5-Star Rating Recommendation
From
US $365Per Person
Choose Date
Kayak the Salt River Foxtail Trip - Water-Based Adventure Near Downtown Phoenix, Phoenix
Launch from Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch for an UNGUIDED five-mile kayak trip through the scenic corridor of the Tonto National Forest, where you and your group can float past desert landscapes and often spot wild horses, birds and other wildlife cooling off in the river; we’re the only kayak rental company located right on the Salt River, so trips depart directly from our site and each reservation includes a kayak (or a paddleboard with advance request), paddle, PFD/personal flotation device and a return shuttle to the starting site - this primarily scenic float does include sections of swift water and kayakers often tip out, so be prepared to get wet - whether you’re planning this as a day activity from Phoenix or arranging an event from Downtown Phoenix, this hands-on outdoor nature experience is easy to book and ideal for groups looking for a Water-Based adventure.
About this activity in Downtown Phoenix
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Highlights
- Launch directly from Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch on the Salt River for a scenic 5-mile unguided kayak float through Tonto National Forest near Phoenix.
- Spot wild horses, birds and other wildlife cooling off along the river for true Arizona nature and wildlife viewing.
- Enjoy an all-inclusive rental-single sit-on-top kayak or paddleboard (by request), paddle, life jacket and return shuttle to the launch site.
- Experience a primarily relaxed float with occasional swift-water sections, an ideal mix of calm sightseeing and light adventure.
Important Information
- This is an UNGUIDED trip-you must be comfortable navigating an unguided river excursion and able to swim; kayakers often tip out, so expect to get wet.
- Minimum age is 12 and 4'6" tall; maximum weight limits apply (kayak 275 lbs, paddleboard 260 lbs); only single kayaks are available.
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers, those with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health; participants should have at least moderate fitness.
- You’ll receive a waiver link after booking that must be signed prior to arrival; service animals and pets are not allowed on kayaks for safety.
Meeting Point
Meet at the Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch kayak launch on the Salt River (Tonto National Forest). Arrive ready to check in and sign your waiver if not completed, dressed to be in the heat and to get wet; return shuttle to the starting site is included.
Includes
- You'll receive a single sit-on-top kayak or a paddleboard for your session in Downtown Phoenix waters.
- A properly fitted life jacket is provided so you can enjoy the float safely.
- You’ll get a paddle; double kayaks are not available, only single kayaks and boards.
Excludes
- No guide is provided-this is an unguided river excursion in the Phoenix area.
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off are not included; plan your own transport to the launch site.
- Gratuities for staff are not included in the booking price.
Other
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries; prioritize your health when booking in this destination.
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health; you should be fit enough for moderate exertion here.
- You should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness to participate in this unguided float.
- Minimum age is 12 years and minimum height is 4'6"; confirm all participants meet these limits.
- Maximum weight limits: kayak 275 lbs; paddleboard 260 lbs-these limits ensure safe use of equipment.
- No double kayaks are offered - only single kayaks and paddleboards are available.
- Not recommended for participants who do not know how to swim; be prepared for the possibility of tipping out on the river.
- You must be comfortable with an unguided river excursion-while mostly scenic, there are sections of swift water and you may get wet.
- You must sign a waiver prior to arrival; a waiver link will be emailed after booking-call if you do not receive it.
- Dress to be in the heat and to get wet-plan clothing accordingly for the Phoenix climate.
- Service animals or pets are not allowed on kayaks for the safety of the animal.
Customer Reviews
10/10
Based on 10 Reviews
Summary:
Nice paddle - some calm water and some easy moving water - not rapids, but fun , fast water! Good for beginners.
Read More
Summary:
Friendly workers, great views long a trip very worth the money. Really enjoyed that it was self guided
Read More
Summary:
This was a great experience. The scenery is beautiful and the river had just the right amount of calm water and rapids. The staff were very friendly and helpful.
Read More
Other Popular Activities in Downtown Phoenix
Explore top attractions and memorable experiences, including iconic observation decks and family-friendly activities.
406 activities found
5-Star Rating Recommendation
From
US $99Per Person
5-Star Rating Recommendation
From
US $75Per Person
5-Star Rating Recommendation
From
US $650Per Person
5-Star Rating Recommendation
From
US $45Per Person
5-Star Rating Recommendation
From
US $34Per Person
5-Star Rating Recommendation
From
US $48Per Person
Explore Downtown Phoenix: Book Your Art, Food, Tours and Events
Downtown Phoenix in Phoenix, Arizona puts you steps from vibrant art and culture, chef-driven food and drink, and dynamic shows and entertainment that make it an ideal hub for booking Events and activities; you'll find immersive galleries, lively tasting rooms, and performance venues all within easy reach. In this destination you can mix guided tours and sightseeing with outdoor urban adventures, family-friendly experiences, and engaging workshops and learning opportunities to build a tailored multi-day or single-event itinerary. Use Varoom to discover and book the best local venues and Services here, so you can focus on the experience while we handle the details.
House
10.0(186 Reviews)
1 Bedroom
1 Bath
2 Guests
750 ft²
Parking
Balcony/Terrace
Kitchen
Air Conditioner
US $143/Night
7 Nights - US $1,003
Apartment
10.0(6 Reviews)
18 Bedrooms
7 Baths
24 Guests
764.24 ft²
- Air Conditioner
Internet
Wheelchair Accessible
Accessibility
US $266/Night
7 Nights - US $1,865
House
10.0(2 Reviews)
1 Bedroom
1 Bath
4 Guests
Private Pool- Parking
Pool
Spa
US $354/Night
7 Nights - US $2,475
House
10.0(126 Reviews)
1 Bedroom
1 Bath
2 Guests
365 ft²
- Parking
- Pool
Ocean View- Balcony/Terrace
US $142/Night
7 Nights - US $995
Know more about Downtown Phoenix
You launch right from Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch onto the Salt River for an unguided five-mile float through the Tonto National Forest. Because we’re the only kayak rental company located on the river, you avoid long transfers and spend more time paddling scenic riverbanks and watching wildlife.
The trip is primarily a scenic float but requires at least a moderate level of physical fitness. There are sections of swift water where kayakers often tip out, so you should be comfortable getting wet and able to handle basic paddling and re-boarding.
Yes. The minimum age is 12 and minimum height is 4'6". Maximum weight limits are 275 lbs for kayaks and 260 lbs for paddleboards. The experience is not recommended for pregnant travelers, people with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health, or those who do not know how to swim. You must sign a waiver prior to arrival.
Your reservation includes a single sit-on-top kayak (or paddleboard with advance request), a paddle, a personal flotation device (PFD), and a return shuttle to the starting site-everything you need for the unguided float down the Salt River.
You often spot wild horses, a variety of birds, and other wildlife that come to cool off in the river during the summer months while you float through the Tonto National Forest.
This is an unguided experience-no guide is provided-and hotel pick-up and drop-off are not included. A return shuttle to the starting site is provided after your five-mile float. For cancellation details and other booking policies, please refer to the policies listed earlier on the page.