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

4.90

2,613 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

2442

117

Such a beautiful location!!! Loved every minute
mellocke,
Nov 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
What an oasis at the ranch and salt river kayak trip! Reasonable and loved every minute! Can’t wait till next trip for another and do the horseback ride as well! Highly recommended! Pay attention to their rules they are experts on the river.
A MUST DO ADVENTURE
jodieb231,
Nov 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Such a wonderful way to enjoy another part of Arizona. The guides who got us prepared for our self guided kayaking outing were funny yet made sure we were safe and had the eduction we needed prior to our adventure. The views were epic, the nature sights were beautiful. It was refreshing and relaxing at the same time! I will do it again!
Beautiful kayaking trip
Garry W,
Nov 12, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Beautiful kayaking trip. A little rapids to make it fun. Mostly nice and relaxing. Will do it again.
Everything was great!
jimmE6707BX,
Nov 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Everything was great! Loved the nature and the service. Highly recommended! Would come again next season! Make sure you secure your belongings in the kayak!
Bring sunscreen and...
Lisa F,
Nov 11, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Bring sunscreen and water. And wear clothes you’re OK to get a little wet. And then be ready for a gorgeous view and to see some lovely wildlife
Highly recommend and great value. Gorgeous trip!
55kennyi,
Nov 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Best kayaking experience I’ve had. Easy to book, arrived and within 15 minutes we were on the river paddling. Gorgeous area, varied terrain and views. Shuttle picked us up and brought us back to our car. Highly recommend! Great value.
Love it
Jedibeeds,
Nov 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Communications prior by email was very good with a video what to expect. Staff on site were friendly and helpful. Not our first time doing it ( and not the last). Beautiful scenery with bonus seeing the wild horses.
Overall good experience
C1340WKjenniferm,
Nov 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00
Peaceful and relaxing trip, launching the kayaks was great. Staff very helpful and explained what to expect. When we exited the river staff was not helpful. I would recommend this trip and would go ahead. Be prepared to pull your own kayak from river and exit river on own.
Kayaking on the Salt River
daharneck62,
Nov 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This is the second time we did this trip and loved it! Early November was a great time to visit. Everyone at Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch are so friendly and they treated us so well. The shuttle driver who picked us up at the end was such a nice guy! We will definitely be returning! We highly recommend them!
Peaceful kayak trip on the Salt River
Go08501814871,
Nov 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Great 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.