Kayaking the Salt River Foxtail Trip
Overview
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.
What's Included
- Single sit on top Kayak or Paddleboard, Life Jacket, Paddle (No Double Kayaks Available)
- Hotel pick-up and drop off not included
- Gratuities Not Included
- No Guide Provided
Meeting Location
13020 North Bush Highway
Mesa, AZ 85215, USA
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Please arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled trip time. Upon arrival, you’ll check in, and we’ll confirm that your waivers are on file and that you have watched the mandatory orientation video.
Before your trip, you should receive a confirmation email from Saguaro Lake Ranch. In that email, you’ll find links to SIGN YOUR WAIVER, FIND DIRECTIONS to the meeting location, and WATCH THE ORIENTATION VIDEO. Please complete these steps before arriving at the ranch.
The mandatory Orientation Video must be watched before arrival or launching. It includes basic paddling instruction, river safety guidelines, and an overview of the Salt River, including where to exit for your shuttle back to the ranch.
Your group will launch directly into the Salt River from our on-site access point. The trip takes approximately 2 hours after launching and concludes at the Foxtail Administration Site, where a shuttle will meet you and return you and your gear to Saguaro Lake Ranch.
*Water, sunscreen, and dry bags are available for purchase on-site.
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- 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
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 13 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (11)
Q: Are there any weight restrictions for kayaking?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
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Activity code: C-67701P1
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Average 4.91 out of 5 stars based on 2,866 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and partner sites such as Trustpilot, Viator, and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (11)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Destinations customers.
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The maximum weight capacity for kayaking is 340 lbs / 154 kg.
Nov 2021No experience is necessary! Beginners are welcome on all of our kayak tours. Most of our guests have never been in a sea kayak before. Anyone in average physical condition may join a kayak tour. If you can hike or bike, you can paddle our sea kayaks. You do not need any swimming skills either.
The only prerequisite is a healthy spirit of curiosity and adventure.
Regardless of age or skill level you will find that our expeditions offer enough flexibility to make your experience with us safe and rewarding. We will show you proper sea kayaking technique and water safety before leaving the beach. And your expert guides will be with you throughout the adventure to give you pointers and improve your skills.
Sep 2022Your safety is Cool Destinations’s number one concern. In general, sea kayaking is safer than most other outdoor pursuits, even bicycling.
Jan 2023If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.
Feb 2023- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (MST).
- Single sit on top Kayak or Paddleboard, Life Jacket, Paddle (No Double Kayaks Available).
- Hotel pick-up and drop off not included.
- Gratuities Not Included.
- No Guide Provided.
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025The minimum age to participate is 12..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Kayaking the Salt River Foxtail Trip is as follows:
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Kayaking the Salt River Foxtail Trip will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Destinations. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024What's Included
- Single sit on top Kayak or Paddleboard, Life Jacket, Paddle (No Double Kayaks Available)
- Hotel pick-up and drop off not included
- Gratuities Not Included
- No Guide Provided
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- 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
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 13 travelers
- Operated by a business
