Group Jet Ski Rental Near Canyon Lake: How to Plan the Group Day at Saguaro Lake While Canyon Is Closed
You cannot ride jet skis on Canyon Lake right now. Tonto National Forest closed the lake, the marina, and the ramps on September 8, 2026 for the Salt River Project dam safety drawdown, and the closure order runs through February 28, 2027 unless it is lifted early. Groups are riding Saguaro Lake instead, with Sea-Doo Spark 3UP jet skis from Wave and Ridge picked up in Apache Junction, about 30 to 35 minutes from the Saguaro ramp.
If your group had its heart set on Canyon Lake, the good news is that the plan barely changes. Same shop, same skis, a different ramp. Here is how to plan the group day at Saguaro, step by step.
Last checked: Sep 28, 2026.
| Quick facts | |
|---|---|
| Canyon Lake | Closed since Sep 8, 2026. Forest Service order runs through Feb 28, 2027 unless lifted early. |
| Where to ride | Saguaro Lake, open and not part of the drawdown |
| Jet ski | Sea-Doo Spark 3UP, 2 to 3 riders, 495 lb max combined |
| Ages | 21+ to rent, 16+ to operate |
| Pickup | 724 E Scenic St, Apache Junction (pickup only) |
| Rates | See pricing |
Step 1: Know where Canyon Lake stands
Canyon Lake has been closed since September 8, 2026. The Tonto National Forest closure order covers the lake, the marina, all boat ramps, and the lakebed, and it runs through February 28, 2027 unless it is rescinded sooner. SRP and the Bureau of Reclamation are lowering the lake about 54 feet for inspections and maintenance, and SRP described the project as roughly 16 weeks of work starting September 16. SRP has not published a firm reopening date, so we are not promising one either. The Apache Trail (SR 88) stays open.
The full timeline is in our Canyon Lake closure update, and the Canyon Lake page has background on the lake itself.
Step 2: Move the group plan to Saguaro Lake
Saguaro Lake is a separate reservoir, it is not part of the drawdown, and it is open, with more open water to spread a group out. You still pick up at the same Apache Junction shop, and it is about 30 to 35 minutes from the shop to the Saguaro ramp. Our Canyon Lake vs Saguaro Lake comparison and the Saguaro Lake boat rentals page cover the lake in more detail.
Step 3: Size the group
Each Sea-Doo Spark 3UP carries two to three riders, up to 495 pounds combined. Divide your headcount by two or three to get a rough ski count, and plan to rotate riders so everyone gets time at the handlebars. A group of six can ride two or three skis. A group of nine can ride three skis at three riders each, or take turns on fewer skis.
How many skis are open depends on your date, so ask us when you book, or text us your headcount first.
Step 4: Line up your renter and operators
- The person renting must be 21 or older.
- Every operator must be 16 or older.
- Arizona does not require a boating license. See our boating license guide.
- Riders under 12 wear a life jacket at all times, and minors need a waiver signed by a parent or guardian.
- Every participant signs a liability waiver.
Whether one renter can sign for several skis or you need a renter per ski is something to confirm for your group, so ask us when you book.
Step 5: Sort out towing and the Tonto Pass
Wave and Ridge is pickup only. We do not deliver to the lake or meet you at the ramp, so your group tows the skis on their trailers. We hitch you up and walk you through launching before you leave. If you are taking more than one ski, ask us when you book how the trailers and tow vehicles work for your group. The towing info page covers the basics, and a U-Haul location near the shop rents pickups if you need one.
Saguaro requires a Tonto Pass. Sort it out ahead of time with our Tonto Pass guide.
Step 6: Book and plan to launch early
Reserve through Booking Central. The shop is open Monday through Saturday, 7 AM to 7 PM, and closed Sunday. On most weekends and holidays from April through October, Saguaro reaches boating capacity early and boats get turned away, so a group should aim for an early launch. Our Saguaro arrival guide has the timing. Plan to be at the shop about an hour before your start time for hookup, life jackets, and the safety orientation.
Step 7: Run the group day
- Orientation for every operator. Life jackets and a safety orientation come with every ski. Have anyone who will drive listen in.
- Pick a home base. Choose a cove or beach spot where riders swap and everyone regroups.
- Rotate on a schedule. Short turns keep the whole group riding instead of waiting.
- Keep it simple on drinks. Operators stay sober. No glass, which is also a Tonto National Forest rule at Saguaro.
- Watch the weather. If storms are forecast, contact us before launch and we will reschedule at no charge.
- Return full. Skis go out with a full tank and come back full. Fuel is not included.
New to jet skis? Read our first-time jet ski rental guide, renting jet skis at Saguaro Lake, and the Saguaro jet ski day plan.
Step 8: Keep an eye on the Canyon Lake reopening
The Tonto National Forest alerts page and SRP's drawdown updates are the official places to check for a change in Canyon Lake's status. We will update our closure post when the status changes. Until then, plan every group water day for Saguaro. If you want the canyon scenery in the meantime, the Apache Trail is still open for a drive. See the Apache Trail page.
FAQ
Is Canyon Lake open for jet skis?
No. Canyon Lake has been closed since September 8, 2026, and the Forest Service closure order runs through February 28, 2027 unless it is lifted early. No firm reopening date has been published.
Can we still rent jet skis from Apache Junction?
Yes. Pick up at 724 E Scenic St in Apache Junction and tow to Saguaro Lake, about 30 to 35 minutes away.
How many people fit on one jet ski?
Two to three riders, up to 495 pounds combined, on a Sea-Doo Spark 3UP.
Do we need a boating license?
No. Arizona does not require one. The renter must be 21 or older and every operator 16 or older.
Is the Apache Trail open?
Yes. The Apache Trail (SR 88) stays open during the Canyon Lake closure.
What does a group jet ski day cost?
Current rates are on the pricing page and the jet ski rentals page.
Next step
Count your riders, confirm a 21-plus renter and 16-plus operators, and plan the day for Saguaro Lake. Then book your skis, or text us your headcount first.