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
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
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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
2,817 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
The whole package!
911nickis,Jun 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This experience is the whole package! It includes kayaks, parking, orientation, life jackets, and a ride back. Plus launch point is before any other place with a gorgeous peaceful start alongside the Bulldog Cliffs.
Morning on the lower salt river
kevinkN6083WO,Jun 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great day kayaking solo, went to experience to bring a group. Got some inside info from Mike. Saw some horses along the shore and various types of birds. All in all a great morning trip with beautiful views and the serenity of nature!
Don't hesitate to book it! Even if you've never kayaked before!
TimJ2237,Jun 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had never kayaked before, but we did awesome on the Salt River. We chose the more "difficult" paths with the most rapids, because we are crazy like that! We didn't tip a single time! Great experience all around. The staff were knowledgeable about the river. We got to see horses, fish, birds, etc.
It was awesome!
930mabelg,Jun 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The staff was really friendly and professional.
I would do this again!
W7432YQbrookec,Jun 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was amazing. Very easy to do as I was a beginner. We saw 8 wild horses getting a drink which was awesome. Lots of fish and birds too. Scenery couldn't get any better. I highly recommend it.
Great event - would highly recommend
margaretlM7342QK,Jun 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a wonderful morning, lots of birds, beautiful scenery and wild horses cooling off in the river. The event was well planned and organized. I was a bit worried about gnats (from a different river kayak experience) but it was a non-issue and all around lovely day.
Salt River kayaking
Travel323647,Jun 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00we managed to have a beautiful day, everything went well, instructions easy to understand. Able to travel/navigate the river on our own, on our own time. We spotted a couple river otters playing along the bank, we also got to see the wild horses. It was a nice trip, peaceful and beautiful.
Very enjoyable!
Cindy S,Jun 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Very well organized. We were on the water quickly and picked up efficiently after. Beautiful scenery, lots of wildlife.
Great time
Crista C,Jun 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was beautiful and a great experience we even saw wild horses in the river so beautiful. We did unguided tour and they gave clear directions
Second time was just as great!
Daniele1226,Jun 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We truly love this kayak trip! This trip was our second experience and it was just a great as the first time. Everyone from the start to finish is extremely friendly and helpful. The Salt River is beautiful with its natural surroundings and the best part of all is seeing the wild horses if you’re lucky enough. We saw a couple different herds this trip and both times were amazing. We also saw a river otter? We weren’t actually certain what species it was but it was a first time seeing one and it was swimming across the river in front of us about 50 yards or so. Lots of heron this time enjoying their morning fishing as well. We highly recommend the Fox Tail trip to anyone with an adventurous spirit!
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Operated by Saguaro Lake Ranch, Inc.