Paddle 5 miles of the Lower Salt River at your own pace
Approximately 2 Hours
Kayak, shuttle, PFD
Launch on an un-guided 5-mile paddle along the Lower Salt River after a pre-launch orientation. Navigate independently while helping preserve the river's quiet atmosphere.
Receive a full refund with at least 24 hours' notice. With less than 24 hours' notice, no refund is available; one reschedule may be available, with a $10 per-ticket fee. No refunds or rescheduling are available after the trip start time.
Product ID: JYMQWS
Bring a hat, sunscreen, a large reusable water bottle, water shoes, snacks, and a small or medium backpack or reusable bag with straps. Use a waterproof pouch for your phone and keys, and secure your bag to the kayak's bungee straps.
Keep music off until you reach the first public recreation site, about 30 minutes into your Salt River kayak trip.
Bring your own transportation if possible. The ranch is in a remote location, and rideshare pickup after the trip may be difficult.
Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch, 13020 N. Bush Highway, Mesa, AZ 85215
We absolutely loved our stay at Saguaro Lake Ranch, Cabin 8. This is one of those places where the setting really is the experience. Waking up surrounded by the mountains, seeing the horses just steps away, spending the afternoon by the pool, kayaking on the lake at sunset, and then coming back to swim under the moon made the whole stay feel incredibly special. The scenery is spectacular. The mountains seem to change color throughout the day, and sunset along the river was absolutely gorgeous. We loved how peaceful and tucked away the ranch feels while still having plenty to do. Kayaking was a highlight, but honestly, some of our favorite moments were simply sitting outside and taking in the view. Cabin 8 had exactly the rustic ranch charm we were hoping for, and we would absolutely stay here again. The only things keeping it from being completely perfect are that the air conditioning could use an upgrade, especially during the Arizona heat, and the bathroom could use some updating. Neither would stop us from returning, but improving those two things would really elevate the cabins while still keeping their wonderful historic character. If you’re looking for polished resort luxury, this probably isn’t why you come here. You come for the horses, the water, the mountains, the quiet, the sunsets and the feeling that you’ve escaped somewhere completely different for a few days. Saguaro Lake Ranch is a little Arizona treasure, and Cabin 8 gave us a trip we’ll remember for a long time. We can’t wait to come back.
Tina Underwood
August 25, 2026
We absolutely loved our stay at Saguaro Lake Ranch, Cabin 8. This is one of those places where the setting really is the experience. Waking up surrounded by the mountains, seeing the horses just steps away, spending the afternoon by the pool, kayaking on the lake at sunset, and then coming back to swim under the moon made the whole stay feel incredibly special. The scenery is spectacular. The mountains seem to change color throughout the day, and sunset along the river was absolutely gorgeous. We loved how peaceful and tucked away the ranch feels while still having plenty to do. Kayaking was a highlight, but honestly, some of our favorite moments were simply sitting outside and taking in the view. Cabin 8 had exactly the rustic ranch charm we were hoping for, and we would absolutely stay here again. The only things keeping it from being completely perfect are that the air conditioning could use an upgrade, especially during the Arizona heat, and the bathroom could use some updating. Neither would stop us from returning, but improving those two things would really elevate the cabins while still keeping their wonderful historic character. If you’re looking for polished resort luxury, this probably isn’t why you come here. You come for the horses, the water, the mountains, the quiet, the sunsets and the feeling that you’ve escaped somewhere completely different for a few days. Saguaro Lake Ranch is a little Arizona treasure, and Cabin 8 gave us a trip we’ll remember for a long time. We can’t wait to come back.
Tina Underwood
August 25, 2026
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