Kayak Tour Information
What to Expect
Our experienced guides will lead you on a family-friendly journey tailored for those seeking a memorable outdoor experience paddling our Sonoran Desert landscapes. Offering a unique opportunity to explore the waters of one of the beautiful lakes within the Salt River chain, surrounded by the majestic saguaro cacti and stunning desert scenery.
Experience the Desert from the water. Our kayaking adventure will take paddlers from a beach launch along a rugged shoreline and canyon walls to Willow Springs Canyon.
Tour Highlights
• Arizona offers an ideal chance to enjoy paddling throughout the entire year.
• The chance to encounter diverse desert wildlife such as Bald Eagles, Blue Heron, and other native wildlife.
• Paddle along impressive Saguaro Cacti lined desert cliffs and canyons.
• During our Summer months, this is a perfect way to escape the city and cool off.
Note: Tours are subject to weather! Windy or Monsoon conditions can create challenging or unsafe conditions.
Details
🔵 Who: Ideal for both beginners and seasoned paddlers 6 years of age and older. Children under 12 must ride with a parent or legal guardian. Tandem kayaks are available.
🔵 When: Riverbound Sports provides self-guided and guided kayaking tours year round. Our daily tour times may change throughout the year to provide our guests with the best experience. Click “Book Now” to see times and availability!
🔵 Where: All participants will check in at our meeting location on the beach at Butcher Jones Recreational Site 20 minutes before your tour start time.
A Daily Tonto National Parks Pass is included and will be provided to you at this time to include parking for one car per party.
Note: We do offer an additional service for Transportation to and from the water from your Scottsdale or East Valley hotel or meeting area. Please call for pricing and availability.
🔵 What is Provided: Single or tandem kayak life jacket (PFD), paddle, dry bag, and splash gear in the colder season. Your guide will provide a briefing on fundamental safety guidelines and basic paddling instructions.
Reusable water bottles and a refill station will be provided.
We also have a snackle box with assorted snacks. Please bring any additional snacks you may want or require due to allergies or dietary needs.
🔵 What to Wear: Please come dressed and ready for your activity! Sturdy sandals or shoes that can get wet, hat, and synthetic layers to help keep you warm or cool depending on the season.
🔵 What to Bring: Sunscreen and additional snacks you require.
About Our Guides
We offer a 1 guide to 6 participant ratio on our tours.
Feel confident on the water whether you are new to paddling or have been paddling for years. Our guides are local to the Phoenix area and have been paddling the local lakes and rivers for over 10 years. All guides are certified through the American Canoe Association (ACA) for instruction, guiding, and water safety. Each guide is first aid and CPR certified.
Riverbound Sports operates under a permit issued by the USDA Tonto National Forest.
Available Saguaro Lake Tours
Be sure to ask about our private transportation for small groups from your hotel to and from the water.
Saguaro Lake
Kayak Tour
📅 Available Year-Round
🕐 2.5 – 3 Hrs
👨👧👦 2 Participant Minimum Per Tour
Our guided tours offer an unforgettable adventure. Join our experienced guides to explore Saguaro Lake by kayak.
$120.00 Per Person
Saguaro Lake
Paddleboard Tour
📅 Available Year-Round
🕐 2.5 – 3 Hrs
👨👧👦 2 Participant Minimum Per Tour
Escape the city for a day on the water. Meet us at the lake for a fun time exploring Saguaro Lake with one of our knowledgeable and friendly guides.
$120.00 Per Person
Saguaro Lake
Self-Guided Tour
📅 Available Year-Round
🕐 3 Hrs
👨👧👦 6 Rental Minimum
Create your own one-of-a-kind adventure. simply meet at the water’s edge with your paddle gear ready to go. Let our staff point out some sights for a unique paddle experience.
$75.00 Per Person
Why Choose Us
The Best in Arizona
The best in Arizona. Vary Inclusive Autism friendly. The instructors took the time to help my autistic son learn more about safe paddle boarding and how to race paddle boards. I have seen them give people at the lake tips and suggestions to help them be safe and have fun when paddle boarding or kayaking at the lake.
