(32) Kayaking Bartlett Lake, CaREFREE Photo by ellen barnes; models provided by Ford Robert black agency; car provided by az star cars

32 Kayaking Bartlett Lake CaREFREE
Cool rock formations and sandy beaches are just two reasons to paddle around Bartlett Lake, which sits 20 miles east of Carefree. The lake gets its water from the Verde River and, at peak capacity, can be 174 feet deep with a boatable surface area that’s larger than Canyon and Saguaro lakes combined. The Tonto National Forest scenery marches right up to the lake’s 33-mile-long shoreline, so it’s not such a bad thing to be up this creek without a paddle. While you’re there, keep it clean by remembering not to litter, and be aware that glass bottles aren’t allowed on the shoreline.
elevation: 1,800 feet
directions: From central Phoenix, take State Route 51 north to Loop 101 East. Take the Pima/Princess Road exit and head north to Cave Creek Road. Turn right and continue until you reach Bartlett Dam Road.
driving time: 1 hour (41 miles)
Hours: Open year-round
admission: $6 per vehicle, $15 for an annual pass
lodging: Camping at Rattlesnake Cove, which is closed to motorized watercraft. Trash service and toilets are available.
info: Stick to the lake’s north end early in the morning for ideal kayaking conditions. Call 480-595-300 or visit bartlettlake.com or fs.fed.us/r3/tonto/recreation/rec-boating-index.shtml.

33 Madera Canyon
Near Green Valley
Known for many rare bird species and fall color splashes from sycamores, cottonwoods and aspens, Madera Canyon makes for a nice autumn escape into the northwest face of the Santa Rita Mountains. A spring-fed stream and high canyon walls create a lush riparian setting for 200 species of birds, including the Elegant Trogon, Arizona Woodpecker and Whiskered Screech Owls. The canyon also has a well-maintained, extensive trail system.
Elevation: 5,000 to 5,500 feet
Directions: Take I-10 east to Tucson, then I-19 south. Turn east at the Continental exit 63. Follow signs to Whitehouse Canyon Road and onto the forest boundary, about 11 miles.
Driving Time: 2 hours, 16 minutes (136 miles)
Hours: Open year-round
Admission: $5 day-use fee
Lodging: Check room availability at these lodges:
chuparosainn.com, santaritalodge.com, maderakubo.com.
Info: fs.fed.us/r3/coronado/forest/recreation/camping/-
sites/Madera
Travel tip: Rooms at nearby lodges typically have kitchenettes.  Double-check this and pack food, because there are no restaurants in Madera Canyon.