Which is your favorite? Arizona's lakes and rivers

If triple digit temperatures have you longing for an escape to the water, instead of the usual trip west to the beach, think about staying in Arizona.

The July issue of Arizona Highways Magazine gives you some inspiration, focusing on the state's most scenic lakes and rivers.  

Editor in Chief, Robert Stieve, shares a few highlights from the magazine.  

The Colorado River stretches for more than 500 miles through Arizona, and offers many opportunities for recreation. Lake Powell in the northern part of the state is a great area to rent a houseboat, and further south you can ride the rapids on a whitewater rafting trip with spectacular views.  

Hawley Lake is one of the White Mountains' coolest spots, at 8,200 feet in elevation this 300 acre lake in east central Arizona is surrounded by three national forests, making it the perfect place to escape from it all. There are plenty of activities to keep you busy, in the winter ice fishing and snowshoeing are popular, while the sail boating, canoeing, kayaking and camping are great in the breezy months of spring.

Lynx Lake, sits just a few miles southeast of Prescott in the Bradshaw mountains. The 55 acre lake sits at 5,500 feet elevation and attracts 125,000 visitors every year. It also features a 2-mile perimeter hiking loop, boating, fishing, and camping.

The Virgin River is a tributary of the Colorado River surrounded by scenic cliffs and canyons. After heavy rains, the Virgin River plunges through a major gorge, offering a challenging ride to kayakers and rafters. The recreation area also offers a developed campground and picnic area, two wilderness areas and 2 hiking trails.

Nestled in the hills near Nogales in the southern part of the state, Patagonia Lake has a no wake zone for quiet paddling and fishing and a separate area for speedboats. On your trip you can also plan a few extra stops at nearby Tombstone and Kartchner Caverns.  

The July issue of Arizona Highways featuring more than 20 of the state's lakes, rivers and streams that offer escape from the summer's heat is on newsstands now. Or subscribe at www.arizonahighways.com .

Back by popular demand, a limited number of the February Centennial collectors issue will be reintroduced to newsstands on July 3, so you'll want to hurry and get a copy.