Kayaking Saguaro Lake: Scenic Wildlife Adventure

Embark on a scenic wildlife adventure with a guided kayaking tour of Saguaro Lake. Explore stunning desert cliffs, spot bald eagles and bighorn sheep, and enjoy the unique beauty of the Arizona desert.

Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Lake Saguaro - The meeting point is Butcher Jones Recreation Site, where the equipment and safety procedures will be reviewed.

From this location, the group will launch and paddle along the shoreline, crossing the lake to reach Willow Springs Canyon for a snack or lunch break.

The tour will conclude with a return to Butcher Jones Recreation Site.

What's Included
  • Bottled water included for your hydration needs
  • Essential kayaking gear provided: kayak, paddle, life jacket, and dry bag
  • Complimentary snacks to keep you energized
  • Free parking fees, no extra cost for your vehicle
What's Not Included
  • Private transportation
Additional Information

Whether seeking a refreshing day on the water to beat the summer heat or planning an outing on one of Arizona’s warm winter days, kayaking at Saguaro Lake provides breathtaking desert views with its cliff-lined shores, towering canyons, and abundant wildlife.
We specialize in small-group tours, ensuring every guest experiences a safe, relaxing, and…

Location
Butcher Jones Recreation Site
East Butcher Jones Beach Road
Guides will be located near the picnic tables wearing orange Riverbound Sports apparel. You must check in with your guide to receive your Tonto National Parks Day Pass for parking.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(25 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Wanderforever57
Mar 28, 2026
Beautiful kayak trip - What a great trip! Our family loved the Salt River kayak trip. It was beautiful and fun. We saw the wild horses, turtles, a bald eagle, and so much more. The day we went there were small rapids between beautiful stretches of calm water. Our guides Teri and Paul were wonderful. They told us what was coming and what to expect and pointed out all the wildlife along the way. We all agreed we’d do the trip again in a minute.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Schro18
Feb 23, 2026
Unbelievably amazing - The tour tour guys were amazing and so polite
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Emma_h
Feb 22, 2026
Best Kayaking trip ever! - This was an amazing time with Paul who was the greatest guide. A very personalized trip exploring the lake and its branches. The views were the best! If you are I. The area this is a must do! Let Paul show you all of the lakes beauties. Don’t miss out!
Review provided by Viator
Derek
Feb 16, 2026
Amazing - Great time 10/10 experience, Guides were amazing and kayaking on that beautiful lake was a blast. Shout out to Paul for staying behind after the tour to make sure me and my brothers uber arrived. He said “they always make sure everybody is good for they leave” that was greatly appreciated! Thank yall
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Z9645jztonis
Feb 10, 2026
Great way to spend a day - Paul our guide was so nice and made me feel comfortable right away. He was so enthusiastic about kayaking and makes me want to start kayaking more. He was so helpful with techniques and wonderful scenic tour information. He had great snacks and loved how he interacted with people we met along the way.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Getaway58128898753
Feb 4, 2026
Kayaking with Paul was awesome! - Paul was a terrific guide! The scenery was fantastic, the length of trip was perfect, and the level of instruction vs freedom to move was well balanced. Snacks and short hike were lovely as well.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Roxy613322
Nov 3, 2025
Wonderful - We had a wonderful time. Peaceful. Beautiful. The contrast of rock cliffs n water is simply amazing. I recommend this … for all levels of kayakers.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
777gretels
Oct 19, 2025
Outstanding morning on a beautiful lake! - What a surprise! Beautiful views, great instructor/guide, company very communicative with changing water levels. All around a wonderful morning.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Heidi
Oct 18, 2025
Beautiful day! - Beautiful day and good time with Paul our guide! We plan to go to Salt River next year. Loved the trip! Everyone in our group gave it 5 out of 5.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tammy_g
Sep 20, 2025
Fun on the Water - This was an awesome relaxing experience. Very appreciative tour was guided so didn’t have to try and navigate unknowns and orient self with unfamiliar territory. We would do this again. Morning tour was perfect as not too hot! Guide was awesome!! We will do this again!
Review provided by Viator
From $120
up to 12 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).