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
2,762 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Perfect Experience! Definitely recommend
Erin A,May 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Workers were fabulous and they guys were super funny! The as a first time kayaker, the river was perfect blend of small rapids and peaceful smooth water. The only problem is that time went too fast!!! Will definitely do this again!!
My granddaughter thought that we should go kayaking and I’m so glad that we did. It was such a beautiful experience and
Lupe H,May 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I’ve never done this before and the staff was extremely helpful and very friendly. I can’t wait to go back again
Absolutely breathtaking seeing the scenery and wild horses.
jameel2021,May 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was absolutely beautiful. It took us about two hours to float down the river. We saw a wild horses a couple times. We were about 3/4 into our trip when we started to see them. I believe it cost about $52 a person for this trip. There were a few birds and we saw fish jumping out of the water. The landscape was breathtaking. We took the left forks so we could have a more adventure ride, but it wasn’t too scary. Just a few rapids. One was a little more rocky, but none of us tipped out. I definitely would do this again.
Just a fun day
heathercS8648EE,May 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00lovely day on the Salt River. Everything went smoothly and everyone was super friendly.
Perfect Kayak Float
kenBurl,May 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00great experience. Fascinating easy float down the river. Saw more than 20 wild horses
Horse Heaven
Voyager04724459237,May 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our friends have done this excursion a couple times now...they love it. And we love it too! This trip was our first time kayaking down the Salt River. The Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch was fantastic. Well organized and very customer focused. Absolutely beautiful. Can't wait to do this again. And as a bonus we were lucky enough to see lots of the wild horses.
Great kayak down the Salt River
137brentonl,May 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The kayak trip down the Salt River was fantastic. Very peaceful on Tuesday or Wednesday and a lot of tubers having fun on Saturday. Will be back again.
Wonderful experience. Excellent service. Highly recommend it 👌
Rene A,May 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Excellent service and wonderful experience 👏 😀 👍 I recommend it to everyone to take advantage of this wonderful experience
Great family trip
heathereF3959VK,May 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a great family trip! Thanks for a great trip
Great time and perfect views
D1485KWkimberlyl,May 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had a great time with amazing views
From US$57.27
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Operated by Saguaro Lake Ranch, Inc.