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‘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
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.
Options
LAUNCH TIME
Reviews
2,604 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Peaceful kayak trip on the Salt River
Go08501814871,
Nov 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great relaxing trip. Scenery was great and the hosts were friendly and professional. I was a solo traveler and was able to accompany the other two participants on the trip. The water was mostly calm with just a few stretches of faster water.
Relaxing and serene
J7490DDvickil,
Nov 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Awesome, relaxing float down the river. Very peaceful and quiet. Didn’t get to see any wildlife but trip was still great
Nature is Glorious!
amil550,
Nov 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a beautiful way to spend a day in glorious nature. The photos are real. It is THAT beautiful. And when the Salt River horses show up on the edge of the river just to say, "hi, welcome to our home!", that's it! The perfect day.
Salt River Foxtail Kayaking Trip is wonderful!
Exploration347661,
Nov 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We've been coming to Saguaro Lake Ranch as a family for many years now, and finally tried the kayaking last year. Now the Foxtail unguided kayak trip down the Lower Salt River is a regular activity for us when we visit the ranch. There's always something new to discover on the river. So far we've seen eagles, river otters, wild horses, herons, great egrets, and lots of jumping fish. Also some wild fellow kayakers ;-) It's a beautiful experience, no matter whether the river is running high (a bit more exciting with the small rapids) or low (more leisurely and relaxing). Either is doable for beginning kayakers or those who are more advanced. I highly recommend both the Ranch and the Foxtail Kayaking trip!
Gorgeous setting, peaceful yet exciting at the same time, kayak trip.
lucylY6477FV,
Nov 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Peaceful, amazing experience on the river. My husband and I loved the speed of the river, the views are stunning and it was a perfect day. We are experienced kayakers, but this is perfect for beginners on up. Some fun "rapids" ok....not rapids - but fun spots to zoom through and get splashed a bit - very refreshing. I'd do this again in a heartbeat.
Wonderful easy going kayaking trip
glennr1,
Oct 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a wonderful trip on the salt River kayaking for a couple of hours. The staff were excellent. The weather was beautiful. We saw quite a few birds and enjoyed this experience very much. Would highly recommend if you enjoy the outdoors. This is very much a beginner kayaking experience no rapids easy to navigate And pretty relaxing
Beautiful area
kimlF1648FW,
Oct 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00We launched with 3 very loud people and sound does carry on the water. We didn’t see any wild horses. When we got back we were told where they usually are. That would have been nice to know before we left.
It was beautiful scenery....
VIRGINIA H,
Oct 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00It was beautiful scenery. We would do it again. Saw some wildlife. No horses unfortunately. Overall great kayak experience.
Great Experience
Kerri d,
Oct 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We had 6 of us kayaking. You launch right from their place and they pick you up at the end and bring you back. The equipment was in good condition and everything went great! We would go again!
Amazing experience! Great Bang for your Buck!
kathytT2949IH,
Oct 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Such a scenic and peaceful trip down the Salt River. We did this trip in late October and were a little worried about the lower water levels and weather it would be too much paddling, but it was absolutely perfect and the scenery, especially at the very beginning, was magical. We weren't lucky enough to see any wild horses drinking from the river but did spot a few different species of birds. Was the perfect ending to our trip and would do it again in a heartbeat!
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Operated by Saguaro Lake Ranch, Inc.