If you’re planning a trip to Phoenix, Arizona, you won’t want to miss this unique experience to Kayak Salt River. The Salt River stands out as a favorite spot for kayakers, paddle boarders, and tubers – especially during the warmer months. With its picturesque views and abundant wildlife, the Salt River is an absolute must when you’re in Phoenix.
On my recent trip to Phoenix, I loved Salt River so much that I actually went twice in the same weekend. First, I went kayaking with a group, and then I floated the river with some friends. I didn’t know what to expect, but I can say it exceeded all expectations. Surrounded by breathtaking scenery and spotting two large groups of wild horses made for an unforgettable experience.
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Everything you need to know before kayaking Salt River
Planning a Day Trip
Don’t have time to read the whole article? No worries! This is the best kayak tour you can book in Phoenix.
When you think of Arizona you probably don’t think of water, but Arizona has so much diversity in its landscapes and it’s truly incredible.The Salt River offers occasional rapids and breathtaking desert landscapes. You can choose to float or paddle – I did both and they are such unique experiences.
If you want to book a kayaking trip on your own, it’s definitely possible. But you will need to plan where you’ll enter and exit the river and ideally you’ll have a car at each location to make it easier. You’ll also need to bring a kayak, paddle, life jacket, and all the essentials.
I found it easier to take a group tour with Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch. They provide self guided tours and kayaks which is nice so you can go at your own pace. It took about 2 hours to paddle and we went about 6 miles.
The rapids are a level 1 – so nothing major, but if you’re a first timer or an inexperienced kayaker, I’d highly suggest booking a tour instead of navigating solo.
When to Visit Salt River
The best time to kayak the Salt River is generally April through October. I would also suggest early morning on a weekday – we went around 8am. It’s more peaceful, you’ll avoid the crowds and the heat, and increase your chances of seeing the wild horses. When I went tubing, it was a weekend in June and it was a completely different vibe. During the summer months, the Salt River is a popular spot for college students so you’ll see large groups, loud music, and it’ll be much more crowded. It’s still an equally fun time – it just depends on what you’re looking for.
What to Expect Kayaking the Salt River
If you book with Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch, they handle everything for you. You show up the morning of your tour and get a short safety course prior to them sending you on your way.
I’ve kayaked multiple times so I felt pretty comfortable, but I have never kayaked on a river. Apparently a river is a bit different than a lake as you have moving water which creates a handful of rapids. Learning about the rapids made me a little nervous but they are usually Class 1 with a few of them being Class 2 depending on the flow of the water.
There are multiple locations where the river splits and our guide directed us on which turns to take in order to avoid the stronger rapids. I felt comfortable the entire time and now i’m thinking I might need to go white water rafting.
The area has about 300 wild horses. I knew it was possible to spot them along the Salt River, but I also knew there was no guarantee. I have a friend that’s been multiple times and has still yet to see the horses. When we turned the corner, I was stoked to see a large group of them drinking water. There was another large group a few miles down. You float right by them and they aren’t phased by the kayakers whatsoever. It’s a pretty magical experience.
What to Bring on a Salt River Kayak Trip
- Water shoes or sandals to navigate the riverbanks comfortably (this is helpful if you fall in, which you likely wont)
- Sunscreen – this is one of my favorite brands and I love that it’s reef safe
- Hat and sunglasses to protect yourself from the desert sun
- Pack plenty of water and a snack to stay hydrated and energized. Always pick up your trash and leave no trace
- Bring a waterproof case or waterproof camera to capture the stunning moments along the way
Looking for more things to do? Check out some of the best tours in Phoenix
If you have any questions about your trip, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I’m always happy to help.
Please note this post may contain affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
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