Kayaking the Salt River Foxtail Trip in Phoenix
Phoenix, United States

Kayaking the Salt River Foxtail Trip

Outty Ranking 92 4.9 · 2,844 traveler reviews2 hoursFrom $5790+ Club

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September 2026

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Adults

Age 13 and over

2

Children

Age 12 and under

0

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From, per person$57
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Outty Ranking

92/100

90+ Club. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.9/5

Based on 2,844 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Kayaking the Salt River Foxtail Trip worth booking?

Kayaking the Salt River Foxtail Trip is a 2-hour experience in Phoenix, United States, from $57 per person. It scores 92 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “90+ Club, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 2,844 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing. It sits in the Outty 90+ Club, the top tier of everything we rank.

Outty Ranking
92 / 100
Rating
4.9/5 (2,844)
Duration
2 hours
From
$57 per person

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

What you get

    About this experience

    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

    Included

    • Single sit on top Kayak or Paddleboard, Life Jacket, Paddle (No Double Kayaks Available)

    Not included

    • No Guide Provided
    • Hotel pick-up and drop off not included
    • Gratuities Not Included

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Phoenix

    Your launch time is the time we leave. Please plan to ARRIVE FIFTEEN MINUTES or more BEFORE YOUR TIME to complete the check-in process. Waivers are required to be signed prior to and verified on arrival before parking passes and wristbands are given for your trip departure.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    Your launch time is the time we leave. Please plan to ARRIVE FIFTEEN MINUTES or more BEFORE YOUR TIME to complete the check-in process. Waivers are required to be signed prior to and verified on arrival before parking passes and wristbands are given for your trip departure.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 13 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Saguaro Lake Ranch, Inc.

    Know before you go

    • 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

    Photos

    Launching from Saguaro Lake RanchGoing around the Cliffs.Kayaking the Salt River Foxtail Trip in Phoenix, photo 4Kayaking the Salt River Foxtail Trip in Phoenix, photo 5Kayaking the Salt River Foxtail Trip in Phoenix, photo 6Kayaking the Salt River Foxtail Trip in Phoenix, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 2,843 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Value for money

    2 mentions

    Travelers feel they got more than they paid for.

    Traveler reviews

    2,843 verified traveler reviews for Kayaking the Salt River Foxtail Trip. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    2,657
    4 star
    125
    3 star
    26
    2 star
    16
    1 star
    19
    Sort
    Penny_B · August 2026

    Fantastic Experience!

    Prepare to have fun and enjoy the beautiful and peaceful surroundings! Be sure to bring a waterproof case for your phone and other valuables.

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for the wonderful review! We’re so happy to hear you had such a fantastic time kayaking the river and enjoyed the beautiful surroundings. We really appreciate you coming along and sharing your experience. We hope you’ll join us on the river again soon!

    via Viator

    Geneva_S · August 2026

    1st time Kayaking

    My husband and I went together and had a really great time. We had never kayaked before and were a little nervous that it was self guided but it was absolutely fine. My husband fell in the water 3 times so make sure you wear clothes you don’t mind getting wet! Property is beautiful to see as well. I will say I’d recommend going earlier in the day because there’s a lot of people tubing on the weekends

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for sharing your experience! We’re thrilled to hear you both had such a great time, especially for your first time kayaking. It sounds like your husband got the full river experience with those three unexpected swims! We’re also glad you enjoyed the beautiful scenery around the ranch. Thanks again for joining us! We hope to see you both back on the river for another paddle soon!

    via Viator

    Rachelle_A · August 2026

    Kayaking Salt River

    My 13 year old son and I enjoyed a peaceful morning kayak. It was a great way to start our day and beat the summer heat. It was picturesque and super easy to follow the directions. My son was hoping for more rapids, but he did spot an otter, fish, birds, and a few wild horses.

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for the great review! We’re so glad you and your son got to spend a peaceful morning on the river together and saw so much wildlife along the way! Hopefully your son will get his fill of rapids on a future adventure! Thanks again for paddling with us!

    via Viator

    U6016VYsandrah · July 2026

    Perfectly awesome

    Enjoyed the kayaking very much! I was terrified as I cannot swim and panicked a bit when I found out they do no have kayaks built for two people! I made it and actually did quite well navigating just like the video said to do. Would recommend for any newbie!!

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for the awesome review! We’re so glad you gave kayaking a try, even with those initial nerves! We love hearing that the trip was a great experience for a first-time kayaker. Hope to see you back on the river again soon!

    via Tripadvisor

    Rochelle_M · July 2026

    A Must!

    We totally loved our kayaking trip and highly recommend it to others. We are a family of 4 with 2 teenagers and no prior kayaking experience (only paddle boarding). The safety video was a bit intense and made my husband nervous, but once on the river all was good. We went on a Sunday and parts of the river were packed with tubers and paddle boarders making it challenging to navigate around, but still doable. Luckily we saw 3 wild horses right at the end of our journey. Amazing!!

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your thoughtful review! We're so happy to hear your family had such a great first kayaking experience with us. We know the safety video can feel a bit intimidating, but we're glad it helped prepare you and that you felt comfortable once you were out on the river. Sundays can definitely be a little busier, especially during the summer, but we're happy to hear you were still able to enjoy the scenery. Seeing three wild horses at the end of your trip is such a great way to finish the adventure! We really appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome your family back for another paddle in the future!

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    2 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $57 to $64
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    995
    Verdict
    90+ Club

    Why this scores 92

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)93
    Review evidence (18% weight)100
    Booking momentum (14% weight)100
    Value for money (12% weight)92
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)60
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Kayaking the Salt River Foxtail Trip: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Phoenix.

    How much does Kayaking the Salt River Foxtail Trip cost?

    +

    Prices start at $57 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Phoenix usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Kayaking the Salt River Foxtail Trip take?

    +

    Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Phoenix is not rushed.

    Is Kayaking the Salt River Foxtail Trip worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 92 out of 100, which we label "90+ Club". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 2,844 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Phoenix, and how flexible the cancellation terms are. Scoring 90 or above puts it in the Outty 90+ Club, the top tier of everything we rank.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Kayaking the Salt River Foxtail Trip?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Kayaking the Salt River Foxtail Trip suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Kayaking the Salt River Foxtail Trip?

    +

    Around 995 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Phoenix can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Phoenix and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Kayaking the Salt River Foxtail Trip start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Phoenix within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Phoenix?

    +

    Phoenix runs on desert experiences: sunrise hot air balloon lifts over the Sonoran, Camelback and South Mountain hikes, off-road Tonto Forest tours and day trips to Sedona and the Grand Canyon. Heat safety and start times decide whether a tour is good, so we weight timing detail in the ranking. On Outty we rank every Phoenix experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Small-Group or Private Grand Canyon with Sedona Tour from Phoenix, Grand Canyon with Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon Van Tour, Ancient Ruins Tour - Guided Arizona Desert Tour by UTV. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Phoenix?

    +

    November to April. Summer tours run at dawn or not at all. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Phoenix?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

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