Kayaking the Salt River Foxtail Trip
Overview
2 hours
Mobile ticket
Starting at Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch, you and your group will kayak UNGUIDED down a scenic five mile stretch of river as it moves it's way through the Tonto National Forest. Participants often witness wild horses, birds and other wildlife that cool off in the river during the summer months.
We have the special privilege of being the only kayak rental company located right on the Salt River, so our trips launch directly from our site. Each reservation includes a kayak (or with advance request a paddleboard), paddle, PFD/personal flotation device and return shuttle to starting site.
This is an UNGUIDED kayaking experience. While this is primarily a scenic float there are sections of swift water and kayakers often tip out – so be prepared to get wet.
Additional Info
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Minimum age is 12 years & 4'6" tall
Maximum weight is kayak/275 lbs & paddleboard/260 lbs.
NO double kayaks/only singles
Not recommended for participants who do not know how to swim.
Participant must be comfortable with an UNGUIDED river excursion. While this is primarily a scenic float, there are sections of swift water and kayakers often tip out - so be prepared to get wet.
Must sign a waiver prior to arrival. Waiver link email will be sent to you after booking, please call if you do not receive the email.
Dress to be in the heat and to get wet!
Service animals or pets are not allowed on kayaks for the safety of the animal
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your scheduled trip time. Upon arrival, you’ll check in, confirm that your waivers are on file, and prepare your belongings. You should be receiving two emails from Saguaro Lake Ranch. The first email is the Booking Confirmation with a link to your Reservation Portal. From there, you can sign your waiver, find directions to the meeting location and watch the Orientation Video. The second email will be the Waiver email. Water, sunscreen, and dry bags are available for purchase on-site. Your paddling equipment will be provided at this time. A mandatory Orientation Video must be watched prior to ariival or launching. This includes basic paddling instruction, river safety guidelines, and an overview of the Salt River’s geography. Your group will launch directly into the Salt River from our on-site access point. Enjoy your paddle! Trip concludes approximately 2 Hours After Launch. Your trip will end at the Foxtail Administration Site, where a shuttle will meet you to return you and your gear to Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch.
What‘s Included
Single sit on top Kayak or Paddleboard, Life Jacket, Paddle (No Double Kayaks Available)
No Guide Provided
Hotel pick-up and drop off not included
Gratuities Not Included
Options
LAUNCH TIME
Reviews
2,710 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Senior's Kayaking
47dianar,Apr 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I appreciate the help from the young Men that helped us get on the River and off the River. My Friends and I are all 70 years old so getting in and out of the Kayaks can be a bit challenging. We have been Kayaking here for years now and we appreciate the improvements with new Kayaks, Umbrellas and picnic tables in waiting area and most of all the instructional Video! We have not visited you since last Spring so the Video was a good refresher course. My Husband almost drown once when he fell in and his PFD came up over his face and he panicked. I was glad to see the instruction of adjusting your PFD in the Video and our Instructor made sure we were all fitted properly.
Amazing experience for the whole family!
Jasmin S,Apr 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great experience for the whole family. Wild horse amazing. View beautiful. 2 hours felt like 5 min. Would def do this trip again.
Amazing Kayaking Experience
sheila s,Apr 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Beautiful river and amazing scenery. Easy ride even for a novice. Highly recommend. Easy access to river and easy pick up when done.
Keep paddling through the...
Barbara C,Apr 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Keep paddling through the rapids!!! And watch the instructional video The staff are wonderful- so helpful either way the lifejackets
Great time.
A2696PAscottn,Apr 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very easy for beginners - welcoming staff - healthy and enjoyable experience.
A perfect ride down the Salt River
BarbaraNEBR,Apr 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The river was perfect. I did this excursion on two different days. The current is calm so picture taking was a breeze. The entire process from check-in to shuttle pick up was spot on! Very friendly tour operators, equipment was well maintained and everyone was very friendly. I would highly recommend this trip. Look out for the horses enjoying the cool waters.
You'll love it.
willowj747,Apr 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I love it here, ive gone twice now and cant wait to go back, thinking I'll do a longer trip, its a decent price in my opinion, a great experience overall. The staff is super nice and when ive gone the river isnt too packed so thats nice as well. Love seeing the wild horses here.
Absolutely amazing experience
751diamondh,Apr 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Literally had the BEST time! 10/10 experience for my brother and our college friends. 6 miles of beautiful scenery and even though you’re booked for 2 hours, we took 3.5 because we were just enjoying it all. I’ll absolutely be back!
Friendly staff
jsangelhow,Apr 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The staff was super friendly and helpful. The river and scenery was beautiful! There was even a video to watch with helpful hints before floating. I would highly recommend this adventure.
A Fun Trip
Yeenaber,Apr 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This is a great kayak trip on the lower Salt River. The operator gave us good directions and instructions, their boats are comfortable and the 2-hour length of the trip is just right. The current is strong enough to move you along at a good speed and there are enough fast water segments to keep it interesting. As a plus, you are almost guaranteed to see a herd of wild horses at some point on the route.
From US$57.27
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
Related Experiences
Operated by Saguaro Lake Ranch, Inc.