Tour Overview
Kayaking at sunset on our calm Class I river gives you a whole new perspective on the desert. As the heat drops and the evening light settles in, you'll paddle through golden hour into early twilight, with the sky reflecting off the water and the surrounding landscape taking on a softer, more vibrant glow.
Duration: 1.5-2 hours on water
Tour Highlights
- Sunset Views: Paddle through golden hour into early twilight as the sky reflects off the Lower Salt River.
- Evening Wildlife: Spot wild horses, bald eagles, herons, and other birds along the banks at dusk.
- Glowing Geology: Watch red rock cliffs and volcanic formations warm in the fading desert light.
- Family Friendly: Calm, beginner-friendly Class I water.
Tour Itinerary
As the afternoon heat begins to soften, you'll meet your guide at the Canal/Hawes Park & Ride and shuttle to the Lower Salt River launch. After a quick on-shore safety briefing, you'll push off into calm, beginner-friendly Class I water and begin a peaceful float downstream. The desert riparian corridor opens around you - lush riverbanks, towering mesquite bosques, and red rock cliffs catching the last warm light of the day.
Golden hour turns the water into a mirror of amber and violet, while the silhouettes of the Superstition Mountains rise in the distance. Herons and egrets drift home along the banks, and with a little luck, wild horses may appear at the water's edge. Your guide will pause at a scenic beach where you can stretch, sip water, and watch the sky shift from sunset into twilight. By the time you return to the take-out, the Sonoran Desert has settled into its quiet evening rhythm - and you'll carry the light of the river sunset with you.
Pricing
$148 per person.
Single kayaks available for an additional $10 per person.
Private tours available for an additional $200.
Hotel pickup may be available for $295.
Contact us for groups over 12.
Requirements
- Skill Level: Beginner & Family Friendly; Class I moving water.
- Minimum Guest Age: 12+ years.
- Walking: Minimal; short distances between shuttle and river launch.
- Elevation: Mostly flat river environment with negligible gain.
What's Included
- Guides: Professional safety-certified guide.
- Equipment: Inflatable kayaks, paddles, PFDs, and dry storage.
- Permits: Tonto National Forest entry and parking fees.
- Provisions: Snacks and bottled water.
- Transport: Roundtrip shuttle from the meeting point to the river.
What to Bring
- Water shoes or sport sandals
- Comfortable athletic clothing
- Change of clothing
- Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
- Light jacket or layer for cooler evening temperatures
- Medications & camera
What's Not Included
- Guide gratuities.
Season & Departure Times
January - February: 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
March - May 15: 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
May 16 - August: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
September 1 - 15: 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
September 16 - December: 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Departure times are adjusted seasonally to align with sunset, ensuring you experience the best golden-hour light on the water.
Important Notes
RESERVATIONS REQUIRED: All river tours must be booked in advance to secure equipment and transport. Groups may be combined to meet the minimum.
Tour Itinerary Changes: Every attempt will be made to adhere to the tour itinerary. However, safety issues, weather, or other extenuating circumstances beyond our control may result in unexpected changes.
Cancellation Policy
This tour has a 72-hour cancellation policy. Please read your confirmation email for details.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the tour?
Approximately 1.5-2 hours on the water - a calm, beginner-friendly float on Class I moving water.
What time do sunset tours depart?
Departure times are adjusted seasonally to align with sunset: January-February 3:00-6:00 PM, March-May 15 4:00-7:00 PM, May 16-August 5:00-8:00 PM, September 1-15 4:00-7:00 PM, September 16-December 6:30-8:00 PM.
Will we see wildlife?
Wild horses often come down to the river at dusk, but sightings are not guaranteed. Herons, egrets, bald eagles, and other birds are common along the banks in the evening.
What's included in the price?
A safety-certified guide, inflatable kayaks, paddles, PFDs and dry storage, Tonto National Forest entry and parking fees, snacks and bottled water, and roundtrip shuttle from the meeting point to the river.
Where do we meet?
We meet at the Canal/Hawes Park & Ride, then our shuttle takes you to the river launch. Roundtrip transportation is included.
What is the cancellation policy?
This tour has a 72-hour cancellation policy. Please read your confirmation email for details.
Have more questions? View our full Salt River Sunset Kayaking Tour FAQ →
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