Kayak the Lower Salt River

It's not an Arizona summer without time spent on the Salt River!  And there's no better way than by kayak.  Summertime on the Lower Salt is full of people, mostly in tubes and on SUP's.  Getting on the river in the early hours of the morning help avoid some of the crowds.

The best launch point by far is from Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch.  Launching from here allows you to get spectacular views of the Bulldog Cliffs, along with a little rapid right at the beginning.  Note that if you don't rent your kayaks from the ranch, there is a fee for launching your own kayak (you also can't use the return shuttle service, so make sure you stage a car at your end point!).

If you decide to launch from any of the other recreation along the Lower Salt River, you'll need to buy an $8 Tonto Pass.

Launching from Water Users - this is where most of the tubers launch from, so you'll have company.  Parking also gets packed (which is why I really recommend Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch... it's just so much easier!).

Where to get out - Phon D Sutton is the best spot (remember, if you didn't rent from Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch, you'll need to have your car staged here)!  If you rent through the ranch, you have your own exit where the shuttle picks you up.

Season runs May through October.

Rapids are Class 1, but mostly suuuper easy going. 

Things to Bring:

• PFD – it’s Arizona law (if you rent from the Ranch, they provide a PFD)
• Hat or visor 
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Towel 
• Dry bag 
• Water (no glass!)

• Snack

Launch from Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch (remember, either you rent or there's a launch fee): 33.562587,-111.534821

Launch from Water Users Recreation Area: 33.555518,-111.543833