Tempe Town Lake
4.7google
4.2(108)yelp
LakeBoating
Overview
Tempe Town Lake is an artificial perennial reservoir located just north of Tempe Butte at the confluence of the intermittent Salt River and the ephemeral Indian Bend Wash in Tempe, Arizona, United States. The reservoir receives most of its water from the Colorado River through the Central Arizona Project. On July 20, 2010, a portion of the west side of the dam that contained the water in the lake collapsed, sending a flood of water into the Salt River and draining the lake.
Practical Info
Suggested Duration1-2 hours
Best TimeThe cool season of October to April is most perfect. It's highly recommended to go at dusk sunset, when the sunset glow reflects on the calm giant lake surface, paired with the urban lights of the surrounding high-rises—an extremely romantic, modern atmosphere
Getting ThereLocated in the core of downtown Tempe. Take the Valley Metro Rail, get off at the Tempe Town Lake station, and walk one minute to arrive. Those driving can park free or paid in the public lot on the lake's north side
Travel Tips
- This is a giant man-made urban scenic lake in downtown Tempe, right next to the ASU main campus, spanning the Salt River channel and over 2 miles long—the core zone of local urban sports
- Both sides of the lake are paved with miles of perfectly smooth lakeside asphalt trail, very suitable for jogging and cycling
- The lake offers very abundant recreation facilities; visitors can rent kayaks, SUPs, or vintage swan boats at the marina to tour the lake
- The landmark spanning the lake—the Tempe Town Lake Pedestrian Bridge—has a very modern-artistic structure, extremely spectacular at night when it lights up with brilliant colorful LED neon lights
Reviews
Positive
- Having such a large, open, clean modern body of water in the heart of a dry desert city is such a delight! At dusk in the lake breeze, watching the light rail train slowly cross the historic iron bridge in the distance, it's very pleasant and relaxing
- A very lively place! ASU young people are everywhere exercising, boating, and walking dogs, full of youthful energy. There are many modern restaurants and bars nearby—a perfect photo spot for experiencing local chic urban life
Heads up
- Because it's a fully man-made urban river-channel lake, both banks are almost all modern concrete dams and high-rises, lacking some of the pristine wild charm of a purely natural wilderness lake; being in direct sun during the day is a bit hot and dry