks, Big Five stores or if you're planning on swimming a lot you can get an annual pass online. There are a lot of groups that swim there, some during the week and some on the weekends. You can also tackle the hills on your bike after swimming if you're jonesing for a kickass brick workout.

Saguaro's Butcher Jones is another swim spot with "no boat" buoys. It's pretty weedy right now. Think Arizona kelp. If you end up in them just keep swimming. If you're not swimming with a wetsuit the weeds may scratch you up a bit depending on how thick they are. Keyhole is another popular swim spot but I've never swam there. I don't know if boats are kept away. A Tonto pass is required there too.

Canyon lake has a couple of spots but I don't remember their names. One is in a no boat area. This is another swim spot that I haven't visited yet. I think you need a Tonto pass there too.

A friend and I explored a swim spot at Lake Pleasant near the northern 4 lane boat ramp, near Fireman's Cove. That was a few weeks ago. They're drawing the lake level down early this year so I'm not sure it isn't high and dry by now. The thing about Lake Pleasant is it is probably the most popular lake for boat traffic. I don't know if there are any no boat zones there. No Tonto pass required but there is a $6.00 gate fee for the day.

The facebook page is the best place to learn when and where folks are swimming. Hope to see you at one of the lakes someday.

Good swimming

Originally posted by Tri Fit

I love swimming at Canyon Lake. I think it's Boulder cove??? It's the right turn just before the 2nd bridge, when you approach the marina. Quiet cove blocked by the marina...no motor traffic at all. On the weekends you'll see a lot of people out there during the summer training for IM. You need a Tonto pass, as mentioned previously. I always feel really safe out there.

Originally posted by Tri Fit

I love swimming at Canyon Lake. I think it's Boulder cove??? It's the right turn just before the 2nd bridge, when you approach the marina. Quiet cove blocked by the marina...no motor traffic at all. On the weekends you'll see a lot of people out there during the summer training for IM. You need a Tonto pass, as mentioned previously. I always feel really safe out there.

Originally posted by booth22



This is our choice as well. nice long stretch of open water without boats to worry about makes it great for IM training.

And I'll pass on Saguaro- http://www.azcentral.com/news/arizona/free/20130531arizona-swimmers...

Originally posted by sksharp

Last summer I made the mistake of trying to use the "bathroom" at Butcher Jones. Inside, the walls, the seat and me were instantly covered in flys. They were EVERYPLACE. The stuff of nightmares! I thought I was in a Stephen King movie.