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Paddle the shoreline of scenic Saguaro Lake on a guided kayak tour. Embark on a 3-mile adventure exploring some of the beautiful diverse desert wildlife along the cliff-lined shores year-round.
About this activity
- Free cancellation
- Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
- Reserve now & pay later
- Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
- Duration 3 hours
- Check availability to see starting times
- Live tour guide
- English
Highlighted reviews from other travelers
Teri and Paul were awesome! Very helpful geting equipment setup and with kayaking techniques. Very freindly with lots of of info during the trip.
Excellent experience! My group of 4 ranked this as our top Arizona excursion out of the 5 we did. The views were surreal. The instructions were clear, they made us super comfortable, and it’s always a joy when you can tell that someone loves their job. Highly recommend!
Select participants and date
Itinerary
Starting location:
Butcher Jones Beach Site
Butcher Jones Recreation Site
Safety briefing (20 minutes)
Saguaro Lake
Guided tour, Sightseeing, Kayaking, Scenic views on the way, Wildlife viewing (70 minutes)
Break time, Photo stop, Visit, Sightseeing, Local snacks (30 minutes)
Saguaro Lake
Guided tour, Sightseeing, Kayaking, Scenic views on the way, Wildlife viewing (70 minutes)
Butcher Jones Recreation Site
Visit (10 minutes)
Arrive back at:
Butcher Jones Beach Site
For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.
Highlights
- Escape the city to enjoy a refreshing day on the lake with a kayaking adventure
- Enjoy stunning views and wildlife while kayaking on Saguaro Lake year round
- Experience paddling with our award winning local guides
- Share a paddling experience outdoors for a fun time with your friends or family
- Comfortable, easy to paddle sit on top kayaks for all level paddlers
Full description
Step away from the stress of daily life and enjoy paddling along diverse desert cliff-lined shores and tall canyons on a guided kayaking tour with friends and family. Some of the local wildlife you can expect to see during your paddle may include bald eagles, bighorn sheep and blue heron. The contrast of the blue water against the desert topography is like nowhere else in the world.
Meet your guide at Saguaro Lake's Butcher Jones Beach Recreation Site, approximately a 40-minute drive from Scottsdale or Tempe for pre-launch instructions to prepare for a 3-mile (approx. 3 hours) paddle tour to Willow Springs Canyon area and return to Butcher Jones. Your guide will provide all necessary paddle equipment, tips and information for an amazing experience.
Includes
- Single or 2 Person Kayak options, paddles, life jackets, and dry bag
- Tonto National Forest Parking Pass
- Guides are certified through the American Canoe Association for instruction, guiding, and water-safety
- Safety information and instructional orientation
- Bottled water & snacks
- Tips
- Transportation to and from the lake
Not suitable for
- Children under 6 years
- Non-swimmers
- People over 300 lbs (136 kg)
- People over 95 years
Meeting point
Guides will be located near the picnic tables wearing orange Riverbound Sports apparel or near the orange and white Riverbound van. You must check in with your guide to receive your Tonto National Parks Day Pass for parking.
Open in Google MapsImportant information
What to bring
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Change of clothes
- Sunscreen
- Water shoes
Not allowed
- Alcohol and drugs
- Glass objects
Know before you go
- Wear clothes that can get wet - athletic dry-fit style clothes and swimwear are recommended. Windbreaker style jackets for cooler windier days - avoid cotton and sweatshirts. Optional change of clothes to leave in your vehicle.
- Water shoes or all-terrain sandals are ideal (the walk from parking area to shoreline is a combination of asphalt, gravel and low desert brush).
- Park at least 15-minutes before the adventure begins. Parking on Holidays and weekends can be full so it is best to arrive early. Your parking pass will be provided at arrival and must be visible in your vehicle.