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
2,650 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Inspirational
P7101KZkatherineb,Apr 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent Awesome inspiring Fun
Perfect day. Staff was...
Deanna Y,Apr 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Perfect day! Staff was excellent. The views were gorgeous, and the river was very relaxing. We were able to see the wild horses, ducks, turtles, fish, and the illusive river otter!
Nice, relaxing, and picturesque kayaking on Salt River
Navigator146101,Apr 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very nice and relaxing kayaking on Salt River, with beautiful views of surrounding red rocks and saguaros, and some excitement with a few moderate white water stretches. Plus wild horses in the river! The staff was very nice and helpful. Everything well organized.
The perfect way to see the Wild Horses
Erin E,Apr 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Incredible adventure on the Salt River. Fun for the whole family, as you can take this adventure at your own pace.
Fun
John C,Apr 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was my second time dealing with this company. Can’t wait for the third, fourth, fifth, etc. Great time
Just do it!!
C3260XEtamarak,Apr 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Beautiful float People were very nice. It was a great time
One of my best days ever!
susanhB1388TQ,Apr 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Beautiful! Relaxing! Very well maintained.
Do this!
tscheblo,Mar 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Thoroughly enjoyed this kayak experience! Be sure to have sunscreen, hat, a water proof phone pouch, water and sunglasses. Parking is just past the cute cabins. Staff help you launch and will meet you at the end of the route for pick up. The mountains at the start are beautiful. We saw red wing blackbirds, ravens, a river otter, mallards, an egret, a white crane, red cardinal, a snake swimming as fast as he could away from us and caught a glimpse of the wild mustangs twice. I’m a novice and got caught hung up on rocks a couple of times. Highly recommend and would do this again.
Pleasant and positive...
David D,Mar 31, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Pleasant and positive experience. Better on a no wind day. Headwinds can slow progress. We really enjoyed it!
Great kayaking experience
michellewU501CC,Mar 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Awesome kayaking experience! Saw wild horses a long the way! The staff was so helpful.
From US$57.27
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Operated by Saguaro Lake Ranch, Inc.