Kayaking the Salt River Foxtail Trip
Description
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.
Tour Options
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- 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
Reviews(2,834)
When I visit, I always go kayaking here; this was my 4th time, and it's the best experience for the value. The staff is always very friendly,
Fast and easy check in, clear direction and friendly staff! Everything you want out of an experience like this! The excursion lasted about 2 hours, well worth the money! There is something to be said about kayaking in a large river in the desert! Truly amazing!
Everything was just awesome! There was six of us and everyone had a blast. There was a good amount of swift water/rapids for a thrill and slower water to paddle and sit back and enjoy the scenery and wildlife. We did see wild horses on the sides of the river. Everyone at the Guest Ranch was very helpful and friendly. I would totally recommend! We all are hoping to get back out again soon!
Thank you for the fantastic review! We're so glad your whole group had such a great time on the river. It's awesome to hear you enjoyed the mix of fun rapids, relaxing stretches, beautiful scenery, and even got to see the wild horses! Thank you so much for the recommendation. We hope to welcome you back for another adventure soon!
Nice and pleasant experience. Everyone was welcoming and helpful. 10 out of 10, would definitely do it again with this company.
Thank you so much for the awesome review! We're happy you had such a great experience and that our team made you feel welcome from the start. Hearing that you'd give us a 10 out of 10 and would kayak with us again means a lot. We can't wait to have you back on the river for another adventure!
We loved this! A relaxing trip, with a couple of sections of swifter, bumpy water, but still very beginner friendly. I don't consider myself super athletic and hadn't kayaked in many years but managed it just fine. TONS of wildlife to be seen, and beautiful views. We saw several horses, species of birds, turtles, etc. The price was very fair. The trip is the perfect length (2.5 hours) for a hot sunny morning. The staff was extremely helpful and friendly. We'd totally do this again!
Thank you so much for the great review! We're happy to hear you had such a fun day on the river and that you found the trip relaxing, beginner-friendly, and just the right length. It sounds like you had an amazing day spotting the wild horses, birds, turtles, and all the beautiful scenery along the river! We're also happy to hear our team helped make your experience a great one. Thanks again for kayaking with us, we'd love to have you back for another trip!
Had such a good time! Everyone so helpful and nice. The ranch is a beautiful rustic oasis in the desert. Recommending this experience to everyone!
Thank you for your wonderful review! We're so happy you had such a great time on the river. It means so much to hear that you loved the ranch's rustic charm and that our team helped make your experience even better. We truly appreciate your support and hope to welcome you back for another paddle down the river soon!
Booking the “ Kayaking the Salt River Foxtail Trip” was the highlight of our family trip in mid June 2026. The staff, quality of customer service and attention to detail was amazing. The cool salt river was an amazing place to spend a hot day. Navigating the water was perfect for our family of 7 which included ages ranging from 12-65. The pre-ordered lunch was a great add-on and something I would highly recommend. The trip makes you hungry and the boxed lunches were delicious and included Fresh bread, delicious chicken salad, veggies homemade ranch, chips and fresh fruit!
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear your kayaking trip was the highlight of your family vacation and that you all had such a great time on the water. It’s also great to know you enjoyed the boxed lunches! They really do hit the spot after a day on the river! We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome your family back for another adventure soon.
It was beautiful and I saw a wild horse drinking but the end was very crowded. Go at earliest possible time offered.
Thank you so much for your review! We’re really happy to hear you had such a beautiful time on the Salt River and that you got to spot a wild horse along the way. We also really appreciate you sharing the tip about going early. That first stretch of the river can be so peaceful, and it’s great advice for getting the most relaxed experience before things get busier later in the day. We’d love to welcome you back again anytime!
This was one of the best vacation experiences I’ve had. The ranch was so cool and the first stretch of kayaking felt like a private river. There were a bunch of places to pull off to the side and get some swimming in. The staff were very friendly and flexible. Would definitely recommend this experience to any and all!
Thank you so much for this amazing review! We’re thrilled to hear this was one of your best vacation experiences and that you enjoyed the peaceful early stretch of the river. We truly appreciate the recommendation and hope to welcome you back for another paddle!
What a great way to experience the river and life around it. The crew were so nice and accommodating, loading and unloading the kayaks for us, plus the shuttle back to the ranch. I would do this again and recommend it to others. Great value and fun
Thank you for the wonderful review! We’re so glad you enjoyed your time on the river and had a great experience with our crew and shuttle service. We truly appreciate the recommendation and look forward to having you join us again soon!