A large caring group of people. With excellent customer service.
~ Kelvin
Teri Was Such A Wonderful Guide
Teri was such a wonderful guide and we had the best experience we could have hoped for. She was very pleasant and always had our enjoyment and safety in mind. She was knowledgeable about the area and the lake and knew just where to go to maximize our experience. She was very accommodating, brought snacks, took numerous pictures and videos of us enjoying our trip, and shared them with us electronically.
All in all, an extremely beautiful and fun kayaking experience! Thanks, Riverbound Sports!!
~ John
First Time Experience
My husband and I had a great time at the lake Terry recommended to us. Not only was our first time kayaking, but also our first time visiting Arizona, we are from California, and Riverbouund sports made it an easy and fun experience. They were so helpful and patient with all our questions and concerns. Thank you guys and I will definitely will recommend them to anyone who is going to be visiting Arizona.
~ nalvarez412
Saguaro Lake Tour FAQS
What is the best way to book a tour?
The easiest way to book one of our tours is by clicking on the BOOK NOW! button on our website. If you are unsure or have any questions, we are happy to help you book a reservation by calling the shop.
Is a tour reservation required?
Secure your spot and ensure a well-prepared adventure by booking ahead, as same-day reservations may be limited. The easiest way to reserve your spot is through our website. Plan ahead to guarantee availability and to make certain both you and your guide are ready for the upcoming kayaking adventure.
What is the minimum age requirement for the kayaking tour?
The Riverbound Saguaro Lake Kayaking Tour is suitable for ages 6 and up, providing a family-friendly adventure for a wide range of participants.
How many people are in a group?
Our Kayaking Tours can provide up to 12 paddlers with a ratio of one guide to up to 6 paddlers. We also offer private tours.
Can I book a kayaking tour as a single person?
Yes, absolutely! Solo adventurers are welcome to book a kayaking tour. Simply give us a call at the shop to make your reservation.
If there are less than two total paddlers on the tour?
Tours require a minimum of two paddlers to proceed. If, for any reason, the total number of participants falls below two, the tour may be rescheduled or canceled. Cancellations due to insufficient participants will be communicated in advance.
Our standard cancellation policy applies. Please notify us as early as possible if you need to cancel or reschedule your solo kayaking tour.
Can I bring my dog?
While dogs are not allowed on our group tours, they are more than welcome on private tours or if you opt for our rental services. If bringing your furry friend, kindly ensure they are on a leash. Dogs are NOT allowed to stay on the beach at Butcher Jones Recreational Area.
Are there wildlife sightings during the tour?
Saguaro Lake is home to a variety of wildlife. While sightings are not guaranteed, it’s common to encounter birds, fish, and other desert creatures. Our guides will share insights into the local flora and fauna during the tour.
Can I bring my own kayak?
Participants are provided with kayaks as part of the tour package. If you are interested in bringing your own equipment, be sure to check out one of our recreation or performance paddles.
Saguaro Lake
Butcher Jones Recreation Area
About Saguaro Lake
Saguaro Lake is located in the Tonto National Forest, just east of Phoenix and an easily accessible from Scottsdale or Mesa. Its pristine waters are surrounded by the rugged beauty of the Sonoran Desert, providing a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Saguaro Lake stands as a captivating reservoir formed by the damming of the Salt River. Nestled amidst the stunning desert landscapes of Arizona and surrounded by towering saguaro cacti, rugged mountains, and vibrant desert flora, Saguaro Lake offers a breathtaking backdrop for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. The combination of water and desert landscapes creates a picturesque setting.
The surrounding area offers hiking trails and scenic viewpoints, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Sonoran Desert.
Whether you’re seeking adventure on the water, a peaceful retreat into nature, or a glimpse of Arizona’s diverse wildlife, Saguaro Lake beckons with its unique charm and natural allure.
More Paddling Options
Paddle Board & Kayak Rental
SUP Lessons
